251: Rocket Ranger

Number 251
(2.8 points)
Rocket Ranger
1991: 73

Cinemaware were known in the Amiga's early days for their attractive games, and Rocket Ranger is arguably one of the best known.

It's 1940 and the Nazis are poised to win the Second World War thanks to the discovery of lunarium, enabling them to create new and advanced weaponry. You, as Rocket Ranger, must destroy Nazi bases, steal parts for a moon rocket, and obtain enough lunarium to make it there. You are equipped with a rocket pack, powered by lunarium. The game is, like with other Cinemaware titles, cinematic, and consists of a strategy element punctuated by mini-games. Shooting, fighting and negotiating are among the varied sections you must complete on the way to winning the game.

I made Defender of the Crown my first Honourable Mention because it was the first, and is really identified with the Amiga, but the similarities with this game are very obvious. A limited strategy section with little mini-games, none of which are particularly exciting. I suppose as a whole it just about comes together, and when it came out it would have been quite something, but I'm not so sure it holds up today. I'd recommend the WHDLoad version on an A1200, as the constant disk-swapping and loading is eliminated, and the game runs much faster.

Recommended TOSEC disk(s):
Rocket Ranger (1988)(Cinemaware)(Disk 1 of 2)[cr Bobius]
Rocket Ranger (1988)(Cinemaware)(Disk 2 of 2)