Tai Chi Tortoise

Tai Chi Tortoise is a platform arcade adventure published by Zeppelin Games in 1991. You play as an anthropomorphic tortoise sent into the sewers of the Metropolis to stop the evil criminal mastermind Vincent Ratatoui, who has stolen the world's cheese supply. The game features over 100 flick-screen rooms connected horizontally and vertically. You can walk, jump, and climb ladders, but you have no attack moves—you must avoid enemies by timing your jumps. Unlike typical martial arts games, the title refers to Tai Chi's defensive, meditative nature. You can carry up to three objects at once, collected by pressing DOWN, and must figure out where to use them to progress. Hazards include acid baths, spikes, steam, and crumbling floors.

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1991 at a budget price, programmed by Michael Batty. The Spectrum version begins inside a brick industrial structure rather than outdoors, with each room featuring a descriptive text line that sometimes offers gameplay hints. The goal is to reach the enemy command centre (two ZX81 computers) in the deepest sewers, also accessing the roof area along the way. Port Key Cards are essential for opening colour-coded doors. Your Sinclair rated the game 80%, praising its "superbalicious" charm, large play area, and addictive nature, while noting the puzzles can be frustrating. Crash gave 75%, highlighting colourful graphics with no colour clash. Supports Kempston or Sinclair joysticks, or keyboard (O/P left/right, Q jump, A pick up, M fire). 48K/128K.