Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Design Design
- Publishers: Bug-Byte Software Ltd., Streetwise
Kat Trap: Planet of the Cat-Men (1987): A Feline-Filled Adventure on the Commodore 64
In the annals of Commodore 64 gaming, Kat Trap: Planet of the Cat-Men stands as a unique and challenging platformer that takes players on a thrilling adventure through a hostile alien world. Released in 1987 by Hewson Consultants, this game combines fast-paced action, diverse environments, and a compelling storyline to create an unforgettable gaming experience.
A Journey to the Planet of the Cat-Men
The year is 2345. Earth has been ravaged by solar explosions, forcing humanity to abandon their home planet. Centuries later, as the solar storms subside, humans decide to return to Earth, only to find it occupied by a dangerous alien race known as the Kat Men.
Undeterred, the humans dispatch MT-ED (Multi Terrain Exploration Droid) and Hercules 1, a maintenance and combat droid, to deal with the Kat Men and reclaim Earth. However, upon arriving on the planet, things go awry. Hercules is kidnapped and taken to the Kat Men’s Nerve Center, leaving MT-ED to embark on a perilous mission to rescue his companion and liberate Earth.
Exploring a World of Danger and Wonder
Kat Trap: Planet of the Cat-Men presents players with fourteen distinct environments to traverse, each teeming with deadly creatures and treacherous obstacles. From the lush jungles of Amazonia to the icy wastes of Antarctica, MT-ED must navigate through a variety of landscapes, adapting his tactics to overcome the unique challenges each environment poses.
Along the way, MT-ED encounters a diverse cast of alien creatures, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some creatures, like the hopping Hoppers, can be dispatched with ease, while others, like the fire-breathing Dragons, require a more strategic approach. To defeat these creatures, MT-ED can collect an arsenal of weapons, including lasers, water bombs, grenades, and rockets, which can be switched between seamlessly.
Mastering the Art of Droid Combat
While MT-ED is armed to the teeth, combat in Kat Trap is not without its risks. Should MT-ED come into contact with any of the creatures, he is knocked into the air and stunned for a few seconds. This brief moment of vulnerability can be fatal, especially when surrounded by multiple enemies.
To avoid taking damage, MT-ED must master the art of dodging and jumping. By carefully timing his jumps, MT-ED can leap over slow-moving creatures, conserving his ammo and health. This skill becomes increasingly important as the game progresses and the enemies become more formidable.
Rescuing Hercules and Defeating the Kat Men
MT-ED’s ultimate goal is to rescue Hercules and disable the Kat Men’s Central Computer. To do this, he must first navigate through the fourteen environments, collecting weapons and defeating the creatures that stand in his way.
Once Hercules is rescued, MT-ED must complete a challenging sub-game that involves destroying the Central Computer. This sub-game tests the player’s reflexes and problem-solving skills, providing a satisfying conclusion to the main adventure.
A Timeless Classic for Commodore 64 Enthusiasts
Kat Trap: Planet of the Cat-Men has garnered a cult following among Commodore 64 enthusiasts for its challenging gameplay, diverse environments, and memorable characters. The game’s vibrant graphics, catchy music, and immersive sound effects create a truly engaging experience that has stood the test of time.
Whether you’re a seasoned Commodore 64 gamer or a newcomer to the platform, Kat Trap: Planet of the Cat-Men is a must-play title that offers hours of thrilling adventure and nostalgic charm. So, grab your joystick, prepare for battle, and join MT-ED on his epic quest to liberate Earth from the clutches of the Kat Men!
Review Score
7/10
