Action Biker: Difference between revisions

Action Biker
Action Biker
Developer(s)	Mastertronic
Publisher(s)	Mastertronic
Composer(s)	Rob Hubbard
Platform(s)	Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
Release	1985
Genre(s)	Action
Mode(s)	Single-player

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Action Biker (also known as KP Skips Action Biker with Clumsy Colin in the UK) is a 1985 game for Atari 8-bit computers, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum released by Mastertronic. The game was a tie-in with snack food KP Skips, whose mascot was "Clumsy Colin" who featured in television adverts for Skips at around the time the game was published. The music was composed by Rob Hubbard.^[1]

Although marketed under the same title, the ZX Spectrum version of Action Biker differs significantly from the Atari and C64 versions, to the extent that Retro Gamer magazine featured it in their "Same Name, Different Game" column.^[1]

Gameplay

The player controls the protagonist Clumsy Colin who rides a motorbike and has to navigate a landscape to extra equipment to improve the bike. Once all forty pieces are collected the player performs a final drag race. There is a time limit, and the player also has a limited number of lives reduced by crashing into background objects.

The Atari and Commodore 64 versions feature an isometric view of the town, which wraps around at the edges.^[2] The Spectrum version has a different viewpoint.

There are several key areas to the map: the petrol station (where the player can refuel), the lakes (including an island that is initially inaccessible), the rollercoaster (which can be ridden on the C64 and Atari versions) and the building site (which changes shape as the game progresses).^[2]

Among the extras collected are a new gearbox (allowing the player to switch to low gear for higher acceleration), water-skis or a snorkel (to allow the player to cross water) and a larger fuel tank.

Spectrum version

Although the ZX Spectrum version shares the basic gameplay elements of navigating a motorbike around a scrolling city and collecting objects with the Atari and C64 versions, it is otherwise significantly different in both plot and execution.

The aim of this version, according to the instructions is to "find [Colin's] friend Marti and take him to the spaceport". Items helping him do this can be found inside houses around the city. However "the alarm is set to go off at 8 o'clock and wake him up", and Colin will also "wake up" if he collides with other vehicles.^[3] While it may be implied that the game- including the otherwise incongruous "spaceport" reference- takes place within Colin's dream, the instructions do not explicitly state this.^[4] Further, actually picking up Martin in the game gives a message that he should be taken to the "airport", not the spaceport.

In addition, Colin's bike has limited fuel, but "he can gain energy by eating Skips or by refueling at a garage."^[3]

Reception

The Commodore 64 version was positively reviewed by Zzap!64 who thought it was one of the best Mastertronic titles to date and excellent value for money. It was given an 83% overall score.^[2]

The ZX Spectrum version received generally poor reviews.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7] A contemporary Sinclair User review commented that "why Colin is asleep is a mystery."^[4]

References

^ ^a ^b "Same Name Different Game #6", Retro Gamer (77): 67, 2010
^ ^a ^b ^c "Clumsy Colin". Zzap64. No. 4. p. 40.
^ ^a ^b "Action Biker" cassette inlay card, archived from the original on 2018-06-12, retrieved 2018-06-12
^ ^a ^b ^c "Spectrum Software Scene 2: Action Biker", Sinclair User, no. 42, archived from the original on 2013-10-20, retrieved 2013-06-21
^ "Soft Focus: Clumsy Colin", Sinclair Programs, vol. 9, no. 85, p. 14
^ "Joystick Jury: Action Biker- Clumsy Colin", Your Spectrum, no. 19
^ "Quicksoft: Action Biker", ZX Computing, vol. 12, no. 85, p. 57, retrieved 2013-06-21

External links

Action Biker at Atari Mania
Action Biker at Lemon 64
Action Biker at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
Gameplay video

[retrogamer77-1] "Same Name Different Game #6", Retro Gamer (77): 67, 2010

[zzap64-2] "Clumsy Colin". Zzap64. No. 4. p. 40.

