Shovel Duck II (2024)
a COMMERCIAL game by ‘KTP RCP’ for ZX Spectrum
Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan
What should you do if you see a duck charging at you with a shovel in its possession? You, our dear reader, have three options to pick from: run, duck, or join the adventure. Picked option three? Great choice, because ‘Dollar Bill’ is back, and he’s got a gold mine from their late uncle. Reaching the mine, however, is just the start.
DUCK LIKE JAGGER!
In ‘Shovel Duck 2’ Bill’s adventure takes him deep into a hazardous mine filled with burning rocks and pesky worms. This platforming puzzle-adventure will test your wits and reflexes as you navigate dangerous terrain and search for hidden treasures. Once Bill finds the shovel, they can dig through blue rocks by pressing and holding the jump button upon landing.
Some rocks take multiple hits, so stay alert. Time is of the essence because the ground and ceiling close in. Adding to the digging festivities, you can brace yourself for cameos from other miner games, often blocking your path in unexpected ways. The game’s difficulty is in its timing, so you need to get it just right. Practice makes perfect, so keep at it and don’t throw away your shovel too early.
As for controls, they are fairly simple. Also, Bill’s unique duck abilities allow him to bounce up walls, but to stop bouncing you need to hold a directional key and slide down. In the air, you can adjust Bill’s direction mid-jump, making tricky platforming sections more manageable. Good news is that the game runs smoothly on most Spectrum emulators, including FUSE and ZXDS, with changeable controls and joystick support.
Conclusion
The game delivers a challenging platforming puzzle-adventure as Bill explores a mysterious gold mine. With bouncing mechanics and secret paths, every level offers new surprises. Ready to unearth secrets and have a blast?
