Summary
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC
Dogsbody: A Tail-Wagging Adventure on the ZX Spectrum
Released in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum, Dogsbody is a charming and challenging action-adventure game that puts you in the paws of a brave dog on a mission to rescue his kidnapped owner from the evil Dr. Drak.
Gameplay
Dogsbody is a side-scrolling platformer with a heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving. You control the titular dog as he runs, jumps, and shoots his way through a variety of levels, each filled with obstacles, enemies, and hidden secrets.
The game’s controls are simple but effective. You use the joystick to move the dog left and right, and the fire button to shoot. The dog can also jump by pressing up on the joystick.
One of the things that makes Dogsbody so unique is its focus on puzzle-solving. Many of the levels require you to use your brain as well as your reflexes to progress. For example, you may need to find a key to unlock a door, or figure out how to activate a switch to open a path.
Levels
Dogsbody features a total of 20 levels, each with its own unique challenges. The levels are set in a variety of locations, including a forest, a cave, and a castle.
As you progress through the game, the levels become increasingly difficult. You’ll face tougher enemies, more complex puzzles, and more challenging platforming sections.
Enemies
Dogsbody is home to a variety of enemies, including bats, spiders, snakes, and robots. Each enemy has its own unique attack pattern, so you’ll need to learn how to deal with each one effectively.
Some enemies can be defeated by simply shooting them, while others require a more strategic approach. For example, bats can only be killed by shooting them in the back, and spiders can only be killed by shooting them in the head.
Bosses
At the end of each world, you’ll face a boss battle. The bosses are much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and they require a unique strategy to defeat.
Each boss has its own unique attack pattern, so you’ll need to learn how to dodge their attacks and find their弱点.
Graphics and Sound
Dogsbody’s graphics are simple but effective. The characters and environments are all well-drawn and colorful, and the game’s use of parallax scrolling creates a sense of depth.
The game’s sound is also very good. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are well-suited to the action on-screen.
Overall
Dogsbody is a classic ZX Spectrum game that still holds up today. It’s a challenging and rewarding adventure that will appeal to fans of platformers and puzzle games alike.
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging retro game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Dogsbody.
Tips for Playing Dogsbody
- Take your time and explore each level carefully. There are many hidden secrets to find, including extra lives and power-ups.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies. Some enemies are more vulnerable to certain types of attacks than others.
- Be patient and don’t give up. Dogsbody can be a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding.
Did You Know?
- Dogsbody was originally released as a budget title, but it quickly became one of the most popular games on the ZX Spectrum.
- The game was developed by a small team of just two people, Colin Jones and John Gibson.
- Dogsbody was one of the first games to feature a dog as the main character.
- The game has been ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST.
- Dogsbody is still considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games of all time.
Review Score
7/10
