Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Amiga
- Developers: Hack and Slay
- Publishers: Time Warp Productions
Australo Piticus Mechanicus: A Wacky and Wonderful Platformer from Down Under
Released in 1988, Australo Piticus Mechanicus is a unique and charming platformer that takes place in the Australian outback. Players take control of a kangaroo with a jetpack, and must use their platforming skills to navigate through a variety of levels, collecting items and avoiding enemies.
The game was developed by Beam Software, an Australian company that was known for its innovative and quirky games. Australo Piticus Mechanicus is no exception, with its unique setting, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters.
Gameplay
Australo Piticus Mechanicus is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls a kangaroo with a jetpack. The kangaroo can walk, jump, and use its jetpack to fly. The player must use these abilities to navigate through the game’s levels, which are filled with platforms, enemies, and obstacles.
The game’s levels are varied and challenging, and require the player to use all of their skills to progress. Some levels are set in the Australian outback, while others take place in more fantastical settings, such as a giant pinball machine or a haunted house.
Setting
Australo Piticus Mechanicus is set in the Australian outback, and the game’s levels are filled with iconic Australian imagery, such as kangaroos, koalas, and boomerangs. The game’s soundtrack also features a distinctly Australian flavor, with tracks that incorporate didgeridoo and other traditional Australian instruments.
Characters
The player character in Australo Piticus Mechanicus is a kangaroo named Piticus. Piticus is a skilled and resourceful kangaroo, and he is more than capable of handling the challenges that the game throws his way.
In addition to Piticus, the game also features a cast of supporting characters, including a wise old koala named Blinky and a mischievous wombat named Wombat. These characters provide Piticus with help and advice as he travels through the outback.
Graphics and Sound
Australo Piticus Mechanicus features colorful and detailed graphics that bring the Australian outback to life. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s unique atmosphere.
Reception
Australo Piticus Mechanicus was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its unique setting, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters. Australo Piticus Mechanicus is now considered to be one of the best platformers of the 1980s.
Legacy
Australo Piticus Mechanicus has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s unique setting and gameplay have inspired other developers to create games that are set in Australia. Australo Piticus Mechanicus is also credited with helping to popularize the kangaroo as a video game character.
In 2009, Australo Piticus Mechanicus was re-released on the Wii Virtual Console. This re-release allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic platformer.
Conclusion
Australo Piticus Mechanicus is a unique and charming platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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