[inlay_spectrum-3] "Action Biker" cassette inlay card, archived from the original on 2018-06-12, retrieved 2018-06-12

[su_review-4] "Spectrum Software Scene 2: Action Biker", Sinclair User, no. 42, archived from the original on 2013-10-20, retrieved 2013-06-21

[sp_review-5] "Soft Focus: Clumsy Colin", Sinclair Programs, vol. 9, no. 85, p. 14

[ys_review-6] "Joystick Jury: Action Biker- Clumsy Colin", Your Spectrum, no. 19

[zc_review-7] "Quicksoft: Action Biker", ZX Computing, vol. 12, no. 85, p. 57, retrieved 2013-06-21

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+{{Short description|1985 video game}}
+{{refimprove|date=October 2017}}
 {{Infobox video game
 |title = Action Biker
-|image = [[Image:Action Biker Coverart.png]]
+| image = Action Biker Coverart.png
 |developer = [[Mastertronic]]
-|publisher = [[Mastertronic]]
+|publisher = Mastertronic
 |designer =
 |composer = [[Rob Hubbard]]
 |engine =
 |released = 1985
-|genre = Action game, maze game
+|genre = [[Action game|Action]]
 |modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
-|platforms = [[Atari 8-bit family|Atari 8-bit]], [[Commodore 64|C64]], [[ZX Spectrum]]
+|platforms = [[Atari 8-bit]], [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]]
 }}
-'''''Action Biker''''' (also known as "'''''[[KP Snacks|KP]] [[Skips (Snack)|Skips]] Action Biker with Clumsy Colin'''''" in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]) is a 1985 game for 8-bit home computers released by [[Mastertronic]]. The game was a tie-in with snack food [[Skips (snack)|KP Skips]], whose mascot was "Clumsy Colin" who featured in television adverts for Skips at around the time the game was published.
+'''''Action Biker''''' (also known as '''''KP Skips Action Biker with Clumsy Colin''''' in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]) is a 1985 game for [[Atari 8-bit computers]], [[Commodore 64]], and [[ZX Spectrum]] released by [[Mastertronic]]. The game was a tie-in with snack food [[Skips (snack)|KP Skips]], whose mascot was "Clumsy Colin" who featured in television adverts for Skips at around the time the game was published. The music was composed by [[Rob Hubbard]].<ref name=retrogamer77 />
-Although marketed under the same title, the ZX Spectrum version of Action Biker differs significantly from the Atari and C64 versions, to the extent that [[Retro Gamer]] magazine featured it in their "Same Name, Different Game" column.<ref>{{Citation
+Although marketed under the same title, the ZX Spectrum version of ''Action Biker'' differs significantly from the Atari and C64 versions, to the extent that ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' magazine featured it in their "Same Name, Different Game" column.<ref name=retrogamer77>{{Citation
 | title = Same Name Different Game #6
 | journal = [[Retro Gamer]]
 | issue   = 77
+| page    = 67
 | year    = 2010
-| url     = http://www.parkproductions.co.uk/area/magazine/retrogamer.htm
 }}</ref>
 ==Gameplay==
+[[File:Action biker (c64 version).jpg|thumb|left|The isometric view seen in the C64 version.]]
+The player controls the protagonist Clumsy Colin who rides a motorbike and has to navigate a landscape to extra equipment to improve the bike. Once all forty pieces are collected the player performs a final drag race. There is a time limit, and the player also has a limited number of lives reduced by crashing into background objects.
-=== Atari 8-bit and Commodore 64 versions ===
-[[File:Action biker (c64 version).jpg|thumb|The isometric view seen in the C64 version. The Atari 8-bit version is very similar.]]
-The player controls the protagonist Clumsy Colin who rides a motorbike and has to navigate a landscape to extra equipment to improve the bike. Once all pieces are collected the player performs a final drag race. There is a time limit, and the player also has a limited number of lives reduced by crashing into background objects.
-The Atari and Commodore 64 versions feature an isometric view of the town, which wraps around at the edges.<ref>http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=004&amp;page=040&amp;thumbstart=0&amp;magazine=zzap&amp;check=1</ref> The Spectrum has a different viewpoint.
