This Blagger review is based on the BBC B version of the game. Blagger is one of those traditional platform games, collect and exit. Similar games are Manic Miner, Jets Set Willy, Rupert in the Ice Castle and Pharaos Curse. The games objective is for you to collect all the keys to be able to open the safe.
What strikes me in these type of games is how the creativity and diversity display in the different levels. Daring to say that the number of level setups you would be able to create are unlimited.
The game itself is simple, you just play and do not spend tons of time in getting ready for the experience. Simple controls, left, right and jump.
There are some glitches in the game leting you get through the walls. Or are these also well thought of shortcuts? I have atleast not been able to figure out how it works.
Spending some hours on this game will actually make you more happy if you are into 8bit gaming. Well worth. I recommend to play it on Commodore 64 on the original hardware, best in class in my opinion.
In the Magazines
Just one more go…
FEEL in the mood for some thieving? Like to rob a safe or two? Well Blagger gives you the chance. As Roger the Dodger, Intrepid master burglar, you have four lives and 20 different screens to search for golden
keys in houses, shops and banks. Spectrum owners have made a lot of fuss recently about a game called Jet Set Willy, but I’m certain that Blagger would give it a run for its money. It’s nothing if not addictive, and a great deal of patience and thought are required in order to work out how to get through each scene. Some surfaces disappear as you walk over them,
mysterious gooseberry-like objects kill you if you touch them and sundry nasties such as spaceships, humbugs, gnashing teeth, locomotives and RG signs must be avoided. Don’t ask me what RG stands for, I don’t know. After collecting all the golden keys from the safes on one screen you have to reach a safety zone before the game progresses to the next level. This is difficult if you’ve eroded away the only escape route while collecting the keys I Also there’s a time limit for each screen, which adds to the fun. The game is a winner and is very much a “just one more go” piece of software.
The program makes good use of colour and graphics although the sound can sometimes get a little irritating4 The keys are easy to use, the instructions clear and the game itself very enjoyable, sure to give many hours of entertainment Steve Yarvvood
By Steve Yarwood in Electron User Vol 1 Nr 12 September 1984
From the Covers
Age: 11 PLUS
Follow the exploits of Roger the Dodger, master burglar, as he works his way through numerous buildings – searching for the golden keys, robbing safe after safe but always on the alert to the many obstacles and alarm systems and those spooky, cooky nightwatchmen. When one screen is cleaned out you move to the next level in an endless pattern of banks, shops and houses.
20 Screens 4 Lives
Blagger Front Cover
Other Versions of Blagger
The game was released on, Commodore 64, Acorn Electron, MSX, Amstrad CPC and BBC B, Commodore 16/Plus/4 and Amstrad PCW.