The graphics are superb. This is CVG about Jetpac (1983) for the ZX Spectrum.

I rediscovered its relevance playing Rare Replay (2015) on XBOX One: I played it when I was 10 but, despite so much time has passed, I can't remember that was any 'superb' and nowadays I can't manage to give a positively objective opinion about that game. But why?

Because Jetpac is in the middle of an historical subjectivity crossroad. First: I've played that game in 90's and I had a Commodore 64 too. 1990 is the year of Creatures (1990), a masterpiece of 8-bit graphics still now, so it's quite obvious I almost forgot Jetpac.

Second: the Commodore 64 existed in 1983 too and that was the year of Spy Hunter, Super Pipeline and Donkey Kong, all technically outstanding and way better than Jetpac but on ZX Spectrum Jetpac showed smoother graphics and playability than other good games on the same platform, like Stop The Express (1983). So Jetpac is 'graphically superb' for its year on its platform and, cherry on top, since the ZX Spectrum was launched on 1982 Jetpac is like our 'gourgeous looking game at launch', which everybody use to remember.

We tend to ignore platforms purposes and limits nowadays, pretending 'console quality' performances everywhere and some kind of genre uniformity. But isn't ignoring these differences making us a little more unaware of people and things and less flexible?

Plot!

Pollution is making the earth unlivable so Jim started looking for an habitable exoplanet. He crashed on Planet Stage 1 and now he must rebuild his rocket and refuel it in order to continue his journey! Use LEFT/RIGHT for moving Jim and UP for switching on his jetpac. Use A BUTTON for firing with our laser.

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