DESCRIPTION

In The Human Race, Fate has chosen a lone ape to traverse various hazards. If he succeeds, he and his kind will evolve into humans. Humans walk on two legs and rule world, building monolith structures and making advancements for the future. This seems a worthy goal.

This fixed-screen 2D action title is broken into several sections, each in a different era. At the start of each section, a short statement is displayed to explain what must be accomplished. In the first chapter, the ape must collect and devour various bananas. Bananas are located in tall trees. To complete the level, one must climb the trees and complete a series of jumps. On the tallest tree is a rather massive banana; when this is eaten, the game moves on to the next episode.

The second section involves belts of scorching lava that move back and forth. Fireballs descend from the heavens and into the boiling deathtrap. Because the belts move, the ape must maneuver around them and avoid the fire. In addition to the fireballs, when the simian touches the lava, he also dies. When the creature reaches the end of the belts and moves to the safe portion of the screen, the third section starts.

Mastertronic's The Human Race continues in this fashion until all lives have been expired or all events are finished. As in the first two chapters, each section contains hazards that end the simian's life. The ape gets three chances to help his brethren evolve into humans. If all lives are exhausted, the death-like characterFate appears and informs the ape that he has failed. ~ Matthew House, All Game Guide