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WHISTLER'S
BROTHER
Broderbund
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This
oddly titled game is released by Broderbund and is a
sort of platform game. The idea is a simple one -- guide
your brother to a certain point on the screen to complete
it. It sounds really easy doesn't it? Unfortunately,
it's much easier said than done and if Whistler's brother
would take his head out of the newspaper he's reading
then the game would be far, far simpler.
Each
screen comprises of one complete construction, the first
being a scaffolding and the second an old sailing ship,
complete with rigging, sails and masts. Each construction
is several screens long and three screens high and has
a maze of platforms, ladders and holes. You take the
role of Whistler and it's your responsibility to guide
your brother to the end of the screen. He puts a lot
of trust in you and never looks up from the paper he's
so engrossed in!
There
are all sorts of artifacts to pick up for points and
also, more importantly, tools which help you perform
different tasks, like fixing the holes in the floor.
If your brother falls down one of these, you also lose
a life. Little brother spends most pf his time running
around blindly and you have to keep whistling to him
to keep him after you. The screen won't scroll if you're
trying to go one way and your brother the other (gosh
I review AND can write poetry. I should be paid more).
You
also have to whistle when you're up a ladder, otherwise
he won't follow you. When you first play it all gets
really confusing and even after a couple of games you
have problems in getting your brother to go where you
want. The game is played at such a frantic rate that
you have to think really fast and rely on reflexes quite
a bit. This doesn't detract from the game and makes
it even more fun to play. The control is quite tricky
but the game is one which demands and deserves perseverance.
The graphics aren't superb but they're quite detailed
with nice animation and little touches, like a rainstorm,
complete with thunderflashes (which are fatal if they
strike you). The sound is great, with a frantic tune
playing throughout the game making everything seem even
more frenzied, and other touches, like the excellent
whistles and splat noises when you fall off a building,
add a lot. Overall this is an excellent game and one
that I hope will be brought over to Britain soon.
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