Tarzan

Description

No set-up is required for this review other than the following: Tarzan, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs famous and often-portrayed character, is one of Coleco's most richly illustrated and wonderfully animated action games, with impressive touches abounding.

The point of the game is twofold, with you as Tarzan trying to rescue your monkey friend, Nikima (Cheetah must have asked for too much money), then heading off to the Temple of the Flaming God to rescue your tribe of Great Apes.

The way there is fraught with peril - this is after all a vast tropical jungle - as you encounter snakes, Bolgani (a giant gorilla), and crocodiles. These are formidable enemies that drain your life force each time you come in contact with them, but as Tarzan you are swift, can climb various trees, swing on vines, swim like a fish, and happen to have a mean punch.

Nikima is being held in a hunter's camp in a locked cage, on a high post. You must stun the hunter (Tarzan apparently is not a killer) and make a run to break open the cage as you're being shot at. Once freed, Nikima makes a valuable friend, warning you of coming danger. This is true until he meets up with his favorite food, bananas, and promptly forgets about you.

On the way to the temple, you come upon two of the apes from your tribe, held in cages high above the forest (apparently a preview) and protected by vicious Beastmen who also guard the temple. Once you successfully free them you can move on.

Once at the temple you'll notice it's very temple-like, with ascending levels - each one containing a beastman and one of your ape friends in a cage. Once they are freed, you reach the idol, where with one Tarzan yell - achieved by pressing the keypad, which incidentally works anytime - the idol is vanquished and you begin your quest anew.

Personally, I can't think of much wrong with the game or something that I could hope for. It has a pause feature, wonderful visuals and animation, good sound, and a detailed playfield, with numerous activities to perform. This was the pinnacle of videogames before the NES made its dubious appearance and is a welcome sight on a very capable system. Highly Recommended -- * * * * 1/2 (4 1/2 out of 5 stars)