The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

EDDIE KIDD'S JUMP CHALLENGE

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade; Sporting Contest

Author             : David Wainwright

Standalone Release(s)  : 1984: EDDIE KIDD'S JUMP CHALLENGE, Martech, £6.95

                    1987: EDDIE KIDD'S JUMP CHALLENGE, Ricochet, £2.99

Compilation Release(s) : None

Stated compatibility    : BBC Side A, Electron Side B

Actual compatibility    : As stated

Supplier            : MARTECH, Martech House, Bay Terrace, Pevensey Bay,

                    EAST SUSSEX BN24 6EE

Disc compatibility     : ADFS 1D00, CDFS 1D00, DFS 1D00

Instructions

"If you've ever wondered how it feels to be Eddie Kidd . . . defying danger and gravity, soaring on a motor-bike over a long line of cars . . . here's your chance to find out! This fabulous new game - Jump Challenge - has been produced for you with a lot of help from Eddie himself."

Introduction

Eddie Kidd is, without doubt, the most naturally gifted motor cycle stuntman in the world. His world record-breaking feats have caused millions to hold their breath as he achieves the impossible, defying gravity and fear with his unique blend of courage and skill.

Now Martech, with a lot of help from Eddie himself, have recreated for you the challenge of motor cycle stunt jumping.

For Eddie Kidd, it's for real, but as an official contender in the international jump challenge, you will have a unique chance to put your own courage and skill to the test.

Inside this package you will find your 'Official Jump Challenge Contender' card. Sign this card immediately and keep it in a safe place. Should you win a prize in the 'Official Jump Challenge Competition' you will be required to produce this card. It may also entitle you to further offers to be announced.

You will also find an 'Official Jump Challenge Contender' sticker. When the back of this has been peeled off, it may be stuck onto a bike, bag, book or a hat, for example.

Jump Challenge

It is Eddie Kidd's instinctive 'feel' for bike jumping which has brought him to the very top of his profession. Without accurately measured run ups or the aid of rev counters or speedometers, Eddie hurtles into the air at speeds in the region of 100mph to cover distances which have included his world record leap when he cleared 190 feet and still retained control of the bike.

In JUMP CHALLENGE, it is this 'feel' for bike jumping that you will need to develop. You will not be able to measure accurately the distance to the take off ramp, or know exactly the speed at which you are travelling. Only if you develop the necessary control and timing will you be able to progress to the more difficult jumps, and only if you have the courage to push yourself to the very limits will you become like Eddie, the best there is. Good luck!

Game Play

The ultimate aim of JUMP CHALLENGE is to jump as far as you can while still maintaining control of the bike on landing.

Before you can try your hand at jumping a motor cycle over cars, you have to prove your worth jumping a bicycle over oil barrels. In both cases, the general procedure is as follows:

1. Ride away from the ramp (right to left). How far you go is entirely up to you but obviously longer jumps may need a longer run up.

2.  Stop the bike and turn to face the take off ramp.

3.  Accelerate towards the ramp.

    From here on in - you're on your own. What to do and how to do it is for you to discover, but here are a few more points to help you:

4.  How far you jump will depend on three main factors:

    a) Speed at take off

    b) Position of bike and rider through the air

    c) Gusting headwinds

5.  The score given to a successful motor cycle ramp depends on where the back wheel hits the landing ramp.

6.  It is possible to practice control of the bike by riding up and down the approach road. For example, to do a wheelie, lean back and accelerate, but be careful - this needs practice to control.

Game Controls

(If using a joystick, this will need to be an analogue or proportional type)

1. Joystick right or left. Keyboard "X" or "Z".

    Depending on which way the bike is travelling on the screen will cause Eddie to lean forwards or backwards.

2.  Joystick down increases or decreases throttle.

    Keyboard "?" increases throttle. Keyboard "*" decreases throttle. If riding a bicycle, the above will increase and decrease the rate at which you pedal.

3.  Joystick up increases and decreases brake.

    Keyboard "RETURN" brake on.

4.  Number keys (Motor Cycle only)

    These five keys control the gear shift:

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5   -   1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Gear

5.  Joystick Fire Button

    Keyboard Space Bar

When the bike is stationary, it will cause it to turn and face the opposite direction. When approaching the ramp, it may be used to abort the jump at the last minute. If you feel the speed is not right for example - but more than a touch and the result could be a serious crash!

Instructions' Source   : EDDIE KIDD JUMP CHALLENGE (Ricochet) Back and Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

This program takes the story of Eddie Kidd and puts it neatly into a computer game. It is a "jump challenge" for you because each copy of the program enables you to enter your highest score into a national competition.

The game begins with you, the challenging stunt person, proving your ability on a BMX. Before you are let loose trying to jump cars you have first to try oil barrels. To graduate from the BMX, you have to make two successful jumps over the barrels. The first is easier than the second.

If at any time you crash you are sent back to the BMX to start again. Assuming a little competence, you'll get to the motorbike level. The screen display now includes a speedo, separate rev counter and a gearbox indicator.

It is vital that you use the gearbox and throttle together to gain speed (gears are changed by pressing the corresponding number key). Using the keyboard alone I found no difficulty, but with a joystick, I doubt that I would manage to keep hitting the right key. As you succeed with each jump the length increases and so does the difficulty.

The EDDIE KIDD JUMP CHALLENGE COMPETITION is open to each cassette owner. However, you may only make one entry. If you make a jump that qualifies, the game stops and you are given two options.

One is to continue and take the risk that you may crash on the next round. The other is to enter the competition by inserting a blank cassette and following the screen instructions.

This is a neat games package with the bonus of a free-to-enter competition. It should be very popular.

John Woollard, ELECTRON USER 2. 6