HOMEBREW REVIEW - Painter Cartridge Edition [Atari Jaguar]

Here we are again with another brand new game for the black cat, while this is a re-release of a game that was released 6 years ago there is a lot to be excited about as not only is this that same game but including over 100 new levels. Thats a total of 280 levels to play through making this one of the most extensive new games in the last 2 years for the Jaguar and a homebrew to boot. Is this game a must play if you have a Jaguar? Hell yes. It doesn’t look like much you say? Well it won’t compare to next gen games but it has a lot of appeal and I’m going to tell why you shouldn’t pass this one up.

Graphics: 60/100
First off this game isn’t going to win any awards for graphic intensity as the graphics are very simple but for the most part they are crisp and as clean as you would expect from small sprites and lines on a jet black background. This game in essence is very retro sharing much in common with an old game called Qix. It’s bright and clean thats all that really matters.

Sound: 78/100
The first thing you will notice about this title is the music, it’s pretty damn good for PCM mods of yesteryear and they generally do not become repetitive or ear wracking which is a big plus as generally some homebrew games lack in the audio department. The sound effects are clean and appropriate for the game including the very satisfying cheers you hear when you complete a level.

Gameplay: 89/100
Now this is where the game really shines, it’s a blast to play. The game play is simple, you have to fill in the spaces by outlining the shapes that make up the levels (remember Qix?) while avoiding the blue monsters that chase you around the grids. The tension really builds in the later levels where you have to deal with 2-3 monsters and the clock, it definitely adds to the excitement.

Replay: 95/100
This game has a lot of re-playability because it is massive, 280 levels will have you playing for quite some time plus it’s also a game that relatively easy to just pick up and play and a password system makes sure that you can pick up where you left off.

Overall this is one of the best releases for the Atari Jaguar in 2008 and a welcome edition to any rabid Jag fans collection, even for those who never really got into the Jag if you have a friend with a Jag then I’d definitely recommend you tell them to get ti and try it out as you won’t regret it.

The game can be purchased on Jaguar Sector II Forums