<<
Return to
Sixteen Plus 's profile
Retrobate Name:
Sixteen Plus
Game Title:
Saboteur! - Commodore Plus4 Version
Released: 1986
Developer/Author Name: Branko Spoljaric
Publisher: Durell
Format Reviewed: Commodore 16/Plus4
Genre: Adventure
Game Profile:
The classic game which was immensely popular on the bigger systems eventually arrives on the Plus4. The blurb reads... You are a saboteur, highly trained in martial arts. You are employed to infiltrate a central security building which is disguised as a warehouse. You must steal a disk that contains the names of all the rebel leaders before its information is sent to the outlying security stations. You are working against the clock, both in getting to the disk, and in making your escape.
What the blurb fails to mention is that you also need to plant a bomb in the warehouse, although this is detailed more in the instruction booklet.
I've already reviewed the C16 version and it's quite accepted that it's not that great. Does the Plus4 version fare any better?
So your main objective is to first locate and pick up the bomb, then locate the disk and swap the disk for the bomb within the given time limit.
Once you've swapped the disk for the bomb, a new timer countdown begins where you have to quickly make your escape via the helicopter before the bomb explodes.
In the meanwhile, you need to avoid the enemy cameras which fire upon you. Avoid or kill the dogs and security guards. You can slowly sneak up on the guards but if you get too close too quickly then they'll hear you.
The graphics unlike the C16 version I am happy to say are top notch, nicely detailed and large as it's meant to be, much like the C64 version. The sound effects are basic yet functional. At least it has sound unlike on the C16. The title screen music is OK if nothing special. The title screen itself is quite nice and there is a high-score table.
The animation and movement of the saboteur himself is great and the controls are fluid and responsive. You have all the weapons as in other higher platform versions at your disposal, well basically the whole game is here, nothing has been left out including the trains and helicopter which are missed on the C16 version.
Playability wise, it's great fun and there is a lot of replay value to be had for the higher skill levels, nine in all where the bomb will be placed in a more difficult location and specific terminals to open specific doors you will need to find to progress further.
Overall, this is a fantastic conversion for plussy owners or C16'ers with a 64K memory upgrade, and given that you also have the inferior yet slightly playable C16 version for free then it's very good value. This game is undoubtedly one of the biggest Plus4 classics and comes highly recommended.
You can watch the full longplay video HERE!
