Hollywood or Bust (Game)

Infobox VG| title = Hollywood or Bust


publisher = Mastertronic
distributor =
released = 1986
genre = Action game
modes = Single Player
platforms =Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC

Hollywood or Bust is an action game published by Mastertronic in 1986 for the 8 Bit computers - Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC. It has nothing to do with the 1956 movie of the same name. It was written by John Ferrari and scored by Rob Hubbard.

The character is a wannabe film star named Buster - possibly after Buster Keaton to who he bears a resemblance. The character wanders around a 1920s film set, searching for five Oscar Statues whilst being chased by a series of Policemen. The studios are also haunted by a number of ghosts who attack Buster at random. If Buster comes into contact with either one, the game ends.

During his search, Buster can occasionally find himself in the middle of a street scene where he has to survive wave after wave of policemen. Fortunately he can defend himself with a number of Custard Pies which can be replenished by turning a tap at the top right of the screen. Once the timer runs to zero, Buster finds himself back in the studio where he resumed the hunt for the Oscars which have to be collected in numerical order.

If Buster is successful in collecting all five Oscars, the game ends as Buster is awarded a lifetime contract with the studio. Failure results in the Director yelling "Cut" and the game beginning again.

The game received below average ratings although the music was the definitely the outstanding feature of the game being almost lifted from a slapstick comedy. The game was rushed to be released and some content was ultimately cut which is clear from sequences in the gameplay that appear to be linear with important omissions to make way for more street scenes.