Back to the Future (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Back to the Future


caption = Box art of "Back to the Future" for the NES
developer = Software Images (Mark Eyles, Martin Walker, Herv Jones, Mike Saxby)
publisher = Electric Dreams Software
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released = vgy|1985
genre = arcade adventure
modes = Single player
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platforms = Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, NES, ZX Spectrum
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"Back to the Future" is a video game produced by LJN Toys for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Electric Dreams Software for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC. The game is loosely based on the "Back to the Future" film. LJN was also responsible for the video game sequel "Back to the Future Part II & III".

Gameplay

NES version

In the single mode game, the player controls Marty McFly through various stages set in 1955 in which he collects various clock icons in order to advance to the next level, and avoid the gradual vanishing of his future (indicated by a fading photograph at the bottom of the screen.) If the photograph fades fully, Marty would lose a life as it would show him vanishing. Collecting 100 clocks restored the photograph to its full, unfaded status. Two power-ups can help improve Marty's control: bowling balls that can destroy enemies and a skateboard which can speed up gameplay. There are also three minigames at the end of each stage, featuring such scenarios as Marty repelling Biff Tannen's gang of bullies from a cafe, blocking all the kisses Lorraine sends Marty (in the shape of little hearts), and having to position his guitar properly to stay in tune at the dance in order for George and Lorraine to kiss. The gameplay on these stages is often compared to that of "Paperboy".

In the final stage, Marty gets to control the DeLorean time machine on the street at night, dodging lightning bolts and obstacles while accelerating in such a way as to reach 88 miles per hour precisely at the end of the stage, enabling the time machine to bring Marty home to 1985.

If Marty loses all his lives, there would be a losing screen shot which reads "Tough luck Marty! It looks like you are stuck here". The player would also be shown that screen shot if Marty failed to get the DeLorean to 88 mph by the time he reached the wires, regardless of how many lives he had left.

Other versions

The game is a side view arcade adventure. The aim of the game is to get George McFly to spend as much time as possible with Lorraine Baines. The more time George and Lorraine spend together, the more they will fall in love, and thus more segments will be added to the family photograph in thebottom right corner. The photographs in the bottom right and left of the screen gradually disappear if the players does nothing, thus setting a time limit on the game.

The player can find various object to help him such as love poems, a cup of coffee, alien suit and a guitar. He also has a skateboard to move around quickly.

External links

*WoS game|id=0000364|name=Back to the Future
*Lemon64 game|id=191|name=Back to the Future
* [http://www.cpczone.net/index.php?game=998 Entry at "CPC Zone"]