Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Platform, Shooter
Platforms: Acorn Electron, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum
Publishers: Players Software

Joe Blade (1986): A Detailed Retrospective

Introduction

Joe Blade is a side-scrolling action game released in 1986 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The game follows the titular Joe Blade, a muscular secret agent tasked with rescuing six kidnapped leaders from the evil Crax Bloodfinger. Joe must navigate through a series of mazes, shooting enemies and solving puzzles, all while against a ticking clock.

Gameplay

Joe Blade is viewed from a side-on perspective and uses flick-screen progression. The game is divided into six levels, each of which represents a different area of Bloodfinger’s base. In each level, Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bombs are deactivated by arranging letters into alphabetical order.

In addition to the main objective, each level also contains a number of optional power-ups and secrets. These can include extra lives, weapons, and invincibility. Joe can also collect coins, which can be used to purchase items from a shop between levels.

Plot

The game’s plot is relatively simple. Joe Blade is tasked with rescuing six leaders who have been kidnapped by the evil Crax Bloodfinger. Bloodfinger has hidden the leaders in different areas of his base, and has set a bomb to explode in 20 minutes. Joe must race against the clock to rescue the leaders and defuse the bomb.

Development

Joe Blade was developed by Melbourne House, a British video game company founded in 1984. The game was designed by Mike Singleton, who is best known for his work on the strategy game The Lords of Midnight. Joe Blade was one of the first games to use flick-screen technology, which allowed for large, scrolling levels.

Reception

Joe Blade was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging puzzles, and innovative use of flick-screen technology. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Joe Blade is considered to be one of the best action games of the 1980s. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.

Detailed Walkthrough

Level 1: The Docks

The first level of Joe Blade takes place in the docks of Bloodfinger’s base. Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bomb is located in a warehouse, which is guarded by a number of enemies. Joe must use his gun to defeat the enemies and collect the key and the bomb.

Once Joe has the key and the bomb, he must make his way to the exit door. The exit door is located at the end of a long dock. Joe must be careful to avoid falling into the water, as this will cause him to lose a life.

Level 2: The Sewers

The second level of Joe Blade takes place in the sewers of Bloodfinger’s base. Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bomb is located in a secret room, which is accessed through a hidden passageway. Joe must use his gun to defeat the enemies and collect the key and the bomb.

Once Joe has the key and the bomb, he must make his way to the exit door. The exit door is located at the end of a long sewer tunnel. Joe must be careful to avoid falling into the water, as this will cause him to lose a life.

Level 3: The Laboratory

The third level of Joe Blade takes place in the laboratory of Bloodfinger’s base. Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bomb is located in a test chamber, which is guarded by a number of robots. Joe must use his gun to defeat the robots and collect the key and the bomb.

Once Joe has the key and the bomb, he must make his way to the exit door. The exit door is located at the end of a long corridor. Joe must be careful to avoid the robots, as they will attack him on sight.

Level 4: The Prison

The fourth level of Joe Blade takes place in the prison of Bloodfinger’s base. Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bomb is located in a cell block, which is guarded by a number of prisoners. Joe must use his gun to defeat the prisoners and collect the key and the bomb.

Once Joe has the key and the bomb, he must make his way to the exit door. The exit door is located at the end of a long corridor. Joe must be careful to avoid the prisoners, as they will attack him on sight.

Level 5: The Control Room

The fifth level of Joe Blade takes place in the control room of Bloodfinger’s base. Joe must find a key to unlock the exit door, as well as a bomb which must be deactivated. The bomb is located in the mainframe, which is guarded by a number of technicians. Joe must use his gun to defeat the technicians and collect the key and the bomb

Review Score

7/10

Joe Blade (1986)