FROM the BBC TV series of the same name comes this tough hack-and-
Even worse, the kidnappers also stole the Eye of Thundera and, as we all know (don't we?), this charmed jewel holds the magical power of the Sword of Omens. Note the prevalent use of capital letters, essential for tales such as this.
The hero, Lion-O, was out to lunch when the raid took place, but has vowed to go to Castle Plundar to rescue the Eye and free his mates. Your job is to steer Lion-O safely through forests and underground caverns, duff up the baddies, rescue the lads and recapture the jewel.
Thundercats is a little like Psygnosis' Barbarian, a horizontal running, jumping, slashing and grabbing arcade adventure with enemy attackers coming non-stop out of the woodwork. Unlike Barbarian, it has continuous scrolling which makes for fast and furious action.
Whenever Lion-O is touched by an attacker - they come at him from both sides in what sometimes seems like a never-ending stream - he falls over, disintegrates and so loses one of his several lives. Fortunately for the gameplay, he is not placed right back at the beginning, just past the spot where he was hit. Once all of his lives are used up Lion-O has it all to do again.
The foes come in different sizes. The tall eagle-beaked ones can walk over any large object and from them there is no hiding place. The titchy Molemen who are blocked by obstacles such as huge rocks, can be jumped over or sliced with the sword if Lion-O goes down on one knee.
There are numerous other hazards such as gaping, water-filled pits. Leaping over one of these and landing slap-bang on an enemy on the other side happens all too frequently, so lightning reflexes are essential.
Bonus lives and points can be earned by leaping up and sword
Weapons which are effective at long range are clearly welcome in a game when the enemy has an inexhaustible supply of troops.
The signature tune is first rate, catching the mood of the game just right; other sport effects add to the pleasure.
The graphics are colourful and fairly detailed, collision detection is excellent and the animation impressively smooth and realistic.
The pace very fast and the whole game a very tough challenge - perhaps just a shade too tough for those who are not so nimble with the joystick.
Anyone who likes fast-moving and testing leap-and-slash games should certainly enjoy this one. Thundercats is an impressive conversion, the best of this particular game for any home computer, and bodes well for further Elite products for the Amiga.