Page 23 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #5

the occasional wall cracks. The music and sound effects,
in my opinion are great. The background music, albeit re-
curring, is a very catchy tune, and has stayed with me
throughout the years. The effects--The Glue Shot, you
and footpairs getting stuck, the train whistle, the train get-
ting stuck, picking up the food, and even the car echo
while walking through the tunnels. There is even a little
tune while riding the train. All of these just add charm to
the game.
Best of all, this game is non-linear. Each time you play,
the door pieces, the key, the Glue Packs, and the food are
randomly located. What I like to do is see how quickly I
can complete the game. My best time is just under 25
minutes. Believe me, I tried breaking 20 minutes, but I just
do not think it is possible, unless all items are very close
to one another; I
have yet to be that
lucky. Also, I think Roland’s Rat Race Tips
the game knows not
to have too many • Never pick up any food when you
items within a small have full or next to full energy. As
distance of each said previously, all excess is not
other. put into any reserve, but simply
I still play this wasted.
game, even after
completing it several • Regarding the food, remember
times. where you are seeing it, as you do
I guess it’s an origi- not want to be wandering aim-
nal, and can even lessly with your energy getting
match up against any of today's 64 and 128 bit games. I guarantee if this game low.
was released for the DC, N64, or PSX2, it would be a best seller.
If you have just acquired a 64, or have been the long-time 64 freak much like • Use the Glue liberally but spar-
me, this is one game you ingly at the same time. In saying
should definitely play. You that, it is better to use your Glue
How to Cheat Like a Rat: will see just how fun a than to use your energy waiting
game can be. for a footpair to move on. Also, it
Want unlimited lives and glue? is possible to run out of Glue try-
ing to stop the footpairs every time
Enter “YOUNG.ONES” at the high score you see them. Looking at your
screen. The entry will change to "CHEET. arrangement and quickly thinking
MODE" to confirm correct code entry. will resolve any potential loss.

• The train is there for you to use.
As said, this will get you from one
place to another much quicker
So, what exactly is a Roland Rat? than just walking, saving on en-
ergy.
You British readers may move on to another article if you like while I enlighten
the rest of the population. • You can "reset" the footpairs by
In 1983 the U.K.’s “Good Morning Britain” (virtually identical to the U.S.’s exiting and re-entering a screen.
“Good Morning America TV news show) needed a ratings shake-up (or, in this This helps while waiting for the
case, a rat-ings shake-up). Why they thought a puppet would save an adult TV train to arrive, or to get that item
show is beyond me, but what do I know? The character proved so popular; rat that cannot be reached without
mania ensued! The Rat even had two UK Top 40 records in 1983 and 1984 - “Rat being pestered.
Rapping” and “Love Me Tender” (Check Napster if you feel you can’t live without
these ditties).
Roland hangs out with such distin- • There is a pattern (only one path)
guished luminaries as Glenis the to get to the sewer entrance.
Guinea Pig, Errol the Hamster and Some tunnels and entrance/exits
Kevin the Gerbil (insert your own joke are dead ends. This pattern can
here). become memorable upon continu-
So now you know the rest of the ous play. In the sewers, the tun-
story! nels are a longer way to get from
one point to another. There are
Trivia: Roland Rat was introduced by some tunnels, however, that will
future Teletubbies creator, Anne lessen the trip. Also, there are
Wood. specific screens which should be
used for your train departure. This
can be discovered throughout
-Chris Cavanaugh
Roland and Friends play.
Classic Gamer Magazine December 2000 23