Lost In Translation/Roc'n Rope

From ExoticA

Roc'n Rope
Manufacturer	Konami
Released	1983
Control Method	4-way Joystick 2 Button(s)
Main CPU	M6809 (@ 1.600 MHz) Z80 (@ 1.790 MHz)
Sound CPU	Mono (2x) AY-3-8910A (@ 1.790 MHz) (6x) RC Filter
Video Details	Raster (Vertical) 256 x 224 pixels 60.00 Hz 32 Palette colours
Screens	1
ROM Info	16 ROMs 98,848 bytes (96.53 KiB)
MAME ID	rocnrope · rocnropk

Contents 1 About The Game 1.1 Additional Technical Information 1.2 Trivia 1.3 Tips and tricks 2 Cabinet and Artwork 3 Ports

About The Game

An incredibly difficult yet playable platform game featuring 4 different levels. The player takes on the role of a an archeologist whose mission it is to return the missing tail feathers to the golden Phoenix. The archeologist is armed with a harpoon gun and uses it to fire a rope into a platform above, in order to climb up the rope and progress up the level. This is vaguely similar to the superb 'telescopic arm' feature that appeared in Capcom's superb "Bionic Commandos".

All levels are patrolled by enemies in the form of dinosaurs and cavemen and all are deadly to the touch. Some cavemen will pull on the harpoon rope while the archeologist is climbing it. This will result in the player falling from the rope and losing a life. The archeologist is armed with a light ray that will kill the enemies.

A breakdown of the game's 4 levels :

• The 1st level is possibly the most difficult in the game. Players begin at the bottom left of the screen and must work their way up to the Roc, who is sitting at the upper right of the screen. There are many layers of ledges coming out from the sides of the screen. While the middle of the screen is open to the sky (except for a few floating platforms). To reach the top, players must use the harpoon gun to climb diagonally back and forth until they reach the top (ensuring that the Phoenix feathers have been collected on the way).

• The 2nd level is set underground. There are a lot of dinosaurs on this screen and far fewer platforms than on the first level. Many of the platforms stretch completely across the screen, so there aren't many pitfalls to be wary of. Once again, players must get the archeologist to the top of the screen to complete the level.

• The 3rd level is set outdoors. A 'ferris wheel' style rotating platform sits in the center of the screen, but this can be avoided if players don't wish to use it. The easiest route to the top is on the right-hand side of the level.

• The 4th and final level is shaped a little like a mountain. The player's main concern here is a large waterfall in the center of the screen. Players must time their harpoon climb just right to avoid being killed by the deadly waters. Once this level is finished, the game starts over with an increased level of difficulty.

Additional Technical Information

Players : 2

Control : 4-way joystick

Buttons : 2

Trivia

Released in March 1983.

Tips and tricks

• Learn the angle at which you throw the rope : The rope is thrown at a very shallow angle. The rope ends up hown long distances. Learning this angle is the first step to mastering this game.

• Be careful of heights : If you fall a distance longer than the height of you character, that couns as a miss. Be careful when you fall.

• Use the rope to beat enemies : If you cut the rope when the enemy is hanging from it, you can beat the enemy. Attacking with the rope is extremely fun.

• Keep an eye on enemy movements : Right before the enemy moves up or down or hangs from the rope, the enemy always moves n a certain way. Learn the enemy's behavior and take action quickly.

• Make good use of the power food : Not only do you become invincible when you obtain the power food, but you also speed up! While taking out enemies is a good idea, you may want to consider traveling the level instead.

Cabinet and Artwork

Roc'n Rope flyer.

Kosuka's Roc'n Rope flyer.

Ports

Consoles 

Colecovision (1983)

Sony PlayStation (1999, "Konami Arcade Classics")