TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD 
1-8 players, horizontal game 
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx 
$34.95 
Stereo? No 
OVERVIEW:
Okay, let's get the novelty out of the way: TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME
WORLD is the first eight-player video game ever created. That aside,
you play the role of Todd the explorer, who's trapped inside a planet
made of disgusting green slime. There are six scenarios, and most of
them requires you to climb, jump, slide, and fly to the exit, while
grabbing as much treasure as possible on the way (when playing with
friends, one scenario has you hunting the other players to be the last
one alive).
Todd starts off with a water pistol and a computer-generated map. As
Todd explores Slime World, he will find valuable slime gems and
assorted tools such as shields, jet packs, or megabombs. Todd will
also get coated in the gunk, whether it's from dripping ceilings or
attacks from numerous creatures. The creatures can be dispatched with
the water gun, but too much slime is fatal, so you must keep Todd
clean. Even then, the trip is very dangerous; an unlimited number of
lives are available, and pausing the game gives a six-character
password to let you continue at a later date. A built-in tutorial
makes learning easier.
GAMEPLAY:
This game is HUGE. Most of the caverns used in the scenarios are
hundreds of screens large, and require literally hours to reach the
exit. You'll often look at the computer map, think you're near the
end, explore a bit further, then find a larger expanse of uncharted
territory ahead. There's quite a lot to look at, also: waterfalls of
slime, rubbery slime to bounce on, slippery slime, giant pools of
slimy water. SLIME WORLD's creatures will fly, hop, and jump all over,
hoping to either coat you in the ooze, eat you alive, or simply stick
to your face. The six different levels are somewhat distinctive; some
emphasize arcade-type action, while others require careful exploring
and thinking.
As large and varied as it is, SLIME WORLD's weakest point is the lack
of repeatability. It's biggest attraction is the appeal of exploring
the unknown.  Once you eventually finish a scenario, there is little
motivation to try it again, as the layout and contents never change; a
randomly-generated level would have helped immensely. While the "hunt
the other players" mission is very enjoyable, the other levels feature
little direct interaction, and do not benefit greatly when ComLynxed.
Exploring Slime World is fun, but it's after the exploration ends that
the fun wanes.
GRAPHICS/SOUND:
SLIME WORLD's slime effect is convincing and impressive, with
glistening, unidentifiable clumps throughout, all oozing and pulsating
in real time. Todd himself is highly animated, and can be clearly seen
throwing bombs, using equipment, and performing whatever else you
want. Creatures and other objects are also done well, though not
nearly as animated as Todd. In a multiplayer game, your character has
blonde hair while other players are brunettes.
Sounds are interesting, though ultimately not as exciting. Aside from
the title theme, game music consists of repeating clips, ranging from
short tunes to near-random beeps, that change periodically. Sound
effects are a bit better, though a crowd of slime creatures in tight
quarters can quickly produce a jarring kalidescope of noise.
SUMMARY:
TODD'S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD will appeal mostly to players who
enjoy the idea of exploring every nook and cranny of its vast, gooey
terrain. For others, however, the appeal is not as distinct; depending
on personal preferences and the availability of friends, the value of
this card will vary significantly.
 GAMEPLAY: 7 
 GRAPHICS: 8.5 
 SOUND  : 6 
 OVERALL : 7 
From: ST+ diskmag issue 22
... catfish@wingnet.net or http://surf.to/troy >310 hits!
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