Rocket Jockey is a game created by rocket science games in 1996. Set with 1930’s American backdrop the game involves players riding round various arenas on rocket type sleds. The steering (for me anyway) was a bit bizarre, as you have to use grappling hooks mounted on the side of the sled. Oh, and the sled is always moving. Music for this game was really unique as it features live performances from supposedly well known rock guitarists – I didn’t know any of them!
First you must pick a character on the first menu.
This is quite fun part as the characters have some humorous names. Each character also comes with his own logo. Once you have chosen your player you pick your rocket sled. It’s got small wings which help move slightly up and down, left and right.
The grappling hooks as I mentioned earlier are not just to help swing off of the various pylons and obstacles in the arena, but also to collect mines and other weapons. You can even grapple other riders. Your rocket sled can receive power ups – such as getting repaired or going faster. The better you are the more sleds and other options you can unlock. You have to find a sled you have not unlocked yet and knock the
computer rider off – jump on and complete the level.
You can play in three different game modes. The three different types of play are – Rocket war – you fight to the end with the computer riders – eliminating them by any means necessary. You get points for how you eliminate them – but who cares!
Rocket ball is the second game play where you play a sort of organised game like football against a team. You have to ‘score’ as many points as possible in a set time – I didn’t like this gameplay I found it quite difficult in later levels.
The Rocket race is the last gameplay and as it suggests it’s just a race to the finish line. You have to beat the clock and go through checkpoints or grapple pylons when they illuminate. I found this level the hardest. It becomes more of a memory test – just trying to remember the route and how to navigate through.
