INTRODUCTION
Rocket Man was originally released for the 16K ZX81 by Software Farm in 1984. This a conversion of the game for the 16K ZX80 with the aim to look and play as close to the original as possible. The game contains all 6 levels of the originals, but unfortunately there wasn't room to include the vulture for levels 4-6 and so the rocket pack is used for all 6 levels. Aside from that, all other features of the original game are present in the ZX80 conversion. The overhead of the flicker-free mechanism means that the game runs slower than the ZX81 original, but still fast enough to be playable.
The constraints of the flicker-free mechanism meant that the original code couldn't be used as was but had to be completely rewritten. However, the existing logic flow has been accurately replicated to ensure the game play is the same as the original.
The game includes optional support for colour via the Chroma 80 SCART interface, and colour will be automatically enabled if detected (although it is possible to override this as indicated on-screen). A variety of key control options are available, along with support for the Kempston compatible joystick socket of the Chroma 80 interface.
As with my other ZX80 games, both the 4K ROM ZX80 and 8K ROM ZX80 are supported. When running on a ZX80 fitted with the 8K ROM, the graphics are identical to that of the original ZX81 game since the 8K ROM is the same as the ZX81 ROM. When running on a ZX80 fitted with the 4K ROM, the available pixel patterns are different and hence the game does not look identical to the 8K ROM version. However, there were sufficient pixel patterns available to give an impression of the original game's graphics, which at first glance look to be identical but a side by side comparison reveals they are different.
The games uses the Dual ROM Loading technique that allows a single program file to be loaded using either ROM.
APPEARANCE
A continuous display is maintained throughout the title, instructions menu and game screens, but a momentary flicker will occur when transitioning between lo-res and hi-res screens.
Screenshots of the 4K ROM version (with and without Chroma colour support) are shown below:
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| Title Screen (4K ROM) |
Menu Screen (4K ROM) |
Game Screen (4K ROM) |
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| Title Screen - Chroma (4K ROM) |
Menu Screen - Chroma (4K ROM) |
Game Screen - Chroma (4K ROM) |
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Screenshots of the 8K ROM version (with and without Chroma colour support) are shown below:
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| Title Screen (8K ROM) |
Menu Screen (8K ROM) |
Game Screen (8K ROM) |
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| Title Screen - Chroma (8K ROM) |
Menu Screen - Chroma (8K ROM) |
Game Screen - Chroma (8K ROM) |
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The screenshots of the 4K ROM and 8K ROM versions might look identical but they are actually different due to the variations in the pixel patterns available from each ROM.
DESCRIPTION
The aim of Rocket Man is to collect the diamonds on the ledges located on the far left of the screen. To do this, you must fly across using a rocket pack but first you must collect cans of fuel to power it. However, you are chased by a Bubloid - a weird bubble like creature that is determined to catch you. There are 6 levels and 3 types of Bubloid. An extra life is awarded for each 10,000 points scored, but only once you compelte the current level.
ENHANCEMENTS
A number of changes have been introduced to the game play over the original ZX81 version:
- There has not been room to retain the vulture for levels 4, 5 and 6, and so the rocket pack is also used for these levels.
- The number of lives remaining are now drawn at the start of a game.
- Bug fix - the wave was not drawn at the very right of the screen.
- Bug fix - the wave is repaired after you drop into it.
- Bug fix - the Bubloid would not always immediately start moving when beginning the next life.
- Bug fix - it was possible to jump off such that the player's head went off the top of the screen.
- The manner in which the bonus remaining after completing a level is counted down is different.
- Chroma colour support has been added.
- The option to redefine keys has been replaced with a selection of pre-defined keys and an option to use the joystick socket of the Chroma interface.
CONTROLS
The following controls are supported:
- Keys B, Z, Q, M and A.
- Keys 5, 6, 7, 8 and 0 (Cursor).
- Keys 6, 7, 8, 9, 0 (Sinclair).
- Keys Q, A, O, P and M.
- Keys Z, X, P, L and M.
- Chroma 80 / Kempston joystick.
Pressing SHIFT and H will pause the game. SHIFT and S will resume a paused game.
SCORING
Points are awarded as follows:
| Collect a fuel can | 100 |
| Collect a diamond | 1000 |
RELEASE
The game was released on cassette by Cronosoft on the 7th March 2025. The cassette features an inlay styled to match that of the cassette releases for ZX80 Pacman, ZX80 Kong and Rock Crush 80.
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Click here to download Rocket Man in dual ROM loading .O program format. [Version 1.00] |
The game file can be loaded into a ZX80 emulator running either the 4K ROM or the 8K ROM, but can also be loaded into a ZX81 emulator if it allows a .O file to be selected for the ZX81, e.g. the EightyOne emulator. Alternatively, the extension of the file can be renamed to .P81 should your ZX81 emulator support that format. However, if it does not then the 13 file name bytes at the beginning of the file (i.e. those bytes up to and including the first byte with bit 7 set) must be removed in order to convert it into a .P file. This can be done using any file byte editor.