What
we have here is a timeless, classic scenario that has delighted young and old
alike for hundreds of years. Innocent lil' piggies and their loving mom are
attacked by merciless, bloodthirsty wolves! Throw in a bow & arrow, some
bonus stages, alternating levels and you've got yourself the makings of a
classic arcade title.
Pooyan could easily have fallen into the Space Invaders or Defender clone category, but leave it to eccentric video game designers to produce a charming, challenging, and engaging contest despite the oversaturation of early '80's shooters.
Basically you play mama pig in an elevator operated by Buuyan (another pig). The bow and arrow used to combat balloon-toting wolves may also be augmented with large slabs of pork (which is probably more than a little morbid). When a set number of wolves plummets to their death, you move on to the next level, where you get to face even more wolves. Odd numbered levels contain descending wolves who bite at mama from mountain cutouts behind the elevator; evens require the prevention of ascending wolves from shoving a boulder to destroy the elevator. There are also at bonus stages in which meat is your only projectile against harmless enemies, or those in which you normal arrows must strike fruits such as apples and strawberries. If I were a shooter fan, it'd probably get higher marks. But even still, Pooyan ranks slightly above average. I sincerely enjoy the intermissions, cheerful music, strident drum solos, and primitive yet unmistakable howling. I would be lying, however, if I said most of the sound effects (release of arrows, balloon inflation) didn't get on my nerves. Like probably well over 95% of classics, the fact that it is impossible to win a game which isn't finite only increases its appeal. No matter how far you get, nor what score you accomplish, the game will always end with your death - perhaps allegorical on the absurdity and pointlessness of all life, but I doubt it. Pooyan is recommended.
