Jack the Nipper 2: In Coconut Capers Longplay (C64) [50 FPS]

Developed and published by Gremlin Graphics in 1987 Follow me on Twitter:   / al82_retro   Add me on Google+:
Britain's naughtiest toddler returns for more escapades in this follow-up to the original Jack the Nipper, a quirky collect 'em up and puzzle game released in 1986. Jack was so bad in his last adventure, the UK government has decreed that Jack and his family be deported from the country. Forced to board a plane bound for Australia, Jack is none-too-keen on living down-under and jumps out the escape hatch, using his nappy as a parachute. Landing in dense jungle below, Jack vows to start a new reign of chaos and to cause as much mischief as possible. Whereas the previous game was set across multiple, static screens with various exits, the sequel introduces a scrolling environment much more in line with traditional platform games. Despite the change in perspective, Jack the Nipper 2 retains the item collecting and puzzle solving mechanics from the previous game. Jack must locate various items throughout the jungle and determine where to use them to create the most trouble - using the items in the correct location will cause the naughtyometer (located to the bottom of the screen) to fill up. Once filled, Jack must find his way to the sacred temple and be crowned master of the jungle. Although the game no longer features separate screens, the game's layout is quite labyrinthine, with different routes, caves and routes to explore. Quite often, the player must navigate the entire jungle multiple times since it's not always possible to backtrack - steep cliffs and obstacles prevent the player from going back the way they came. The jungle is fraught with danger, but Jack can arm himself with coconuts to hurl at adversaries, or blow poisoned darts from blow-pipes left lying around by the jungle inhabitants. However, these items have a limited amount of ammunition, so players should use them sparingly. On the subject of the game's enemies, one thing that strikes me is just how out of proportion many of them are. The jungle natives are minute, being no bigger than Jack himself, whereas the gun-wielding hunter is absolutely enormous (bigger even than the sun-glasses wearing lion...). One of the main problems with the game is that it's very difficult to tell what exactly many of the items actually are. With no textual description, the player is treated to a short music sample that tries to convey what the item. The clip tries to reference popular culture, or a pop song that the developers hope the player will recognise - it's a nice idea, but the truth of the matter is that many players would be too young to recognise some of the references and would be none-the-wiser as to purpose of the item. Although Jack the Nipper 2 tries to distinguish itself from the previous game with some new graphics a scrolling environment, the jungle environment really doesn't give the game the same level of appeal. The quirky, oh-so-British charm of the town and high street shops from the previous game is absent, replaced with meandering corridors of brown and yellow. If you're looking for some platforming action with some puzzle elements than Jack the Nipper 2 might offer some distraction, although don't expect it to make a lasting impression. #retrogaming