Mudpies

The Good
Mudpies was one of a number of quality releases by Microdeal for the Dragon made after Dragon data went bust. The game has tended to be overshadowed by graphically superior games developed around this time such as Time Bandit, Touchstone, Downland and Cashman, all of which were fantastic games that pushed the limits of the 6809 machines and showed at last what was possible with the machine.The game has hugely impressive sound, and enough variation in its gameplay to make you want to keep playing. A quality collision detection is essential in such games and again Mudpies delivers to a tee. The game is relatively easy to start, perhaps a little to easy, but the progression through the levels is well pitched. A nice change to shoot em ups- who doesn't love clowns- the game appeals to all ages.

The Bad
If anything lets the game down it is the graphics, which are serviceable but nothing more. Strategically it is pretty simple to work out, perhaps too simple but in a time where games tended to be shoot em ups or platform games, it is nice to see a bit of variation- not every game should involve hours trying to crack one screen. I guess they could have put more variety with an extra screen or challenge beyond the bonus round, and at times it feels like a pre release Beta version with one more level to add.

The Bottom Line
Fun, addictive but it won't blow you away.