+The Atari and Commodore 64 versions feature an isometric view of the town, which wraps around at the edges.<ref name=zzap64>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Zzap64]]|title=Clumsy Colin|page=40|issue=4|url=http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=004&amp;page=040&amp;thumbstart=0&amp;magazine=zzap}}</ref> The Spectrum version has a different viewpoint.
-There are several key areas to the map - the petrol station (where the player can refuel), the lakes (including an island that is initially inaccessible), the rollercoaster (which can be ridden on the C64 and Atari versions) and the building site (which changes shape as the game progresses).<ref>http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=004&amp;page=040&amp;thumbstart=0&amp;magazine=zzap&amp;check=1</ref>
+There are several key areas to the map: the petrol station (where the player can refuel), the lakes (including an island that is initially inaccessible), the rollercoaster (which can be ridden on the C64 and Atari versions) and the building site (which changes shape as the game progresses).<ref name="zzap64"/>
 Among the extras collected are a new gearbox (allowing the player to switch to low gear for higher acceleration), water-skis or a snorkel (to allow the player to cross water) and a larger fuel tank.
+=== Spectrum version ===
-The Commodore 64 version was positively reviewed by Zzap!64 who thought it was one of the best Mastertronic titles to date and excellent value for money.  It was given an 83% overall score.<ref>http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=004&amp;page=040&amp;thumbstart=0&amp;magazine=zzap&amp;check=1</ref>
+[[File:Action biker (spectrum version).png|thumb|ZX Spectrum screenshot]]
+Although the ZX Spectrum version shares the basic gameplay elements of navigating a motorbike around a scrolling city and collecting objects with the Atari and C64 versions, it is otherwise significantly different in both plot and execution.
-=== ZX Spectrum version ===
+The aim of this version, according to the instructions is to "find [Colin's] friend Marti and take him to the spaceport". Items helping him do this can be found inside houses around the city. However "the alarm is set to go off at 8 o'clock and wake him up", and Colin will also "wake up" if he collides with other vehicles.<ref name='inlay_spectrum'>{{citation|title=''"Action Biker"'' cassette inlay card |accessdate=2018-06-12|url=https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/pub/sinclair/games-info/a/ActionBiker.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612153530/https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/pub/sinclair/games-info/a/ActionBiker.jpg |url-status=dead |archivedate=2018-06-12}}</ref> While it may be implied that the game- including the otherwise incongruous "spaceport" reference- takes place within Colin's dream, the instructions do not explicitly state this.<ref name='su_review'/> Further, actually picking up Martin in the game gives a message that he should be taken to the "airport", not the spaceport.
-[[File:Action biker (spectrum version).png|thumb|"Action Biker" on the ZX Spectrum. This shows the different viewpoint and gameplay elements compared to the Atari and C64 versions.]]
+In addition, Colin's bike has limited fuel, but "he can gain energy by eating Skips or by refueling at a garage."<ref name='inlay_spectrum' />
-Although the Spectrum version shares the basic gameplay elements of navigating a motorbike around a scrolling city and collecting objects with the Atari and C64 versions, it is otherwise significantly different in both plot and execution.
+==Reception==
