Hunchback Longplay (C64) [50 FPS]
93Developed and published by Ocean in 1983
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For today's video, I decided to check out a (very) early conversion of Century Electronic's 'Hunchback' arcade game for the Commodore 64, produced by veteran publisher of the 8-bit scene, Ocean Software.
Before launching into the review, according to trivia available online, the main character was originally supposed to be Robin Hood, something I wasn't previously aware of. However, someone made the observation that the character looked like a hunchback and the idea stuck - the character was redesigned to be Quasimodo the hunchback (just as in the Victor Hugo novel).
Poor old Quasimodo must navigate the ramparts of the castle, avoiding various perils as he attempts to ring the bell located to the right of each screen. Reach the final screen and our hero must rescue the fair maiden who appears to be trapped atop the final tower - succeed here and Quasimodo might yet know true love!
Unfortunately, the castle guards certainly have it in for poor old Quas and are determined to make things difficult. Not only do they lurk in crenellations on the wall, trying to poke him from below with pikes as he passes, they try to pepper him with arrows from afar. The player has to rely on quick reactions and timing if he is to guide Quasimodo to the end of each level in one piece. Should victory be achieved, our hero is sent to a new castle with a higher difficulty level featuring faster and more frequent arrows and perils to overcome.
The graphics and sound may look basic, but I think they're actually pretty good for a game this early in the C64's life. The colours are good, the sprites nicely drawn and it actually looks quite close to the arcade original.
The game does feature some very basic audio, which are little more than pops and squeaks for jumping and ringing the bell. There is a brief rendition from John Bratton's 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' at the start of the game as Quasimodo makes his way to the start of the first level, something that seems like an odd choice for a tune about a hunchback, but there is no other music beyond this.
Most importantly, the controls are responsive enough that they never get in the way of the fun. If you die then it's because you mistimed a jump, or were too impatient and tried to rush things.
There's not really much to say about Hunchback, other than it's a short and sweet arcade game that does what it sets out to do. It provides sufficient challenge that the player must improve in skill if he/she is to beat it, but also possesses that crucial 'just one more go' vibe that keeps the player coming back for more - simple, but fun.
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