

Zapped to the Past Episode 49 March 1987
Jan 31, 2022
Dive into the chaotic world of 1987's Commodore 64 games, where 'Chameleon' and 'Blood 'n Guts' either entertain or frustrate. Discover the light-hearted critiques on titles like 'Footballer of the Year,' which falls short on authentic gameplay. Enjoy a whimsical exploration of the nostalgia tied to C64 music and the evolution of video game soundtracks. From disappointing experiences in 'Zub' to fond memories of 'Repton 3,' this discussion paints a vivid picture of retro gaming and the quest for innovation in a sea of mediocrity.
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Episode notes
Month Of Mediocre Releases
- March 1987 produced many Commodore 64 games but a lot were safe, derivative, or mediocre rather than original.
- Hosts flag a rising sea of 'meh' titles despite occasional technical polish or strong music.
Unnecessary Conversion Problem
- Repton 3 is essentially a BBC/Boulder Dash-inspired maze-puzzle game ported to C64 with little added value.
- Hosts argue players would prefer established Boulder Dash versions over this redundant conversion.
Multievent Fun Loses Its Spark
- Blood 'N' Guts packages medieval mini-events as humor but lacks depth and is unbeatable against the AI.
- The game works only as occasional two-player party fun; solo play is frustrating and shallow.