Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
- Developers: Robico
- Publishers: Robico
Beeline (1985): A Buzzing Good Time on the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64
Released in 1985 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, Beeline is a charming and addictive platformer that tasks players with guiding Hank the bee through a colorful world, collecting pollen and avoiding obstacles.
The game’s simple yet effective gameplay is easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Players control Hank as he navigates a series of single-screen levels, collecting pollen grains and other items while avoiding energy-sapping toadstools, spiders, faces, insecticide cans, trackers, and lizard’s tongues.
Hank can move left and right, jump, and shoot honey pots. The honey pots can be used to stun enemies or to create platforms that Hank can use to reach higher areas.
The levels in Beeline are varied and challenging, and the difficulty increases as the game progresses. The later levels introduce new obstacles and enemies, and require players to use all of their skills to survive.
Beeline is a visually impressive game for its time. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the overall atmosphere.
Beeline was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and excellent soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of platformers.
Gameplay
The goal of Beeline is to guide Hank the bee through a series of levels, collecting pollen and avoiding obstacles. Hank can move left and right, jump, and shoot honey pots. The honey pots can be used to stun enemies or to create platforms that Hank can use to reach higher areas.
The levels in Beeline are varied and challenging. Some levels are simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and require players to use all of their skills to survive. The later levels introduce new obstacles and enemies, such as moving platforms, disappearing blocks, and fireballs.
Controls
The controls in Beeline are simple and easy to learn. The following table lists the controls for the ZX Spectrum version of the game:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Left | Move left |
| Right | Move right |
| Up | Jump |
| Fire | Shoot honey pot |
The controls for the Commodore 64 version of the game are slightly different. The following table lists the controls for the Commodore 64 version of the game:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Joystick | Move left, right, up, and down |
| Fire button | Shoot honey pot |
Items
There are a variety of items that Hank can collect in Beeline. These items can help Hank to complete the levels and to score points. The following table lists the items that Hank can collect in the game:
| Item | Function |
|---|---|
| Pollen | Collects pollen |
| Flower | Gives Hank extra points |
| Apple | Gives Hank extra energy |
| Honey pot | Can be used to stun enemies or to create platforms |
| Bowl of water | Gives Hank extra lives |
Enemies
There are a variety of enemies that Hank must avoid in Beeline. These enemies can damage Hank or sap his energy. The following table lists the enemies that Hank must avoid in the game:
| Enemy | Function |
|---|---|
| Toadstool | Saps Hank’s energy |
| Spider | Damages Hank |
| Face | Damages Hank |
| Insecticide can | Damages Hank |
| Tracker | Damages Hank |
| Lizard’s tongue | Damages Hank |
Levels
There are a total of 20 levels in Beeline. The levels are varied and challenging, and the difficulty increases as the game progresses. The following table lists the levels in the game:
| Level | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Meadow |
| 2 | The Forest |
| 3 | The Cave |
| 4 | The Swamp |
| 5 | The Desert |
| 6 | The Mountain |
| 7 | The Ice World |
| 8 | The Underwater World |
| 9 | The Space World |
| 10 | The Final Level |
Scoring
Points are awarded for collecting pollen, flowers, apples, honey pots, and bowls of water. Points are also awarded for defeating enemies. The following table lists the points that are awarded for each item and enemy:
| Item/Enemy | Points |
|---|---|
| Pollen | 10 points |
| Flower | 50 points |
| Apple | 100 points |
| Honey pot | 200 points |
| Bowl of water | 500 points |
| Toadstool | -10 points |
| Spider | -20 points |
| Face | -30 points |
| Insecticide can | -40 points |
| Tracker | -50 points |
| Lizard’s tongue | -60 points |
Tips for Playing Beeline
Here are a few tips for playing Beeline:
- Collect as much pollen as you can. Pollen is used to score points and to complete the levels.
- Avoid enemies as much as possible. Enemies can damage Hank or sap his energy.
- Use honey pots to stun enemies or to create platforms that Hank can use to reach higher areas.
- Be patient. Some of the levels in Beeline are challenging, but they can be completed with patience and practice.
Conclusion
Beeline is a charming and addictive platformer that’s still a blast to play today. The game’s simple yet effective gameplay, colorful graphics, and excellent soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of platformers.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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