Montezuma's Return

Montezuma's Return
CD Box Art
Developer(s)	Utopia Technologies
Publisher(s)	WizardWorks
Designer(s)	Rob Jaeger[1]
Platform(s)	Windows, Game Boy Color
Release date(s)	NA October 10, 1998 EU February 9, 1998
Genre(s)	Action-adventure game
Mode(s)	Single-player
Rating(s)	ESRB: Teen (T)
Media/distribution	CD (1), Cartridge
System requirements Win95/98, P133MHz, 16MB RAM, 25MB hard drive space, DirectX compatible sound and video card

Montezuma's Return is a 1998 action/adventure video game and the sequel to the original Parker Brothers game Montezuma's Revenge.^[2] The game as originally released was a platform game, such as Jumpman, Lode Runner and Mario.^[1] According to Steve Bergenholtz, the Utopia Technologies spokesperson, the musical score was written by a TV and film veteran.^[3]

Storyline

Max Montezuma is a soldier descended from an ancient Aztec emperor. Max stumbles across a deserted, uncharted island, and conveniently crashes his plane on it. On this as yet undiscovered, prior to Max's getting there, island, Max only has a flashlight, canteen, and an entire lost Aztec civilization, and restore the desecrated tomb of his ancestors all into the collective coincidental bargain. Max must discover the link between the ancient Aztecs and an alien race of saucer flying mystery.

Gameplay

The main objective is to control Max to the ending destination of the level. There are eight levels (nine in newer versions) In every level the player collects treasures, defeats enemies, maneuvers across tricky and puzzling platforms, jumping pads, climbing ropes until the player finally reaches the boss room. The boss must be defeated to access the exit of the level. Not every boss can be defeated directly and requires a specific action to affect them (e.g. Using the Lava Lord's own exploding lava rocks against him). If the player has collected 100% treasures, the player can play the bonus level, which involves collecting all the treasures.

Many traps exist in the levels that harm Max, especially lava surfaces. Some traps like deep pits and spikes will kill Max instantly on impact. Some enemies that cannot be harmed like skulls serve as traps. Traps also kill enemies (except the deep pits). To reach higher places, Max may need to climb ropes horizantally and vertically. Platforms that move require the player to correctly time jumps. Max can attack enemies by punching and kicking which can also be done in midair. Max now and then will need to swim in some areas, in which the player will have to watch the oxygen level and surface before Max runs out of air and health. Enemies die if they are pushed in water.

There are other collectable items as well as treasures. Max can collect bananas or watermelon chunks to heal damage and key artifacts to unlock barriers.

Graphics

Graphics are multiple, high-resolution 65,000 color graphics. The object modeling takes into account physics, such as gravity, reflection, air, and other features. The game is true 3D with movement in six degrees of freedom. Optional Fast Phong- and Gouraud shaded, perspective-mapping, light-sourcing, real-time shadows, bump mapping, z-buffering, MIP mapping and other things combine with multiple movable point and spotlight light sources, view ports, and cameras to make the graphics an outstanding visual treat. Weather effects and underwater sequences add to the effects.

Music

Music composed by Aaron Humphries and Dominic Messinger.

Ports

There are also versions for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, with the Game Boy Color version being the most common. These play more like the original Montezuma's Revenge and were developed by Tarantula Studios.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Giovetti, Al (1997). "Montezuma's Return". The Computer Show. http://www.thecomputershow.com/computershow/previews/montezumasreturn.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
2. ^ Fielder, Lauren (Feb 18, 1998). "Montezuma's Return Preview". GameSpot. http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/montezumasreturn/news.html?sid=2558940&mode=previews. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
3. ^ Giovetti, Al (1997). "Montezuma’s Return Interview". The Computer Show. http://www.thecomputershow.com/computershow/interviews/montezumareturn.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 

External links

• Montezuma's Return at 3D Gamers
• Montezuma's Return (PC) at IGN
• Montezuma's Return (GBC) at IGN
• Montezuma's Return (PC) at IGN
• Montezuma's Return (GBC) at IGN