Pssst

Not to be confused with Psssssst.

Pssst
Loading screen
Developer(s)	Tim and Chris Stamper
Publisher(s)	Ultimate Play The Game
Platform(s)	ZX Spectrum
Release date(s)	1983
Genre(s)	Arcade
Mode(s)	Single player, 2 players (hotseat)
Media/distribution	Cassette, ROM cartridge
System requirements 16K RAM

Pssst is a ZX Spectrum video game made by Ultimate Play The Game in 1983. In the game Robbie the Robot has to protect his plant (a Thyrgodian Megga Chrisanthodil) as it is attacked by various insects (Interstellar Space Slugs, Scuttling Leeches and Menacing Midges), each of which needs a different repellent. The game was written by Chris Stamper and Tim Stamper. This game was one of the very few Spectrum games also available in ROM format for use with the Interface 2. Robbie the robot performs a similar task - and looks similar to - the robots from the motion picture Silent Running.

Introduction

Typically for an Ultimate release, players are given a tantalising and cryptic introduction:-

"Robbie the robot, sits in his garden, fetching the old bag of compost to help his prize Thyrgodian Megga Chrisanthodil grow. When suddenly, the whole garden is invaded by the most devilish, destructive insects you could imagine. But, Robbie is prepared!

Equipped with three spray cans of the latest insect repelling drops, smoke and streamers, Robbie bravely fights to keep all of the deadly garden pests at bay.

All he has to do is figure out which spray kills each insect outright, as the wrong spray will only stun them momentarily. If Robbie leaves his plant unattended the insects will swarm all over it, eat the leaves and the plant will wilt, shrivel back and die.

Little vermin. Leave my plant alone, Oy! My plant's dying. No! No! Nasty bugs sucking the life from my Thyrgodian Megga Chrisanthodil, making her shrink, wilt and die. I'll soon put a stop to their little game, quick Spray-O-This'll sort 'em out. There! Take that and that, Ha! Ha!

Mustn't die, mustn't die. It's got to flower, it must do. It said on the packet. "takes between two and five minutes to grow", it can't be much longer, won't be long now.

Why! you little... Quickly get the Super Space Slug Spray and then the Leech Laser. Quick, quick. They breed so fast, can't hold them back for long. Hurry! Hurry!.. Arrggg..."

External links

• Pssst at Ultimate Wurlde
• Pssst at World of Spectrum
• Pssst at MobyGames
• Flash remake