Turmoil (1984 video game)

Infobox VG
title = Turmoil


developer = David Turner
publisher = Bug-Byte
designer =
engine =
version =
released = vgy|1984
genre = Platform game
modes = Single player
ratings = N/A
media = Compact Cassette
requirements =
input = Keyboard, Joystick
platforms = Sinclair Spectrum

Turmoil is a computer game released in vgy|1984 for the ZX Spectrum by Bug Byte.

The player takes control of Mechanic Mick as he attempts to build various cars by stealing oil from an oil refinery.Citation|last=Mortimer|first=June|title=Soft Spot: Turmoil|newspaper=Sinclair Programs|date=January 1985]

Gameplay

The playing area is comprised of a number of platforms, ladders, conveyor belts and swinging ropes which Mick must negotiate. First he must collect an oil can, which he must take to a tap which is dripping oil. The oil that has been collected must be taken to the garage. Once there Mick can empty his can, a drop at a time, to fill his car. The car is invisible initially, and is built up as each drop of oil is deposited. On the first level the car is a Mini, but as on subsequent levels the cars become more sleek and expensive.Citation|title=Turmoil Review|newspaper=CRASH|date=December 1984]

Also present on each level are a number of enemies (resembling Arabs) who will attack Mick and cause him to lose a life. Unlike other platform games, the main character cannot jump by himself, but must fall onto one of the springs which are present on each level to bounce to a different platform. The Arabs will also make use of the ladders, ropes and springs.Citation|last=Nicholls|first=Dave|last2=Willis|first2=Roger|title=Turmoil Review|newspaper=Your Spectrum|date=February 1985]

Reception

Reviews were overwhelmingly positive. CRASH gave the game 90% (a "CRASH Smash"), while Your Spectrum called it a "Hit" with 3.5/5.

Dave Nicholls of Your Spectrum said that "The springs are a great idea.", and CRASH called it a "slick, well excecuted program".

Retrogaming website "Retro View", despite commenting on the politically incorrect nature of using Arabs as enemies, claims that "when it comes to pure, fun-filled platforming on the speccy, they don't come much better than Turmoil - the 'It's a Knockout' of 8-bit videogaming" and decided that "Turmoil earned a Crash Smash on its release, and in my opinion, it was well deserved." giving it an overall rating of 93%. [cite web|url=http://www.mameworld.net/retroview/spectrum/turmoil.htm|title=Turmoil Review|publisher=Retro View|accessdate=2008-03-14]

Remake

In 2002 an unofficial version for Microsoft Windows was developed by Steven Watson and Ric Lumb for Space-time Games. In the new version, named "Turmoil PC", the "Arabs" are replaced by robots. [cite web|url=http://www.spacetimegames.co.uk/iframe/turmoil.htm|title=Turmoil PC|accessdate=2008-03-14]

References

External links

*WoS game|id=0005471|name=Turmoil
*" [http://www.spacetimegames.co.uk/iframe/turmoil.htm Turmoil PC] " at [http://www.spacetimegames.co.uk/ Space-time Games]