James Pond 2: Codename Robocod
| Developer: Vectordean | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Millennium | Sound: |
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| Year: 1991 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Platformer | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 1 | Rating: |
8/10 | |
Dr. Maybe has sabotaged Santa’s toy factory! Uncool!
James Pond is heading for the North Pole!
Barring a few exceptions, the Amiga doesn’t exactly shine when it comes to “classic” platformers like Mario or Sonic. It’s a genre that demands precision character control. The commands need to be simple, responsive, and intuitive. And let’s face it—how is a single-button joystick supposed to compete with a console controller?
James Pond 2 managed to pull it off. Don’t ask me how. Our little fishy hero stretches infinitely, clings to ceilings to reach higher ground, jumps, runs, and flies—all at breakneck speed and with surprising ease.
And, as in all good platformers, there’s a treasure trove of hidden secrets for the curious player: bonuses galore and a delightful selection of quirky vehicles. Who ordered a flying bathtub?
That said, there’s one thing I just don’t get. The game takes hours to complete, yet there’s no save function? Not even a password to pick up where you left off? You’re expected to finish it all in one sitting? Thankfully, emulators exist to save us from such madness…
Fun fact: the game is sponsored by the biscuit brand Pingouin!
The AGA and CD32 versions were released in 1993.
In a similar vein, check out Castle of Illusion (Sega Genesis, 1990).
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