The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
CAVEMAN
Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only
Game Type : Arcade; Platform Caper
Author : Peter Foy
Standalone Release(s) : 1986: CAVEMAN, Kansas, £3.95
Compilation Release(s) : None
Stated compatibility : Electron
Actual compatibility : Electron
Supplier : KANSAS CITY SYSTEMS, Unit 3, Sutton Springs Wood,
CHESTERFIELD. Tel: 0246 850357.
Disc compatibility : ADFS 1D00, CDFS 1D00, DFS 1D00
Instructions
The object of this game is to mine gold, diamonds and coal. To score on the first two screens (gold and diamond) the miner must first fill his barrow by completely mining one level and return with his load to the bank at the top right hand side of the screen. When these two screens are completed the furnace on the left hand side of the screen will be low and must be filled with coal on the third screen.
When the miner descends below the first mining level the troglodyte will attempt to destroy him, but the troglodyte itself can be destroyed if it is lured out of the top of the mine. Unfortunately it will be replaced by another on the lowest level.
The miner can move between levels by either using the constantly moving lift or by digging between levels and automatically leaving a ladder. Only one ladder can be used at each level and although the troglodyte cannot use the ladders neither can the miner take his barrow up or down them.
Apart from being caught by the troglodyte the miner will also be destroyed if he falls down the lift shaft or furnace. The barrow with its load will also be destroyed by falling down the lift shaft but will be replaced by a new empty barrow at the bank. There is an unlimited supply of barrows but only three miners.
Game Controls
The four cursor control keys are used to move the miner around the screen.
Instructions' Source : CAVEMAN (Kansas) On-Screen Instructions
Review (Electron User)
It's no joke being a miner these days - at least not
in this offering from Kansas City Systems. It takes you back to days of yore
when gold, diamonds or coal were
hewn from the rock by pickaxe power alone. There are no bodies to help here
though. Once you've won your precious load, you pull your own truckful back to
the paymaster. That niggardly soul will notice if you haven't filled your truck
and will reward you with fewer points.
Life is cheap down the mines. The rather crude arrangement of lifts is
unguarded - one false step and you're dead. You can construct your own ladders
but, of course, heavy trucks don't go up or down them.
These accursed mines have seven levels and the Troglodyte lives on the lowest.
Once you're below the first level, it relentlessly chases you. This can be to
your advantage because he dies at the surface. It's too bad that the next
generation hatches out on level seven to replace him.
While you dig for gold and diamonds on the first two screens the mine furnace
is burning down. That's why coal is needed from the third mine. There's no pay
for coal. The instructions included in the program explain all of this. In fact
they are a model that other software houses might like to look at.
If it all sounds good, don't get too excited. The graphics, while smooth, are
very ordinary. You might even call them crude. Some of the sound is strange to
say the least, although the noise of pick on rock is quite pleasing.
There are also odd bugs. When Troglodyte snuffs it he is not removed from the screen unless some other object moves over him. Also it's possible to fall down non-existent lift shafts.
It's a pity that the cursor keys are used for movement. Apart from being too
near <BREAK>, they are too cramped up for easy use. However, I could get
the game to work with my Plus 1 joystick using the Joyplus program (Electron
User, March 1985).
Kansas have a good idea here and CAVEMAN is fun to play, particularly in
outwitting the Troglodyte. The program suffers from its simple graphics and
from a lack of variety in the screens but makes up for it in amusement.
Rog Frost, ELECTRON USER 3. 2