H.E.R.O. Is Back

This game is a homage to H.E.R.O. from John Van Ryzin, published by Activision in 1984.

This version contains completely new levels.

Every 20000 points, you earn an extra life.

Introduction

The hardworking miners of Mount Leone have been locked in the cave system through sudden volcanic activities.

Our hero Roderrick Hero now starts for the search of the missing persons with his special equipment (backpack helicopter, integrated helmet laser and dynamite).

After a successful rescue, the player reaches the next level.

Power

The energy is filled up at the start of every level. When the full energy is used up, the player loses a life and starts again at the beginning of the level.

Dynamite

The pits spread far vertically and horizontally into the interior of the mountain. Sometimes walls, which Rod needs to blow away with dynamite, block the way. At the beginning of every level, the player gets 6 sticks of dynamite. After the ignition, Rod must move away fast or else he will lose a life.

Laser beam

The player can use the laser to kill the enemies. The laser can also be used in place of dymanite to evaporate a wall, though this method takes about 10 seconds.

Enemies

In the pits lurk different creatures such as spiders, bats, poisonous moths or snakes. At some rivers, an invincible, hungry sea monster appears, constantly following our hero. Some walls that contain magma sediments glow red and must not be touched.

Lanterns

Lanterns light the dark pits. A shot or a touch is enough and the light goes out forever.

Raft

A heat resistent raft can be used at some places to cross the lava river.

Table of points

• 50 Shooting an enemy
• 50 For every dynamite stick that is left at the end of the level
• 75 Removing a wall
• 1000 Rescuing a miner

Controls

Arrow keys, controller lever or gamepad D-Pad = Move Hero left/right.
Arrow key up or controller up * = Go upwards.
Arrow key down or controller down * = Ignite dynamite stick.
Fire button * = Laser beam in direction of sight.

* The keyboard keys and the controller buttons are customizable (press F1 during the title screen).

While playing, press P to pause or Home to stop the game and go back to the title screen.

History

Version 1.0

• First release.

Version 1.1

• In fullscreen mode, the game could be jerky using certain video cards.

Version 1.2

• You can now use the WASD or IJKL keys as directional keys.
• You can now use the Z or M keys as fire button.
• You can now use the gamepad D-Pad.
  

Version 1.3

• The game can now be paused.

Version 1.4

• More controllers are now recognized.
  
• Up, down, and fire keys/buttons are now customizable.
• Replaced the password system with the unlocked level system.

Version 1.5

• Reduced the dead zone of the analog stick to allow better use of the controller.

Version 1.6

• Removed the option to change zoom factor. Instead, you can now toggle the C64 border emulation.