No.19: River Rescue - Thorn EMI

Despite being compared to River Raid upon release, River Rescue, converted from an Atari 400/800 original is a superb game in it’s own right, and perhaps even better than River Raid.

Scrolling horizontally, the river rushes towards the player's boat at a furious pace. Crocodiles and logs are the main obstructions although the jagged shore itself is often more of a threat. Yet it is River Rescue's brilliant risk-reward mechanic that I love. Dock with one of the occasional berths to the north and an imperiled scientist climbs aboard. They must then be transported to another berth on the south side, and with the score doubling for each rescued scientist, a brave pilot must decide whether to take the gamble and collect another passenger. If you lose a life, everybody on board is lost.

I discovered River Rescue when it was rereleased by Alternative for a bargain price of £1.99. It’s still great fun today.

Thanks to www.spectrumcomputing.co.uk for images.