I first played In Search of Dr. Riptide on my friend's old PC, and it became an immediate favorite of mine. It was a good day when I got it for my self. In Search of Dr. Riptide is a side-scrolling underwater submarine game, in which you play a secret agent whose goal is to destroy the lab of the mad scientist Dr. Riptide. Only, to arrive at his secret lair, you must fight your way through his creations, booby-traps, and the sinister wildlife lurking in the deeps.
The unique feature of In Search of Dr. Riptide is the micro sub that you carry with you, the JASON. It has only small cannon, but it can slip into nooks and crannies that your main sub can't -- but be careful when you use it, because your main sub has to remain stationary while you're 'gone', and you have a limited amount of time before you have to return the JASON to recharge. The game developers did a good job on the level design to make this little sub work. You need the JASON often enough that it's got a point, but not too often that it takes away from your primary vehicle.
Each level requires you
to sneak or blast your way through to get a key, which will allow you to move on when you reach the end of the level. Along the way you need to keep an eye out for pieces of a super weapon for your sub, which will make defeating the final boss a LOT easier. And it's rather satisfying to blow him away! You can upgrade your primary sub's weapons as you go, which will be important as your enemies increase in difficulty.
There are two health bars that you'll need to keep your eye on: air and shield. Both can be recharged by collecting Power-Ups, and if you run out of either, you're dead. There are some levels that open onto the surface, and you can refill your air completely by surfacing, though it's usually not worth the time and effort.
The music can get a little repetitive, and some of the levels keep you in cramped spaces for a long time, which can get rather annoying, but overall it's a great game! It's a classic, along the lines of Commander Keen (in my memory, anyways). The graphics are bright and attractive, the levels' themes are interesting and varied, and it's challenging enough to keep you entertained without leaving you either bored or frustrated. Best in Class: 4/5.
