Ricochet (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Ricochet


developer = Neil Davidson, David Williams
publisher = Superior Software
designer =
engine =
released = 1989
genre = Arcade adventure
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Acorn Electron, BBC Micro
media =
requirements =
input = Keyboard

"Ricochet" is an arcade adventure game, originally written for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron home computers, published by Superior Software in 1989. It was written by Neil Davidson and David Williams, with some graphics work by Nik Weston and Guy Burt.

The object of the game is to retrieve five hourglasses from diverse scenarios to restore the flow of time. It features elements of both platform and puzzle games. The puzzles are mostly logical (keys unlock doors, gold placates a burglar), though there are exceptions.

While the game shares many elements made popular in earlier Superior arcade adventures such as "Citadel", it has a unique feel thanks to the movement of the main character. The player controls a creature named "SPRAT" (Small Partially Robotic Alien Time-traveller), depicted as a red sphere wearing sunglasses. SPRAT moves by rolling but can only do so along level ground or down slopes. There are ladders to climb but many platforms require a special movement to be reached. By holding 'down' (SPRAT squashes himself) to build up potential energy, then releasing, SPRAT can bounce at either a 45 or 90 degree angle.

Ricochet is one of a range of 1980s Superior games that have been recently remade and re-released for PCs by Superior Interactive in an updated form, with new graphics and added levels.

External links

* [http://www.superiorinteractive.com Superior Software]
* [http://www.acornelectron.co.uk/eu/revs/superior_acornsoft/r-rico.html Review Of RICOCHET, Electron User 7.02, November 1989 (Hosted by Acorn Electron World)]