Roc'n Rope (c) 1983 Konami.
An incredibly difficult yet playable platform game featuring 4 different levels. The player takes on the role of a an archeologist whose mission it is to return the missing tail feathers to the golden Phoenix. The archeologist is armed with a harpoon gun and uses it to fire a rope into a platform above, in order to climb up the rope and progress up the level. This is vaguely similar to the superb 'telescopic arm' feature that appeared in Capcom's superb 'Bionic Commandos'.
All levels are patrolled by enemies in the form of dinosaurs and cavemen and all are deadly to the touch. Some cavemen will pull on the harpoon rope while the archeologist is climbing it. This will result in the player falling from the rope and losing a life. The archeologist is armed with a light ray that will kill the enemies.
A breakdown of the game's 4 levels :
* The 1st level is possibly the most difficult in the game. Players begin at the bottom left of the screen and must work their way up to the Roc, who is sitting at the upper right of the screen. There are many layers of ledges coming out from the sides of the screen. While the middle of the screen is open to the sky (except for a few floating platforms). To reach the top, players must use the harpoon gun to climb diagonally back and forth until they reach the top (ensuring that the Phoenix feathers have been collected on the way).
* The 2nd level is set underground. There are a lot of dinosaurs on this screen and far fewer platforms than on the first level. Many of the platforms stretch completely across the screen, so there aren't many pitfalls to be wary of. Once again, players must get the archeologist to the top of the screen to complete the level.
* The 3rd level is set outdoors. A 'ferris wheel' style rotating platform sits in the center of the screen, but this can be avoided if players don't wish to use it. The easiest route to the top is on the right-hand side of the level.
* The 4th and final level is shaped a little like a mountain. The player's main concern here is a large waterfall in the center of the screen. Players must time their harpoon climb just right to avoid being killed by the deadly waters. Once this level is finished, the game starts over with an increased level of difficulty.

>>> TECHNICAL DETAILS
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Roc'n Rope was only available in an upright configuration. This upright was in a wood-grained cabinet that was similar in construction to the 'Frogger' cabinet. The sideart was a large sticker showing an adventurer posing with a harpoon gun and a bird. The marquee shows this same adventurer firing his harpoon gun across a chasm at an unsuspecting dinosaur, while a cartoon caveman looks on suspiciously. The monitor bezel was unadorned, although most machines had a little instruction card underneath the glass. The control panel was a solid green and featured a single joystick mounted centrally, with two buttons to either side, which allowed for the game to be played with either hand.
Game ID : GX364
Main CPU : M6809 (@ 1.6 Mhz)
Sound CPU : Z80 (@ 1.789772 Mhz)
Sound Chips : (2x) AY8910 (@ 1.789772 Mhz), (6x) RC (@ 1.789772 Mhz)
Screen orientation : Vertical
Video resolution : 224 x 256 pixels
Screen refresh : 60.00 Hz
Palette colors : 32
Players : 2
Control : 4-way joystick
Buttons : 2

>>> TRIVIA
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Released in March 1983.

>>> TRICKS AND TIPS
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* Learn the angle at which you throw the rope : The rope is thrown at a very shallow angle. The rope ends up hown long distances. Learning this angle is the first step to mastering this game.
* Be careful of heights : If you fall a distance longer than the height of you character, that couns as a miss. Be careful when you fall.
* Use the rope to beat enemies : If you cut the rope when the enemy is hanging from it, you can beat the enemy. Attacking with the rope is extremely fun.
* Keep an eye on enemy movements : Right before the enemy moves up or down or hangs from the rope, the enemy always moves n a certain way. Learn the enemy's behavior and take action quickly.
* Make good use of the power food : Not only do you become invincible when you obtain the power food, but you also speed up! While taking out enemies is a good idea, you may want to consider traveling the level instead.

>>> GAME PORTS TO OTHER SYSTEMS
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* Consoles :
Colecovision (1983)
Sony PlayStation (1999, 'Konami Arcade Classics')
Nintendo DS (2007, 'Konami Classics Series - Arcade Hits')

>>> OTHER GAME RESOURCES
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Game's rom.