| Jetpac | |
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Jetpac ZX Spectrum cover |
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| Developer(s) | Tim and Chris Stamper |
| Publisher(s) | Ultimate Play The Game |
| Platform(s) | ZX Spectrum BBC Micro Commodore VIC-20 |
| Release date(s) | ZX Spectrum, VIC-20 1983[1] BBC Micro 1984[2] |
| Genre(s) | Shooter game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Media/distribution | Cassette (Spectrum, BBC, VIC-20) ROM cartridge (Spectrum) |
| System requirements
16K RAM (Spectrum, BBC) |
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Jetpac is a ZX Spectrum, VIC-20 and BBC Micro video game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1983. The game is the first in the Jetman series, and was the company's very first release. The game was written by Chris Stamper with graphics by Tim Stamper. Jetpac was one of the very few Spectrum games also available in ROM format for use with the Interface 2, allowing "instantaneous" loading of the game when the normal method of cassette loading could take several minutes.
Contents |
In the game, Jetman has to first assemble his rocket (which comes in kit form), and then fill it with fuel before taking off to the next planet (where the procedure is broadly repeated). Along the way Jetman has to fend off the attention of intelligent (and not-so-intelligent) aliens, while making off with their valuable resources.
After the first level, the rocket stays assembled and just requires refuelling. However, every five levels, the rocket that Jetman flies in on is changed and the new model which replaces it has to be built from scratch before it can be fuelled up to take off. Each new model has a higher number written on it and has a new design, although the gameplay is unchanged.
The screen has left-right wrap around and consists of three platforms on which Jetman can stand.
The enemies change every level (however, they eventually cycle) and each alien has a different pattern of movement which means they can be dealt with in a different manner. For instance, the "dart" enemy tends to hover in a vertical column on the left-hand side of the screen until it "fires" across the screen. However, this level can be easily completed by always staying on the middle of the three on-screen platforms and firing to the right. However, the "flying saucer" aliens will follow Jetman and so will require a different strategy to avoid.
Two sequels were released: Lunar Jetman and Solar Jetman: Hunt for the Golden Warpship, the latter however was not released on the ZX Spectrum due to disappointing sales of the original NES version.
In 1999, Jetpac was introduced to a new generation as Rareware included it in Donkey Kong 64. It could be unlocked to play in Cranky Kong's lab, and if players successfully got 5000 points, they would be rewarded the game's Rareware Coin. After taking pictures of 6 Banana Fairies, the player would be able to play it and Donkey Kong any time they wish by going to the mystery menu of the main menu.[3] An updated version of Jetpac, entitled Jetpac Refuelled was released to Xbox Live Arcade on March 28, 2007.[4]
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