Summary
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Fat Man Sam: A Retro Platformer with a Big Heart
Introduction
Released in 1990, Fat Man Sam is a charming and challenging retro platformer that harkens back to the golden age of gaming. Players take control of Sam, a small, rotund man with a big heart, as he jumps and runs his way through a colorful landscape filled with enemies and obstacles.
Gameplay
Fat Man Sam is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Sam as he runs, jumps, and shoots his way through a variety of levels. The game features simple yet addictive gameplay, with Sam able to perform basic actions such as running, jumping, and shooting.
Sam’s main objective in each level is to reach the exit while avoiding enemies and obstacles. Enemies come in a variety of forms, from simple Goombas to more challenging creatures like fire-breathing dragons. Sam can defeat enemies by shooting them with his trusty peashooter.
In addition to enemies, Sam must also navigate a variety of obstacles, such as pits, spikes, and moving platforms. These obstacles add an extra layer of challenge to the game, and require players to carefully time their jumps and shots.
Levels
Fat Man Sam features a total of 50 levels, each with its own unique challenges. The levels are spread across a variety of different worlds, including a forest, a desert, and a castle.
The levels in Fat Man Sam are well-designed and offer a good mix of challenge and variety. The early levels are relatively easy, allowing players to get the hang of the game’s controls and mechanics. However, the later levels become increasingly difficult, requiring players to master their skills in order to progress.
Graphics and Sound
Fat Man Sam features colorful and charming pixel art graphics. The character designs are simple but expressive, and the backgrounds are detailed and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the gameplay.
Legacy
Fat Man Sam was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Fat Man Sam has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Fat Man Sam is a classic retro platformer that still holds up today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Fat Man Sam
Here are a few tips for playing Fat Man Sam:
- Take your time and learn the levels. The levels in Fat Man Sam are well-designed and offer a good mix of challenge and variety. However, some of the later levels can be quite difficult, so it’s important to take your time and learn the layout of each level before you try to rush through it.
- Use your peashooter wisely. Your peashooter is your main weapon against enemies. However, it’s important to use your ammo wisely, as you only have a limited number of shots per level.
- Be careful of pits and spikes. Pits and spikes are two of the most common obstacles in Fat Man Sam. Be careful not to fall into pits or touch spikes, as this will instantly kill you.
- Collect coins and power-ups. Coins can be used to purchase extra lives and power-ups. Power-ups can give you a variety of advantages, such as increased speed or invincibility.
Conclusion
Fat Man Sam is a fun and challenging retro platformer that will take you back to the golden age of gaming. Play as Sam, a small, rotund man with a big heart, as he jumps and runs his way through a colorful landscape filled with enemies and obstacles. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Fat Man Sam is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
