Dizzy Down the Rapids (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Dizzy Down the Rapids (1991)

Dizzy Down the Rapids is an arcade-style action video game that was published in 1991 by Codemasters for the Amstrad CPC, Spectrum, DOS, Atari ST, Commodore 64 and Amiga. The game involves Dizzy riding barrels down a river, avoiding obstacles and enemies.

The game was developed by Paul Black and was based on the gameplay from an arcade game titled Toobin’. The C64 version was originally a clone of Toobin called ‘Toobin Turles’. When the game was taken to Codemasters for consideration, it was rebranded to take advantage of the Dizzy character.

Dizzy Down the Rapids is a fast-paced and challenging game that requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. The player controls Dizzy as he rides down a river on a barrel. The river is full of obstacles, such as rocks, logs, and whirlpools. Dizzy must also avoid enemies, such as crocodiles, piranhas, and monkeys.

The game is divided into five levels, each with its own unique set of obstacles and enemies. The player must complete each level in order to progress to the next. The game also features a bonus level, which can be accessed by collecting all of the hidden treasure chests in the main levels.

Dizzy Down the Rapids was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a finalist for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Game of the Year.

Gameplay

Dizzy Down the Rapids is a side-scrolling action game. The player controls Dizzy as he rides down a river on a barrel. The player can move Dizzy left and right, and can also make him jump. Dizzy can also shoot eggs at enemies.

The game is divided into five levels, each with its own unique set of obstacles and enemies. The player must complete each level in order to progress to the next. The game also features a bonus level, which can be accessed by collecting all of the hidden treasure chests in the main levels.

Obstacles

The river is full of obstacles, such as rocks, logs, and whirlpools. Dizzy must avoid these obstacles in order to stay on his barrel. If Dizzy hits an obstacle, he will lose one of his lives.

Enemies

The river is also home to a variety of enemies, such as crocodiles, piranhas, and monkeys. These enemies will try to attack Dizzy. Dizzy can defeat enemies by shooting them with eggs.

Power-ups

There are a variety of power-ups that can help Dizzy on his journey. These power-ups include:

  • Speed boost: This power-up will give Dizzy a temporary speed boost.
  • Invincibility: This power-up will make Dizzy invincible for a short period of time.
  • Extra lives: This power-up will give Dizzy an extra life.

Graphics

Dizzy Down the Rapids features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s characters and environments are well-drawn and animated. The game also uses a variety of parallax scrolling effects to create a sense of depth.

Music

The game’s music is catchy and upbeat. The music helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.

Reception

Dizzy Down the Rapids was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a finalist for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Game of the Year.

Legacy

Dizzy Down the Rapids is considered to be one of the best arcade-style action games of its era. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.

Tips for playing Dizzy Down the Rapids

Here are a few tips for playing Dizzy Down the Rapids:

  • Be patient. The game can be challenging at times, but it’s important to be patient and keep trying.
  • Use the power-ups wisely. The power-ups can be very helpful, so use them wisely.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to play the game, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Dizzy Down the Rapids is a fun and challenging arcade-style action game. It’s a great way to relive the classic arcade experience on your home computer.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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