In the early nineties, Moonlite Software both published and developed Clyde’s Adventure, an interesting side-scrolling platform game that was created specifically for play on the personal computer running the MS-DOS operating system. It was released at a time when platform game was really at a peak. While it does not offer much in the way of fresh ideas or themes, it is nonetheless a very solid play that is worthy of the genre.
The game takes place in a series of different castles.
There are two chapters in the game and there are a total of sixteen different castles to tackle in each of these chapters. The difference between the two chapters is the type of game. The first chapter is shareware, and the second portion of the game is available only after registration.
One thing that does stand out in Clyde’s Adventure, making it very different from most of the platform games from then and now, is the fact that Clyde will face no enemies. This lends a feel to the game that is very similar to a puzzle or strategy game. Instead of facing a barrage of the same tired enemy, Clyde will have to negotiate
traps, switches and other obstacles. One of the greatest obstacles in the game is time. Clyde has a meter that represents the amount of energy he has at his disposal. This has to be meted out very carefully, since Clyde loses energy whenever he performs any task. It drains as he walks and jumps. If he should fall from a great height, he may survive…if he has enough energy. Falling makes him lose energy very quickly.
As he maneuvers through the castles, negotiating traps and puzzles and budgeting his energy supply, his goal is very simple: he must collect the gems and prizes that are littered about each castle in order to score big points. He must also locate the exit and get out before he runs out of energy. This is where greed can play a huge factor in the gamer’s success. With his energy running out, does Clyde make the decision to run and grab that beautiful, hulking gem that is sort of close to the exit? Will he make it back alive?
This is a solid game, but again, not one with any great new concepts available. It is still a sound option as a time-waster, and also a great idea for that competitive gamer who is always in love with seeing his name on top of the high score tables. In any case, it is definitely worth a shot.
