Rock runner

ROCK RUNNER by Eric LaFortune

Distributed by Asgard Software

This game disk cost US$12.95

REQUIRES: Disk drive, 32k ram. Editor Assembler module (required to load the code)

This is a quotation from the distributor, Asgard:

"You are about to experience one of the most remarkable arcade qames ever written for the TI99/4A computer, and certainly the best new game for the TI in years. Not only is Rock Runner a qreat game, it is also a technical feat that pushes the 4a to the limits. Written on a cassette system with the minimemory module, Rock Runner utilizes a graphics mode never before seen in any other TI-99/4A or Geneve program- game or otherwise.

Dubbed "half bitmap" this new Graphics mode mixes the color capabilities of bit map mode with the speed and flexibility of pattern mode graphics to allow an unprecedented anount of full colour animated graphics!

Combine this with excellent sounds. beautiful animation, and fantastic action, and you get a game that puts to shame anything on the Atari, Nintendo. Commodore or anything on any other home computer. Rock Runner is a herculean effort, a stunning introduction to the work of this young author."

The object of Rock Runner is to move your character around the playing area usinq joystick 1 or 2, picking up a specific number of diamonds to enable you to move to the next level. The playing area scrolls in four directions and the total area is about nine times the visible screen area.

As the character moves he digs a tunnel through which various monsters (from level two upwards) can persue him. His progress is also impeded by rocks which may fall on him if he tunnels beneath them. In later levels other obstacles are encountered (such as expanding acid pools) and you need to drop bombs and lay traps to destroy monsters which will then turn into the diamonds needed to progress to subsequent levels.

If this isn't enough to keep the adrenaline flowing, you are also fighting against a time factor.

There are 15 levels and you may start at any level, which saves the boredom of repeating easier levels at future attempts.

The accompanying instruction leaflet is more than adequate and even offers advice on strategy.

http://www.lafortune.eu/rockrunner/index.html