Baby Tending with a Twist
Where in the world can you find a decent hospital where the nurses have to worry about babies jumping out of their cradles and crawling to their doom? You do in this game, and once you play this game, you can see why it is called Mad Nurse. Developed by Simon Pick, "Mad Nurse" was unleashed upon the Commodore 64 gaming community in 1986, delivering a unique and challenging gaming experience. In this review, we will explore the peculiar world of Mad Nurse, where a group of nurses must contend with adventurous babies in an eccentric hospital setting. We'll also unveil some valuable cheat codes to help players master this frantic game.
In Mad Nurse, you find yourself in charge of six trainee nurses - Brenda Bumwash, Fiona Feedface, Lucy Lovealot, Nina Nightnurse, Cathy Cuddlecare, and Tracy Toetickler. These nurses are entrusted with the safety and well-being of the babies in the ward they are assigned to. However, these babies are not your typical sleepy infants. They tend to hop out of their cradles and embark on adventures that often lead to mischief.
As the nurse, your primary objective is to grab each adventurous baby and return them safely to their cradle. Sounds easy, right? Think again. The hospital ward is fraught with dangers for the babies. There are electrical sockets where the babies can stick their curious fingers and get electrocuted, and medicines that the babies can consume if they happen to stumble upon them during their escapades. Your role is to protect the babies from these hazards and ensure they stay safe.
Hospital Hazards
The hospital ward is divided into three sections, accessible through an elevator. This elevator, although convenient, adds another layer of complexity. Babies can accidentally fall down the elevator shaft, adding another peril for the nurses to manage. Strangely enough, if a nurse spends too much time in the elevator, she too can fall through the bottom and meet a grim fate.
Besides rescuing babies, each nurse has a round of stun gas at her disposal. When used, this gas sends shockwaves throughout the ward, freezing babies in their tracks and turning them bright green for a brief period. This technique is invaluable for nurses dealing with babies dangerously close to hazards. While stunned, the nurses can swiftly pick them up and return them to their cradles.
The hospital doesn't tolerate negligence. If a nurse allows a baby to wander off unattended three times, she will be fired for neglecting her duties, and another trainee nurse will take her place. This adds an extra layer of pressure to the game, as players must strive to maintain the highest level of care and attentiveness.
Gameplay Mechanics
Controlling the nurses in Mad Nurse is relatively straightforward. Use the joystick to move the nurse left and right to change direction, move it up to pick up babies or to elevate to the upper level, and move it down to place the babies in their cradles or to descend to the lower level. Medals, which can be picked up by running into them, can help nurses keep their energy up and maintain their rounds.
Challenging Progression
The game becomes progressively more challenging as players advance through the wards. In Ward 1, the babies crawl slowly, but in Ward 11, they move much faster, adding a layer of complexity that keeps players engaged.
In summary, Mad Nurse for the Commodore 64 is a unique and challenging game that offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of gaming. It blends a quirky storyline with captivating gameplay, and the need for quick reflexes and strategy. For those looking to revisit or discover this classic game, we've compiled some valuable cheat codes to enhance your Mad Nurse experience.
Cheat Codes
(Note: Cheats may vary depending on the version and emulator)
Infinite Stun Gas: To have an unlimited supply of stun gas, press and hold 'F1,' then type 'GAS' while holding the 'F1' key. Release 'F1,' and you'll have an inexhaustible arsenal of stun gas.
Baby Teleportation: Tired of chasing babies around? Press 'F1' and type 'TELEPORT' while holding 'F1' to instantly teleport any baby back to its cradle.
Skip Levels: If you find a level too challenging, press 'F1' and type 'SKIP' while holding 'F1' to advance to the next level.
These cheat codes can add an extra layer of fun and help you master the game more easily. However, remember that using cheats may take away from the challenge and thrill of Mad Nurse. Use them wisely to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and entertainment.
Finale-o-rama
In conclusion, Mad Nurse by Simon Pick is a unique and captivating addition to the Commodore 64 gaming library. Its charmingly absurd premise and challenging gameplay make it a timeless classic, while cheat codes can offer a fresh perspective for those who want to explore the game's depths without the fear of getting fired as a neglectful nurse. Dive back into the world of Mad Nurse and see if you can keep those adventurous babies out of trouble!
