Summary

• Release Year: 1994
• Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Strategy
• Platforms: Amiga, Amiga CD32
• Developers: Digital Illusions CE
• Publishers: Psygnosis

Benefactor (1994): A Charming and Challenging Puzzle Platformer

After two hugely successful pinball games, DICE ventured into new territory with the Amiga game Benefactor. Released in 1994, Benefactor is a cutesy puzzle platformer starring Ben E. Factor, a mustachioed ex-military man who has resigned from the service to become an all-around good guy. Factor’s mission is to save a group of “Merry Men” who have been kidnapped from their home planet and imprisoned over 60 tricky levels.

The gameplay in Benefactor is simple yet addictive. The player controls Ben E. Factor as he navigates through puzzle-filled levels, collecting keys, avoiding enemies, and rescuing the Merry Men. The Merry Men are held captive in cages, and they must be released in the correct order so they can help rescue the rest of the prisoners.

One of the unique features of Benefactor is the way that the Merry Men interact with the environment. Each Merry Man has a special ability, such as the ability to jump higher, push objects, or shoot projectiles. The player must use the Merry Men’s abilities to solve puzzles and progress through the levels.

For example, in one level, the player must use a Merry Man with a high jump to reach a key that is located on a high platform. In another level, the player must use a Merry Man with the ability to push objects to move a crate that is blocking the path to a door.

The levels in Benefactor are cleverly designed and offer a variety of challenges. Some levels are straightforward platforming challenges, while others require more thought and puzzle-solving skills. The game also features a number of hidden areas and secrets, which adds to the replay value.

In addition to the main story mode, Benefactor also features a level editor that allows players to create their own levels. The level editor is easy to use and allows for a lot of creativity. Players can share their custom levels with others online, which adds to the game’s longevity.

Benefactor was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its charming visuals, addictive gameplay, and clever level design. Benefactor is still considered one of the best puzzle platformers on the Amiga, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Tips for Playing Benefactor

Here are a few tips for playing Benefactor:

• Take your time and explore each level thoroughly. There are often hidden areas and secrets to find.
• Use the Merry Men’s abilities to your advantage. Each Merry Man has a special ability that can be used to solve puzzles and progress through the levels.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is often more than one way to solve a puzzle.
• If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to use the level editor to create your own levels. This can be a great way to learn the game’s mechanics and to get new ideas for solving puzzles.

Conclusion

Benefactor is a charming and challenging puzzle platformer that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s clever level design, addictive gameplay, and cast of quirky characters make it a must-play for Amiga enthusiasts.

Review Score

8/10

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