Switchblade

A crumbling world, a hero with a blade and a maze of corridors you must fight your way through — Switchblade is an action platformer that on the Amstrad CPC bets on fast gameplay, close-quarters combat and exploration of sprawling levels. It's a title that will grab anyone who likes it when a platformer puts up resistance.

The heart of the gameplay is a combination of jumping, fighting and finding your way through a rugged environment. It's not enough to just run to the right — you must explore nooks, destroy obstacles and advance through a level structure that resembles a maze more than a linear track. This depth set the better 8-bit platformers apart from the ones you forgot the moment you finished them.

The combat system bet on close contact: your weapon is a tool of both attack and defense, and the timing of blows plays a crucial role. Together with the need to watch the environment and react to enemies, this produces a game that demands attention and a little patience before you master its rhythm.

Visually Switchblade benefits from the darker, industrial atmosphere that suits this type of action platformer. On the CPC, which could offer a more colorful image than some rival 8-bits, the environment got a fittingly grim tint that underscores the feeling that you're battling through an inhospitable world.

For today's player, Switchblade is a reminder of an era when platformers weren't meant merely to entertain but also to test. If you're looking for action that won't let you catch your breath and rewards you for overcoming its hazards, this game will give you exactly that feeling.

Why play it: For a demanding action platformer with an emphasis on combat and exploration that will please fans of a tougher 8-bit challenge.