Summary
Donkey.Bas: A Nostalgic Look at the Classic DOS Driving Game
Introduction
Donkey.Bas is a simple yet addictive driving game that was included with early versions of the PC DOS operating system distributed with the original IBM PC. Written by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Neil Konzen, the game is a testament to the early days of PC gaming, when simple gameplay and basic graphics were enough to provide hours of entertainment.
Gameplay
The objective of Donkey.Bas is to drive a car down a never-ending road while avoiding hitting donkeys. The player controls the car using the arrow keys, and the donkeys move randomly across the road. If the car hits a donkey, the game is over.
The game’s simplicity is part of its charm. There are no power-ups, no special abilities, and no levels to beat. The player’s only goal is to drive as far as possible without hitting a donkey.
Graphics and Sound
Donkey.Bas’s graphics are extremely basic, even for the time period in which it was released. The car is represented by a simple ASCII character, and the donkeys are represented by the letter “D.” The road is simply a line of dashes, and the background is black.
The game’s sound effects are equally simple. When the car hits a donkey, a short beep sound is played. There is no music in the game.
Historical Significance
Donkey.Bas is a significant game in the history of PC gaming. It was one of the first games to be included with a major operating system, and it helped to popularize PC gaming in the early 1980s. The game’s simple gameplay and basic graphics may seem primitive by today’s standards, but it was a groundbreaking game in its time.
Legacy
Donkey.Bas has been ported to many different platforms over the years, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. It has also been the inspiration for several other games, including the popular mobile game Crossy Road.
Conclusion
Donkey.Bas is a classic driving game that is still enjoyed by many people today. Its simple gameplay and basic graphics may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is no denying the game’s historical significance. Donkey.Bas is a reminder of the early days of PC gaming, when simple games could provide hours of entertainment.
Tips for Playing Donkey.Bas
- Be patient. Donkey.Bas is a game that requires patience. The donkeys move randomly, so it is impossible to predict exactly where they will be. The best way to avoid hitting them is to drive slowly and carefully.
- Use the arrow keys to control your car. The arrow keys are used to control the car’s movement. The up arrow key accelerates the car, the down arrow key brakes the car, and the left and right arrow keys steer the car.
- Don’t be afraid to crash. Crashing into a donkey is inevitable in Donkey.Bas. The key is to not get discouraged and to keep trying. The more you play, the better you will become at avoiding the donkeys.
Fun Facts about Donkey.Bas
- Donkey.Bas was originally written for the TRS-80 Model III computer.
- The game was ported to PC DOS in 1983.
- Donkey.Bas is one of the first games to be written in the BASIC programming language.
- The game’s source code is freely available online.
- Donkey.Bas has been ported to many different platforms over the years, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Donkey.Bas in Popular Culture
Donkey.Bas has been referenced in popular culture on several occasions.
- In the movie “The Social Network,” Mark Zuckerberg is seen playing Donkey.Bas on his computer.
- In the TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” Sheldon Cooper is seen playing Donkey.Bas on his laptop.
- Donkey.Bas is also featured in the video game “Grand Theft Auto V.”
Conclusion
Donkey.Bas is a classic driving game that is still enjoyed by many people today. Its simple gameplay and basic graphics may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is no denying the game’s historical significance. Donkey.Bas is a reminder of the early days of PC gaming, when simple games could provide hours of entertainment.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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