Blitter Boy in Operation Monster Mall (Net Yaroze, 1998)
Think Super Rub 'a' Dub on PlayStation Network is original? No way. Blitter Boy was doing it almost ten years ago. Programmed by aguy named Chris Chadwick on the special debug PSone kit "Net Yaroze," the simple mechanic of leading a trail of characters (in this case babies) safely to a goal is in full effect here. It was so good, in fact, it won Chris a job at Codemasters.
Your task in the game is made more difficult by the cute translucent ghosts that make your babies cry (and break from the chain) if they're touched. Unlike the duck game, Blitter Boy can zap the ghosts, making for intense shooting fun while working to preserve your score-multiplying baby chain. Sure, you can lead one baby at a time to the central transporter, but the challenge (and score bonus) lies in getting all the babies to the goal at once. Just like Super Rub 'a' Dub, only miles better.
Above: You'll have to skip 2:15 forward if you want to see the game in action. Don't blame Retrobot, he'll cry
With simple power-ups, increasing difficulty and addictive score-based gameplay, Blitter Boy is a winner. And finding the fruit gun and turning ghosts into bonus produce with a stream of rainbow color is one of gaming's most simple pleasures. If you can find the old Official UK PlayStation Magazine demo disc with the Yaroze compilation on it (it's the one with the Metal Gear Solid logo on the front), you're in for a treat. Do also try Bouncer 2 for more Yaroze score attack fun.
