17-Bit Disk 0003: Slideshow #3
Yes! Once more the Mighty Dwarfhunter from the West Midlands returns with another slideshow! :-) This particular slideshow is different from the previous two in that it is dedicated completely to one game, being Cinemaware's 'Rocket Ranger'.
The previous 2 slideshow disks have already demonstrated The Migthy Dwarfhunter's fascination with Cinemaware games, as we've already seen several screengrabs from 'The Three Stooges'. Also, several screens from this slideshow have already been featured in disk 1. That said, the screens do look delicious and show off the aesthetic appeal of this particular Cinemaware game. I must confess I felt like checking this game out after watching the slideshow (and probably will ultimately). :-)
The slideshow itself now features much cleaner transitions than the previous two disks, although the soundtrack has been cut back to nothing more than a simple 4-bar loop, probably due to space considerations. But it's a nice and soothing synthy loop that doesn't get on your nerves and fits perfectly into the background (as good background music should, I suppose).
You might wonder what the appeal would have been of having a disk that just features screengrabs of a game. Well, things were much different in the offline 1980's. This particular game was a whopping 29.95GBP when it was available. That's quite a sum, even by today's standards. Although magazines did have game reviews, this disk gave potential buyers the chance to experience the graphics of this game first hand, pixel for pixel on their Amiga for just the price of a PD disk. Makes sense that way, doesn't it?
This disk has increased my interest in Cinemware titles for the Amiga and I will definitely check out 'Rocket Ranger' as soon as I get the chance. But besides that, there isn't really that much to this disk unless you're a big fan of Cinemaware games and this one in particular. Even then, you would probably have the game itself, which is more enjoyable than this slideshow. The background music is nice, though.
1 out of 5 stars.
