RETRO TUESDAY PLATOON C64
Welcome back to Retro Tuesday where I look back at old school games from my childhood & upwards. Before I start this is the 1st Retro Tuesday in over half a year because of me having a stroke. Most will know this, but for newcomers I thought I’d just mention it as I haven’t done one in a while.
Platoon was released on the C64 & other machines all the way back in 1987 where I started my gaming life or hobby if you like. Based on the movie with Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. Gameplay involves fighting your way through the jungle terrain, bunkers searching for items to progress. There are only 4 stages to the game but it’s difficult and involves patience & memory if you want to advance.
Welcome to the Jungle
The main jungle which is the start of the game comprises jumping over trip wires searching through the jungle maze while shooting endless soldiers sounds simple right. Well, not really enemies come at you from left to right while avoiding trip wires & searching your way to the next level. Once out of the jungle area you find your way in the bunkers shooting enemies while searching for items such as a compass, flares & medical supplies which you will need to get to the end of the game. This may sound easy, but believe me it’s not if your aim is off with the crosshair you will die.
“Hell is the impossibility of reason.”
The bunkers themselves comprises multiple routes were your memory comes into play otherwise you will keep going round in circles normally ending in your death. You have a map on screen to help you find your way around, but only in the bunker levels. Finding those exists can also be a pain as some are blocked causing you to search elsewhere & if you’re not a pro at this game you will use all your lives.
“Take the pain! Take it!”
In the 3rd area you find yourself back in the jungle this time using your crosshair to take out the enemies again easier said than done as precision is the key. With the lightning effects going from light to dark, you have to be quick off the mark to get the kills in.
“This is bad, man. I’ve got bad vibes here”
The last level is no joke & few have made it to the end. In a 3D style jungle layout, your aim is to make it through ultimately to reach the boss of the game. If you’ve made it that far eventually if not dead you have to take out the main soldier in the bunker which is the boss.
After doing all of that you’re greeted with a message on screen saying “YOU MADE IT” followed by a little graphical cut scene ending the game saying “YOUR ON YOUR WAY HOME”. Ultimately entering your name on the leader board.
Thanks for checking out the return of Retro Tuesday. This will now be a monthly affair covering old school classics from Computers to consoles.
