Emu’s Massive Hunt (2024)

a FREE game by ‘Andy Hewitt’ for VIC-20
published by ‘The Future was 8bit’

Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan

‘Emu’s Massive Hunt’ is indeed a massive game, and it indeed features an emu. Are these the ultimate components for a new 2024 VIC game hit?

THERE’S SOMEBODY AT THE DOOR!

Emu’s Massive Hunt features none other than British comedian Rod Hull’s famous (or infamous?) puppet, Emu, who must rescue Rod from the clutches of the witch ‘Grotbags’. Hull and Emu were iconic figures in British comedy; they were known for their hilarious and over-the-top antics. This game plays on that nostalgia, placing players in the colourful world of the ‘Pink Windmill’. Players guide Emu through 64 locations and have to collect a total of 255 items. These include a snorkel for underwater breathing, a pickaxe, and boots for double jumping. The main goal is to find 15 green jellies to unlock the jelly door and rescue Rod. The game offers three difficulty levels, catering to various skill levels by adjusting lives and jelly requirements. And all of this in a game for the VIC-20? That’s pretty massive, considering the system’s limitations, my dear friends. To be honest, it doesn’t run on a plain VIC-20 and needs a memory extension, but that is more than doable.

The Pink Windmill, now overrun with monsters, serves as the setting where our bird must navigate while collecting items. Dashing into monsters changes their direction, but timing is crucial, as Emu becomes vulnerable once the dash ends.

Jumping on monsters can also help reach higher platforms. The game encourages exploration & experimentation, so do that!

Conclusion

It’s cool to see innovative, fresh games. EMH smartly captures the essence of the VIC-20 while introducing new players to the world of Hull and Emu. Immerse yourself into the Pink Windmill, collect those jellies, and rescue Rod in this great adventure. If you are overwhelmed, don’t worry. Even Australia lost a war against emus in 1932. And if you can’t get enough, go and buy the tape.

Link: https://hewco.itch.io/emh