#ray mears

Game Review: Ray Mears’ Survival Chimney (Commodore 64)

10/10

"Ray Mears’ Survival Chimney" for the Commodore 64 is a groundbreaking title that pushes the boundaries of 80s gaming technology. Players take on the role of Ray Mears, a seasoned outdoorsman, navigating the treacherous terrain of the Wrangell Volcanic Field in East Alaska. The game begins with Ray traversing mountainous forests, battling wild bears, wolves, and even fending off cutthroat media executives who either want him dead or offer miserly deals. As you progress, you'll collect essential climbing gear—ropes, pegs, hand cream, and Kendal mintcake—all crucial for the ultimate challenge: scaling the largest natural chimney. The goal is to sketch a rare wasp and sell the proof to National Geographic, the highest paying media publication.

A unique feature of this game is its 300-page guidebook, helping players code and complete a realistic 16 colour digital sketch using a combination of key presses and joystick clicks, a task that skilled players can accomplish in around 51 hours. The game’s difficulty is heightened by the chimney's natural tilt and fierce Alaskan winds, which threaten to blow away your equipment. Mastering the left-right timings is essential to protect your kit and succeed. This is one of the most advanced Commodore 64 games to date, with the cassette deck running at double speed to support the fast framerates and an exhilarating techno soundtrack by 808 State.

"Ray Mears’ Survival Chimney" offers a challenging, immersive experience that elevates Ray Mears' public persona to new heights. Prepare to sketch your way to victory, and stay tuned for the anticipated sequel, "Ray Mears' Ural Sinkhole "

Basically me, my folks & aunt booked some seats in Stirling during his tour through scotland, and we go in early for a family meal at this Chinese buffet. But unbeknownst to me I accidentally splattered bits of this dark curry sauce all over myself.

Fast forward to the actual event and they're selling books & signing it at the end, so I pick one up & at the end I nip to the toilets, and of course, the taps are those ridiculously over powered ones that half of the water goes all over you. Now when I'm finally in the queue I'm trying to think of something semi-clever to say for when he'd ask me what I'd like written, so as hilarious as I am I think "Go Wild, mate" and when it comes up to my turn, I'd been practicing the conversation in my head and he asks "So what is it you do?" And I just burst out "GO Wild!" At this moment of stunned confusion I think he realised it looks like I'm covered in my own urine & fecal matter. To top this awkward encounter off too, we go for a handshake to finish and his hands are HUGE. Vastly underestimated the size of his hands and ended up clawing my nails into the underside of his hand instead.