Revenge of the Gator Game by Nintendo/HAL Laboratory Reviewed by geezer http://geezer.homepage.dk Save: none Released: 1990 Works with: All Gameboys. **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: This game was my companion, along with Tetris way back in the last millenium. I lost the original a few years back, but then saw it by chance in a store. I had to buy this pinball game again!!!! **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: Well, it's a pinball game set out over 7 screens, each of which has it's own set of flippers. Fans of Kirbys Pinball Land will like this. The idea is to work your way up to the top screen where you feed the alligator fish until he's big enough to leave his den. When he leaves, attack him with your little steel ball. Each screen has it's own targets, which enable side savers and exit savers, which effectively keep your ball on the same screen. There are three bonus levels which have you attempting to hit gators with your ball for bonus points. These can be great fun, and a little difficult to reach sometimes too. Ok, 7 screens may sound like a lot, but it is all playable from one game, which may well kill the long-term challenge. 10 years on though, and I still love the game. Almost all features from real pinball tables have been reduced to the handheld and spread over the 7 screens. Great!!! Liked: Superb, even 10 years on. Hated: Could become tedious for some. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: This game is graphically very similar to the Kirby series, and it really looks like Kirbys Pinball. Everything is easy to see, and you are never in doubt as to where to hit the ball. The levels have alligators all over the place, some of which serve as warpholes, others as kickers, some as targets. The graphics are big, making it easy on the eye. It does slow up a bit on a Super Gameboy for some reason, and it looks a lot better on GBC than SGB for some unexplainable reason. I personally think it looks best on the old fat Gameboy. Great graphics, puts the newer pinball games to shame (except for Kirbys Pinball). Liked: It's oh so great!!!! Hated: The one-eyed gator that eats your ball.... **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: The tunes in the game are okay, but they can become a little tiresome after a while. The sound effects work well though, sounding like a pinball game should, if maybe a little bleepy. Play too long and you'll hear the music in your dreams, just like the original Tetris. It's true!!! Liked: I like it all... Hated: Except when I'm playing for a killer score. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Control couldn't be easier, it's perfect. You only need 2 buttons to control the flippers and to shoot the ball. Great! The game design is great, but I can't help thinking that there could've been a little more variety. We did get that in Kirbys Pinball though, so I should not complain too much. Again I can't really fault this game, I have only played one pinball game that is better. I prefer this game for its charm though. This game is ideal for that half hour hit of arcade fun. Liked: Classic gaming.. Hated: Maybe a little more to do though.. **************************************************************************** Improve: They did with Kirbys Pinball land. More screens and all that. RIYL: Most pinball games if you're a die hard pinball fan. Otherwise only the Kirby game. Pokémon Pinball? **************************************************************************** Final Words: Shows it age, but still is a kicking game. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: **** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: **** Personal Opinion: ***** Final Score: 80% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: Trying pausing the game when the ball is in one of the chutes between screens, something good MIGHT happen. (I don't remember where, and I don't remember what happens either!)