7: Rod-Land

Number 7
(233.2 points)
Rod-Land
1992: 31 (14.0)
1993: 29 (28.8)
1994: 24 (46.2)
1995: 27 (59.2)
1996: 16 (85.0)

The cutesy platformer to end all cutesy platformer, Rod-Land was nevertheless a damn good time.

It's a single-screen arcade game like Bubble Bobble and Parasol Stars, but your character has two special powers: a wand that can grab enemies and throw them back and forth, and the ability to spawn temporary ladders above and below you. Without the ability to jump, these powers are essential to get past your enemies and progress. There are also items to collect, and a wise move is to avoid killing the enemies at first, because collecting all the items on the screen activates 'extra mode', where the enemies turn into peach creatures who give you collectible letters when vanquished. Collect five letters spelling the word "extra" and you will get an extra life, essential to progress far in the game.

Compare this to the arcade original and it's almost indistinguishable, the team did an amazing job. It does help that the game is fun to play anyway, and it does get more fun the more you play. Interesting how it never cracked the top ten in the Amiga Power lists, yet a strong showing in the later lists combined with five appearances in total puts it near the peak of my list. Still worth a play if you like a classic 80s arcade platformer.

Recommended TOSEC disk(s):
Rod-Land v1.3 (1991)(Storm)[cr CSL][t +6 LGD]