-The aim of this version, according to the instructions is to "find [Colin's] friend Marti and take him to the spaceport". Items helping him do this can be found inside houses around the city. However "the alarm is set to go off at 8 o'clock and wake him up", and Colin will also "wake up" if he collides with other vehicles.<ref name='inlay_wos'>{{citation|title=''"Action Biker"'' cassette inlay card|accessdate=2013-06-21|url=ftp://ftp.worldofspectrum.org/pub/sinclair/games-info/a/ActionBiker.txt}}</ref> (While it may be implied that the game- including the otherwise incongruous "spaceport" reference- takes place within Colin's dream, the instructions do not explicitly state this, and a contemporary Sinclair User review commented that "why Colin is asleep is a mystery.")<ref name='su_review'>{{citation|title=''Spectrum Software Scene 2: Action Biker''|url=http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/042/sftwreb.htm|periodical=[[Sinclair User]]|issue=42|accessdate=2013-06-21}}</ref>
+The Commodore 64 version was positively reviewed by ''[[Zzap!64]]'' who thought it was one of the best Mastertronic titles to date and excellent value for money.  It was given an 83% overall score.<ref name="zzap64"/>
+The ZX Spectrum version received generally poor reviews.<ref name='su_review' /><ref name='sp_review'>{{citation|periodical=[[Sinclair Programs]]|issue=85|page=14|title=''Soft Focus: Clumsy Colin''|volume=9|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=SinclairPrograms/Issue8509/Pages/SinclairPrograms850900014.jpg}}</ref><ref name='ys_review'>{{citation|title=Joystick Jury: Action Biker- Clumsy Colin|periodical=Your Spectrum|issue=19|url=http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jg27paw4/yr19/yr19_41.htm}}</ref><ref name='zc_review'>{{citation|title=''Quicksoft: Action Biker''|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8512/Pages/ZXComputing851200057.jpg|issue=85|periodical=ZX Computing|volume = 12|accessdate=2013-06-21|page=57}}</ref> A contemporary ''[[Sinclair User]]'' review commented that "why Colin is asleep is a mystery."<ref name='su_review'>{{citation|title=''Spectrum Software Scene 2: Action Biker'' |url=http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/042/sftwreb.htm |periodical=[[Sinclair User]] |issue=42 |accessdate=2013-06-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020061439/http://www.sincuser.f9.co.uk/042/sftwreb.htm |archivedate=2013-10-20 }}</ref>
-In addition, Colin's bike has limited fuel, but "he can gain energy by eating Skips or by refueling at a garage."<ref name='inlay_wos' />
-This version received generally poor reviews.<ref name='su_review' /><ref name='sp_review'>{{citation|periodical=[[Sinclair Programs]]|issue=09.85|page=14|title=''Soft Focus: Clumsy Colin''|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=SinclairPrograms/Issue8509/Pages/SinclairPrograms850900014.jpg}}</ref><ref name='ys_review'>{{citation|title=Joystick Jury: Action Biker- Clumsy Colin|periodical=Your Spectrum|issue=19|url=http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~jg27paw4/yr19/yr19_41.htm}}</ref><ref name='zc_review'>{{citation|title=''Quicksoft: Action Biker''|url=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8512/Pages/ZXComputing851200057.jpg|issue=12.85|periodical=ZX Computing|accessdate=2013-06-21|page=57}}</ref>
-==Music==
-The music of the game was composed by C64 game musician [[Rob Hubbard]] (also known for his work on [[Commando (video game)|Commando]], [[Monty on the Run]], [[Master of Magic (1985 video game)|Master of Magic]], etc.)
 ==References==
 {{reflist}}
 ==External links==
+*{{atarimania|id=70}}
-*{{moby game|id=/action-biker|name=''Action Biker''}}
+*{{lemon64 game|id=48|name=Action Biker}}
-*[http://mapy.atari8.info/actionbiker.php ''Action Biker'' map (Atari 8-bit version)]
 *{{WoS_game|id=0000072}}
-*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ZSF6A2HZ0 Video walkthrough of Action Biker on YouTube]
+*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5ZSF6A2HZ0 Gameplay video]
-{{Advergames}}
 [[Category:1985 video games]]
 [[Category:Advergames]]
+[[Category:Atari 8-bit computer games]]
 [[Category:Commodore 64 games]]
-[[Category:Atari 8-bit family games]]
 [[Category:Mastertronic games]]
+[[Category:Motorcycle video games]]
+[[Category:Racing video games]]
+[[Category:Video games scored by Rob Hubbard]]
 [[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
+[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]
 [[Category:ZX Spectrum games]]
+[[Category:Single-player video games]]