Tony (Monochrome Productions) $9.99 USD
Game title: Tony: Montezuma's Gold
Game description: Get ready to embark on an exploration adventure as you take control of Tony Halik as he traverses through Montezuma’s Castle. Tony is a flip screen platform game spread out across 5 levels with game play inspired by Montezuma’s Revenge. The overall objective of the game is to locate a legendary artefact called Montezuma's mask all while avoiding a myriad of deadly enemies and obstacles littered throughout the game. The basic premise to each level is to collect keys to unlock locked sections of the game and to locate a mask icon that is essential to complete each level. Along the way you can collect jewels for points, which will come in handy as you are given an extra life for every 3000 points you accumulate. You will also find health potions which effectively work as one time use shields that will protect you should you come into contact with any enemy characters. The initial release of the game uses two toned coloured hi-res graphics (default is white on black but you have the option to switch to different colour combinations).
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Production - 82%
82%
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Fun - 78%
78%
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Depth - 74%
74%
Summary
Tony is a welcomed addition to the C64 platform gaming genre that is easy to get into and generally fun to play despite a number of design flaws. The are a couple of sticking points for me, the first of which is that the two toned colour scheme does feel somewhat tiresome after a while, making the game world feel flat as collectables are not distinguished from the rest of the game environment. The second bug bear for me is the deliberate decision to adopt a fixed jumping mechanic, making the process of traversing platforms a frustrating affair at times – even though the game controls are otherwise highly responsive. The use of hi-res graphics does allow for intricate details to be portrayed and this is used to great effect at times when large icons/statues are on display. But the way the main character sprite is drawn (looking like a young child or toddler) does result in a disconnect from the notion that the game is based on a famous Polish explorer. Each level has its own SID track, which I enjoyed very much but I am not convinced that they necessarily match the overall game theme. It’s almost like the tunes were composed without any thought given to the game on offer. The game does a good job in managing your inventory as keys and icons take priority over health potions and the length overall across its 5 levels is just the right amount. Production wise, things could have been ramped up by breaking the levels up with some sort of interlude or cut scene instead of moving onto each level without any sort of acknowledgment that you have completed a level. As much as I enjoyed playing Tony, I am frustrated by its short sighted game design choices. Tony: Montezuma’s Gold is a good platform game that really should be so much more. I am surprised by the $10 price tag attached to the digital version – I think this is ambitious when you compare it to other games released around this price point.
Overall
78%User Review
( votes)Pros
- Detailed graphics
- Smart inventory management system
- Great sounding SID soundtracks
- Responsive controls
- Fun to play
Cons
- Two toned colour scheme
- Main character looks like a toddler
- Music does not connect with game theme
- Fixed jump mechanic
- No intra levels interludes or cut scenes
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