Huxley Pig Longplay (C64) [50 FPS]

Developed by Bizarre Developments and published by Alternative Software in 1990.

The game is based on the character, Huxley Pig, created by Rodney Peppé. The books were turned into an animated series shown on children's TV in UK in 1989, which is where most people will recognise the character from.

Huxley Pig is an anthropomorphic pig, who likes to day-dream about adventures and exciting professions. The game follows this premise closely as you endeavour to locate Huxley's toys and and corresponding uniforms inside his house.

Once the toy and uniform are collected, Huxley has to return to his bedroom to begin his day-dream. The day-dreams consist of a mini-game that gives you the chance to earn some bonus points.

Huxley owns a very big house and all that hunting for toys is hungry work. The sandwich meter in the bottom left of the screen indicates Huxley's hunger and you have to make trips to the kitchen to get more sandwiches if the meter starts to get too low.

Someone has left the front door to Huxley's house wide open and bugs have made their way inside. These things whizz about the floors of his house and reduce your score if you come into contact; Huxley can jump over them or on to certain items to avoid them, but they won't hurt him.

All of the main cast of characters from the cartoon are present. Vile Vincent, the vampire butler, guards the toy that Huxley must collect and Huxley must locate a crucifix to get past him. Horace the hamster occupies the attic and demands a wrench for you pass him, while Sydney the snake prowls the basement; if you touch him he bites you and your controls are reversed until you can find a first aid kit. Lastly, Sam the seagull occupies the ground floor of the house and he will steal the toy Huxley is carrying.

Of all the games Bizarre Developments created, I think this is probably the best. The graphics and overall presentation of the game are very good, particularly when staying true to the source material. The theme tune to the TV programme is present and there are some simple sound effects throughout.

The game was clearly pitched at audience of the TV show, which would have been young children and this is perfectly fine. It's a simple game with some exploration, fun mini-games and good presentation.

Bootnote: I think the graphic for the boat in the 3rd mini-game is glitched because it looks more like a Chinese Junk than a speedboat.

Enjoy!
#retrogaming