Bugaboo

BUGABOO is an arcade quality game for the TS2068 which has been converted from the Spectrum. It is, or was, one of the most computer games in England and is sold in the USA by Quicksilva for both the 2068 and the Commodore 64.

Bugaboo, we are informed, is a flea who falls down a hole into the depths of the earth. He is limited in his movements to diagonal left and right moves–which are produced by the “1”-and “0” keys. The screen can be scrolled using the arrow keys. Bugaboo moves about in a three screen wide by three screen high chamber filled with ledges, cliffs, plants and spiders. And let’s not forget the Pterodactyl -the flying miniature dinosaur who suddenly swoops in & grabs Bugaboo to end the game unless our little lost flea can quickly hide under a ledge out of reach.

Upon loading, the game waits about 15 seconds for instructions; if none are given, a demo begins showing Bugaboo jumping about on the surface of the planet and then falling into the depths below. No scoring as such occurs–the goal being to escape. However, a timer is constantly running at the bottom of the screen as well as a “level indicator”. The bottom of the hole is level 82, the surface 1. Bugaboo reaches the surface by jumping from ledge to ledge. This can be frustrating since missing a Single ledge may well land you back on the bottom (remember the Pterodactyl).

The color and action is very good, and the game is almost as addictive for me as Pacman. With games like this, it is no wonder the Spectrum has been such a favorite in England. The 2068 version retails for $24.95 and the Spectrum version sells for $19.95 (we assume it will run on a 2068 with Spectrum rom). Quicksilva, Inc., 426 West Nakoma, San Antonio, TX 78216. Tell them you saw it in S.U.M.