- Saboteur (1985 video game)
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For the 2009 game, see The Saboteur.
Saboteur! 
Developer(s) Clive Townsend
Steve Ruddy (C64)Publisher(s) Durell Software Platform(s) ZX Spectrum, C64, Amstrad CPC Release date(s) 1985 Genre(s) Action game Mode(s) Single player Rating(s) N/A Media/distribution Cassette Saboteur! is an action game published in 1985 for several 8-bit home computer formats by Durell Software. It was programmed by Clive Townsend.
Contents
Plot
The player is set in the role of an anonymous ninja, tasked with getting into a warehouse to steal a floppy disk which has the names of rebel leaders on it.
Gameplay
The player must make his way through the complex of rooms (consisting of the warehouse, dark underground tunnels and the secret command centre) to find the disk and escape. The player has an energy bar which is depleted by falling too far, crouching under water or being attacked - if the energy bar is completely depleted or if time runs out then it is game over. It can be replenished by standing still and resting if he finds a safe area.
The saboteur can crouch, climb ladders, run and attack enemies by punching and drop-kicking them. He begins with a single shuriken as a weapon and can also utilise improvised weapons (such as bricks and pieces of pipe) found in rubbish piles and boxes around the warehouse. The warehouse contains many security systems the player will need to defeat or avoid. These include guards (who can use hand to hand combat and guns) who stand still and will chase and attack the player if they see him or if he makes too much sound. The guards are assisted by guard dogs and automatic gun emplacements.
Saboteur! also has a difficulty level selection that can be chosen before a game begins. There are several of these and they determine how many guards are on watch, how much time saboteur will have to complete his mission and how easy the route to the disk and helicopter will be (i.e. how many security doors on the way are locked and will need to be opened in some way).
Development
Saboteur! is believed to be based on routines and ideas from Clive Townsend's Death Pit, a game that was cancelled before development on Saboteur started. The prototype for Death Pit has been recovered and made available at World of Spectrum.[1]
Sequel
The game was followed by Saboteur II in 1987.
Several developers worked in a third game (names such as Saboteur 3, Sabot3ur and Saboteur 3D) which was never finished.[2]
References
- ^ http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0009662
- ^ Retro gamer issue 73, page 45 box "Sabot3ur?"
External links
Categories:- 1985 video games
- Amstrad CPC games
- Commodore 64 games
- Ninja video games
- ZX Spectrum games
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