Canachronism in its own time. This is the type of puzzle game being released in quantity, not quality, half a decade ago. But fear not, imagination and programming skills have grown during those five empty years and the multi-level puzzle game is back with a bang!
Chip's life was incomplete. He would wander aimlessly about the corridors of his school, his mind full of images of his heart's desire, Melinda.
Some saw Chip as a dreamy character, while others perceived a greater depth of emotion, an inner turmoil of sadness and despair. Nobody knew of Chip's secret aspirations for Melinda, and as far as he was concerned, nobody would ever know. He could never imagine that Melinda would even look at him.
One day, however, the love of his life actually approached him. After recovering from the shock, Chip's imagination switched into overdrive and little red hearts began to float before his eyes. Amid feelings of intense passion and thoughts, he could hear Melinda talking softly to him, explaining that she wanted Chip to join the Bit Busters, an exclusive computer club that she was involved with.
Chip accepted the offer with some glee, but there was one final barrier. To become a club member, he had to complete a special challenge set before him. This had been split into a number of tasks but essentially, the aim was the same. Chip's challenge was to collect all the microchips that had been discarded about various locations.
At first, Chip thought that the task ahead was not really a problem. In fact, he found it relatively easy. It was only later that he realised the complexity of the problem. A lot of logic and puzzle solving was required, and although he was by no means unintelligent, Chip discovered just how much brainpower was needed for seemingly simple scenarios.
There were many times when Chip wanted to return home and forget the challenge, but the thought of being with Melinda in the club, spurred him on. Did Chip eventually succeed? Well, it is your responsibility to ensure he does.
Here endeth the lesson in fantasy history!
Your job is to guide Chip through the many and varied levels obstructed by a vast array of obstacles and nasties. By collecting certain objects you will be able to bypass water and fire barriers. To open the many doors throughout the game you will need the right coloured keys to unlock similar coloured doors.
There are also small creatures and other moving objects that won't attack Chip, but should he walk into their seemingsly innocent path, they will have absolutely no compunction in disposing of this earnest little fellow.
The controls are simply up, right, left and down. As Chip is a rather shy and placid character, he does not wield battle axe or possess a gun, dagger, or any other type of fiendish weapon you may care to think of. He must, therefore, dodge any oncoming projectile or nasty for if he does not, he will have to begin the level again.
Fortunately, each level has a code number so when starting a new game, you can begin again at the level to which access had previously gained.
Chip's Challenge is a delightful and refreshing change in the chase for bigger, better and more complicated games. The graphics and sound may not be the best you are likely ever to see on an Amiga, but the gameplay will have you coming back for more, time after time.