Putty (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Putty


developer = System 3
publisher = System 3, U.S. Gold Ltd.
programming = Dan Phillips
Dave Collins
Rob Stevens
designer = Phil Thornton
Richard Joseph
engine =
version =
released = 1992, 1993
genre = Platform
modes = Single player, Multi player (taking turns)
ratings =
platforms = Amiga, Super NES
media = cartridge
requirements = 1MB RAM (Amiga)
input = Joystick or Keyboard
preceded by =
followed by = Putty Squad

"Putty" was a game developed by System 3 and released in 1992 for the Amiga. It was also released on the SNES in 1993, under the name "Super Putty".

Story

Putty Moon, the place where all the putties live, has been taken over by an evil wizard named Dazzledaze. Putty has been banished from the moon to the planet below. In order to return to Putty Moon and oust the evil wizard, Putty enlists the help of some robots ("bots") to build a skyscraper that will reach up to Putty Moon.

Gameplay

In "Putty", the player controlled a blue blob with eyes. Putty had many moves that he could use to attack enemies or to navigate around the level. These abilities included being able to stretch out upwards, downwards, or to the left or right, in order to access far-off ledges. He also had the ability to inflate. This allowed him to provide a cushioned landing for any falling bots. Over-inflation also acted as a "smart bomb", with Putty bursting, killing all of the enemies on the screen, whilst reducing his health in the process.

Putty was able to form part of himself into a fist, allowing him to punch left or right in order to dispatch enemies.

Putty was also able to melt into the floor, making him invulnerable and also allowing him to absorb enemies, recovering a small amount of health in the process. With certain enemies in the game, such as the clockwork orange, once Putty had absorbed one he was then able to morph into the enemy's shape in order to use its abilities.

A final ability of Putty's was being able to create a mug of coffee from part of himself, which would distract bots and make them stand still.

The levels in "Putty" were laid out vertically, with the screen scrolling up and down. The levels contained regular platforms, as well as "solid" ledges that Putty could not move through, and other special tiles including electric platforms and bounce pads.

The aim of each level was to rescue a set number of bots within the time limit. In the early sections of the game, the bots simply stood around the level. Putty had to absorb them, and carry them to the level's goal (either a flying saucer or an elevator). Later on in the game, the bots would jump around platforms, often falling to their death.

Invariably each level also contained various enemies. These enemies included Terminator carrots, Scouse sausages and sword-wielding spacemen. The enemies would attempt to hurt Putty in various ways. The attacks from some of the enemies would also hurt any bots that Putty was carrying at the time. If a bot was hurt four times it was killed, causing the player to have to find another bot to absorb.

Putty was also able to use powerups that were scattered around each level. These ranged from simple points bonuses to temporary invulnerability, to Uncle Ted. Once this latter powerup was collected, a man with a Hammond Organ name Uncle Ted appeared, and proceeded to play a tune, causing all of the enemies in the level to freeze.

Music

The Amiga & SNES versions of the game featured the Joe 90 theme tune for its main theme.

equels

The sequel "Putty Squad" was only released for Super NES, only in Japan and PAL territories. It features Putty and nemesis Dweezil the cat teaming up to rescue other putties. It also features a two-player mode, with the second player taking control of a red putty.

In Retro Gamer issues 39 Mark Cale stated that he would be bringing the Putty series to the Nintendo DS and PSP in 2008 and more details would be announced later in 2008. They're looking to bring a new game to the systems rather than a port of the two existing games.

External links

*moby game|id=/putty|name="Putty"
* [http://www.classicgaming.com/amigareviews/putty.htm#puttycu CU Amiga Review]
* [http://puttymoon.predseda.com/ Puttymoon - tribute site]