Jack The Nipper (1986)(Gremlin Graphics) ROM

ZX Spectrum (Tapes) / ZX TAP ROMs

Rating: 5/5

Jack the nipper is a classic puzzle adventure game for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64 & MSX home computers, released in 1986 by UK based Gremlin Graphics You play as the titular Jack, a 'Sweeney Toddler' (old British comic book character) inspired naughty little kid on his quest to cause as much trouble as he possibly can whilst avoiding the wrath of parents, grown ups and people in animal suits and other costumes (I'm assuming here, the 8 bit graphics require using a little imagination in places). You progress through the game in classic 8 bit puzzle adventure style, i.e find the thing to combine with the other thing which does the thing you're trying to do. jack can also shoot the enemies with his peashooter once he has found it, although this is not a great idea until you have achieved what you need to do in the room as it will cause whoever you shoot to head straight for you and stick to you until you get out of the room. Solving the puzzles and shooting enemies will add to your naughtyometer, which you are trying to fill to complete the game. If jack is caught by his parents or other enemies he'll get a spanking, which I guess makes him wet his nappy as it causes his rash meter to fill up, or maybe the rash it refers to is the cumulative effect of all those spankings, O.o anyway once the rash meter is full you lose a life, and one of the 5 little evilly smiling Jacks at the bottom of the screen will change to show a decidedly unhappy looking little jack with a sore bottom, once all 5 Jacks have sore bums, its game over and you have to start again. All in all a quite fun little puzzle adventure to waste an hour or so on from time to time. It's not too long and can be finished quickly once you know what you're doing, although like most adventure games, some of the puzzles can be a little obtuse and most likely will have you reaching for a walkthrough before the end.