- Savage Pond
Infobox VG
title = Savage Pond
developer = Gwyll Jones, Peter Judd
publisher = Argus Press
distributor =
designer =
engine =
version =
released = 1983
genre = Arcade
modes = One player
ratings =
platforms =Acorn Electron , Atari 16k,BBC Micro ,C64
media = Cassette tape
requirements =
input = Keyboard, JoystickSavage Pond is an arcade-style pond simulation game which was written by Peter Judd for the
Acorn Electron andBBC Micro and Gwyll Jones for the 16k versions of theAtari 8-bit family of home computers in1983 and theCommodore 64 in1984 . It was originally released under the "Argus Press" label "Starcade" and was reissued in1985 when "Argus" acquired theBug-Byte budget label.Overview
The game is set in a
pond with the player taking the role of atadpole . The aim of the game is to build up a colony of frogs while avoiding the many hazards. The setting and characters are all quite true to life which was quite unique at the time. Most contemporaryarcade game s, even if not set in space, such asFrogger (with frogs that can't swim) and Centipede (which is basically a space shoot 'em up with characters that look like insects), were far from realistic. The instructions include descriptions of all the 'cast' including their Latin names and information not relevant to the game itself. Although it may appear to be an educational game it is actually a fast-paced arcade game.Gameplay
The game begins with Colony 1, which is a simple, peaceful pond. The tadpole character can swim around the pond eating
amoeba . The only hazard in the pond are the hydra clinging to the bottom of the pond that will sting and kill the tadpole if they touch. There is also adragonfly that occasionally flies over the pond and drops an egg. The egg can be eaten but if left to hatch, thelarva will escape (but again can be eaten) and return as a nymph which will chase the tadpole until it catches and eats it or becomes exhausted and leaves tochrysalis e and become another dragonfly. In order to build the frog colony, many 'evolutions' must take place, most of which increase the number of hazards.Blood worm s regularly fall into the water and must be collected. After five worms are eaten, abeetle larva appears. If this is eaten quickly, the pond 'evolves'. In Colony 1 this means the introduction ofjellyfish (similar to the hydra but stay at the top of the pond), the dumping ofradioactive waste (which leaves the sides and bed of the pond deadly) and finally a move to Colony 2. This begins with the same hazards as Colony 1 but with a more complicated pond with an underwater cave area which makes swimming about more difficult. The pond continues to 'evolve', first with the appearance of your firstfrog . This sits on a log and can be used to eat the passing dragonflies. It also acts as an extra life as if all three tadpoles are lost, the frog will reproduce before leaving with its mate for a different colony. You must create another frog before the pond can continue to 'evolve'. Further 'evolutions' include the water spider (which can trap the tadpole with its web line) andwater flea s which can eat your spawn (spare lives). Colony 3 adds bumble bees which have apparently been affected by the radiation so attack your frog (in the only real exception to the true to life use of the rest of the creatures in the game). You can now build up a colony of frogs.creenshots
External links
* [http://www.acornelectron.co.uk/info/bugbyte/i-sava.html "Savage Pond"] at "Acorn Electron World"
* [http://www.atarimania.com/detail_soft.php?MENU=8&VERSION_ID=4521 "Savage Pond"] at "Atarimania"
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