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Brian Jack's Superstar Challenge |
Copyright/Publisher: Martech, Release Year: 1986,
Genre: Multi Events, Number Of Players: 1 or 2
As I write, arm and shoulders a-throbbing, I wonder about the sadistic tendencies of software
houses. Having just got over Decathlon and Summer Games my shattered muscles were forced to
work on the latest arm wrencher.
Plenty of deodorant is needed as you pummel your joystick through the eight energy-taxing
events of the challenge. As usual in this type of game the faster you move your joystick back and
forth the faster your man moves.
When you start a game there are two options: challenge a fellow human or the tireless computer.
It's much more fun with another player, the competitive spirit giving you just a bit more
determination and takes that last bit of energy in a dramatic effort to win.
The winner of the eight events, which score in Decathlon style, might well get to challenge
Brian Jacks himself. This is only when you have passed all the 'qualifying' scores. If these
are anything to go by I reckon ol' B.J. must be a superhuman.
According to the instructions, the control in this game is mostly by 'powersync'. Apparently
you should move your joystick in time with your man's motions and only gradually build up speed.
This sounds intriguing, but proves a little misleading. In most events the usual Decathlon-type
hysterical threshing appears to be the best technique. However there are some events where
additional timely button presses are required.
At the end of a game, while you're stretchered out, your man will appear on a rostrum.
Depending on how well you've done he'll take either first or second place.
If you've done really well then you can challenge Brian Jacks. The trouble is that the
challenge takes place immediately after the first one. This is unfair: your transplanted
organs won't even had time to adjust to your body, let alone go through the rigorous tortures again.
One criticism is that there is no practice feature. Every game that you play has to be all
the way through which gets rather painful if you have trouble with one event.
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Julian Rignall |
With excellent graphics, animation and realistic sound this is a great program for those
not already exhausted by this type of games. Get into training now if you want to get to
challenge Brian Jacks, let alone beat the man.
Despite the hernias and heart failures it will cause, this arm wrenching, joystick
breaking, eyeball popping game is a real thriller.
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B.W. |
The different events add enough novelty to make this a compulsive game with the real fun
coming in events like the dips. The sadistic combination of stop-start waggling is
absolute murder, particularly over the extended time limit.
The skill events like the boar shoot come as a welcome relieft, although you may
be shaking too much to shoot straight. I'm off to have a bath.
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Gray Penn |
The hole thing looks and feels very much like Activision's superb Decathlon to me. It doesn't
really offer anything totally new, and the so called powersync feature didn't stretch much
further than an elaborate, and rather sweaty, waggling session. Despite these criticisms I
found the whole thing a thoroughly enjoyable, and exhausting experience.
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Eight gruelling events |
1.CANOE RACE
Not particularly simple by any means. Plenty of energy will be sapped as you cleave your
way through the water. Steady rhythm is also a necessity or else you'll find yourself
careering into the markers of your lane.
2. BOAR SHOOT
No waggling involved, just a steady hand and a keen eye as you move a crosshair about
the screen in an attempt to fire at a moving target. Pressing the fire button will shoot
off a bolt so you have to time it right to hit the target successfully.
3. 100M SPRINT
Simply pulverise the joystick from left to right at horrendous speeds to come in first.
4. SQUAT THRUST
With your arm hanging like a soggy toilet rollthings take a turn for the better. Tap the
joystick left twice and right thrice to complete one squat thrust. Easy though it sounds
concentration should be at its utmost throughout this event. For every move mode wrongly,
valuable time will be lost as you try to regain your rhythm.
5. SWIMMING
More horrific joystick thrashing. This time the fire buttonhas to be pressed to allow your
man to breathe as he sticks his head out of the water. We all know that a swimming performance
is effected badly by either not breathing or breathing under water.
6. ARM DIPS
If you haven't changed your shirt byn ow this event is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes
and make you sweat like a pig! Press fire button and your man will drop. When his elbow has
tocuhed the judge's fist, waggle like mad to get him back up to his starting position.
Repeat the process again...and again...and again.
7. FOOTBALL
Those who haven't had already coronaries will find this easier to tackle, ho ho. Simple guide
your man through the cones as he dribbles a ball, then shoot for goal.
8. CYCLING
The final challenge which will turn even the coolest puce. A really hefty pummeling session,
the last thank goodness, as you whizz down the track. The fire button will change your gears
but other than that your forearm muscle will have to be practically torn away to achieve the
qualifying time.
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