Developed and published by Ocean in 1990.

Released in 1990, the game loosely follows the plot of the film, which sees Robocop take on drug-lord Cain in as bid to eradicate the new designer drug called "Nuke" from the streets of Old Detroit.

The game combines platforming elements with some basic shooting and results in a game that requires the player to memorise level layout, enemy positions and to have expert timing.

Each level requires the player to collect a minimum number of "Nuke" containers and arresting criminals. The amount required is never mentioned, so it's not until the end of the level that you learn whether you succeeded. If you fail to collect the required amount then it's off to the shooting gallery for "calibration" where you must shoot the required number of targets within the time limit in order to continue playing.

To complicate matters, several levels have secret areas that must be found so that you can collect the Nuke hidden there else you won't be able to meet the level's minimum quota.

Perhaps what makes the game most challenging is the fact that Robocop has inertia; he gradually builds up speed the longer you hold down left or right on the joystick. This mechanic is used extensively as many platforms require you to be travelling at the correct speed and to jump at the correct time to make your way between platforms; get it wrong and you'll more than likely drop out of the bottom of the level, losing a life in the process.

The game culminates in a stand-off with the nuke-crazed Cain who has been transformed into Robocop 2. This is a 3-stage boss battle that puts the player on much more familiar territory - shoot the boss and avoid the bullets.

The graphical style of the game is a radical departure from the original game with garish colours and a much blockier art style. Overall, it's very well presented, especially the nice interlude graphics depicting Robocop crushing cartons of Nuke.

Due to the way the game is coded, sprites flicker when they overlap and can make them difficult to see. This is almost certainly going to appear in the YouTube video since it's converted to 30 frames per second.

The game was only released on cartridge with a retail value of £19.99, something that would have been difficult to justify and probably why I never had a copy.

In the end, this is a pretty good game with production values were well above average and packing in quite a number of levels.
#retrogaming

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