James Pond Codename Robocod

I first got this game way back in Xmas 1992, which is rather appropriate coz it's a very Xmasy game. Pond's villain Doctor Maybe has seized control of Santa's workshop in the North Pole, kidnapped his workers & halted toy production. Obviously someone has 2 save Xmas so F.I.5.H. send James Pond 2 the rescue.

The object of the game is 2 rescue Santa's workers in all departments of his toy empire (sports toys, candy, bath toys, musical instruments, toy cars) while avoiding Doctor Maybe's minions & collecting zillions of fun, random objects 4 points.

I have not played the original Genesis version in a few years but recently bought the gameboy advance version. The GBA release is faster & features redesigned levels (still the same themes & colors) but I was sad 2 see that there is no snowfall on the outside of the Santa's castle & that the bonuses underground were no longer accessible. The only one of the original cheats that remains is the invincibility code (on the roof of the castle collect the Cake, Hammer, Earth, Apple, Tap in that order) but it only lasts 4 a few minutes now instead of being permanent.

The ending also cuts off pretty quickly instead of showing us Doctor Maybe escaping 2 the moon (which leads 2 James Pond 3). But the final score screen says 'theme completed', which confused me. I have no idea what it means.

The best thing about this game is Richard Joseph's impossibly cute music. The main Robocod theme is a brilliant alternate version of Basil Poledouris' Robocop score & the main Robocod jingle is THE most whistleable tune EVER. I first heard that jingle 13 years ago & I can't get it out of my head.

Definitely a keeper 4 James Pond fans but James Pond 3: Operation Starfish is even better an really ought 2 be remade of the GBA. Come on...where is it??? And just so you know an even more updated version of this game is due out on Dec 9th 2005 4 the Nintendo DS. It will feature touch screen interaction, second screen status, location displays & a save system 2 replace those lengthy passwords.

Pond is back!! James pond is a gaming legend & a retro classic featuring the famous debonair fish in this upgraded fast paced action platform adventure. Now armed with the highly anticipated Robocod Expandosuit along with power-ups such as "Bullet Proof Armor", "Wing Attachments" & "Power Start", James Pond must take on the evil Doctor Maybe by defusing the bombs attached 2 the elves that had been owrking in Mr. S Claus' North Pole factories.