ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED LIMA NEWSLETTER MARCH 1991
 
          Review of ROCK RUNNER  
Reviewed by:  Andy Frueh, Lima UG 
 
     Software author: Eric Lafortune 
     Distributed by Asgard Software 
 
     Most of us have now heard about the "half bit-map" mode used in this game.
What it lets you do is combine color capability of bit map mode with the
ability to define graphics as in normal graphics mode.  I don't feel that this
game is AS great as it is pushed to be, but it is a great feat for a teenager
to do.  I admit that I could never program something this good, but I get a
feeling it could've been smoother. 
 
     The manual it comes with is amazingly short, but not a lot of instruction
is needed.  The object is to collect a set number of diamonds while preventing
rocks from falling on you, or monsters getting you.  What the manual fails to
tell us is that if a diamond falls on you, it will kill you, too. 
 
     It is an assembly game, and since it uses several E/A utilities, it can
only be run through the E/A module.  There are 15 levels and you can select to
start on any of them.  When the game is first loaded, it tells you to release
the Alpha Lock key (if it is down).  Handy feature!  When I play Rock Runner I
don't worry about the Alpha Lock key  It warns me about it if it has to. 
 
     On most of the boards with monsters, you can use the rocks by dropping
them on monsters.  You can also use a limited number of bombs to aid in this.
Another obstacle is the fact that you have a limited time.  Your character
tunnels in the ground, and monsters can only move in tunnels.  These features
remind me of Dig Dug. 
 
     The graphics are NOT the best I have seen on the TI, but are VERY GOOD
nevertheless.  Your guy even has a cute huge nose similar to the fuzzy guy in
the B.C. comic strip.  The diamonds are nicely done, and stripes of color
constantly "flow" up them.  The monsters are rather simple, as are the rocks
(but how exciting can you draw a rock?) 
 
     To sum it up, I'm not sure if I will play this game constantly.  It IS a
good game, don't take me wrong.  It's just that it is NOT as great as ads
claim.  Of course, that my opinion... 
.PL 1