Is the foreman impressed by driving in reverse? (CAT Construction (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	CAT Construction (GB)
Date:	28/01/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple gameplay

Disadvantages: Short duration, Minimum challenge

"Caterpillar Construction Zone" is a children's action title released to the Gameboy Color console. In it, players must control various heavy machines in order to complete designated tasks related to the field of construction.

As this title is clearly targeted towards children, gameplay is very simple. Tasks involve collecting a certain material using a machine appropriate for the job and driving it to a specified point. There are numerous on screen cues as to the location of objects in the form of miniature construction workers. The workers will point, skip and hop in attempts to guide the player to the appropriate location. Players drive their vehicle using the arrow keys and use the "A" button to utilize the specific function of the machine, for example the forklift will raise and lower its "forks" for handling cargo. I did not find the "B" key to do anything specific besides make a horn sound. There is a slight learning curve to the controls as turning involves tapping the appropriate arrow key twice over simply holding it.

The game is presented from an overhead view which looks down on the vehicle and its environment. Environmental features and other accents, such as the construction workers, were implemented nicely and featured good clarity in their use. The construction vehicles, however, appeared slightly "blocky" and could have benefit from additional time in design. This "blockiness" is especially obvious during turns which leave a pixel impression during the rotation of the vehicle.

Sound effects appeared to be suitable for the appropriate area of the game and added some sense of "realism" to the game. Each vehicular movement will be accompanied by a long crunching-like sound which would suggest the heavy machine's engine. Music is upbeat and lively which, while somewhat inappropriate in my opinion, could lend to the child-like atmosphere of this title.

"Caterpillar Construction Zone" is a very short title, quick to complete, that offers little challenge to the player and perhaps even less by the way of replay value. It could perhaps engage a child but only for the brief moment it lasts in gameplay duration.

Summary: Geared towards children