Platform: Apple II

Mission Asteroid (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Mission Asteroid: A Classic Text Adventure from Sierra

Mission Asteroid is a text adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1980. It was the third text adventure game with graphical illustrations from Sierra, but due to its easy difficulty level, it was released as number zero in Sierra’s Hi-Res Adventure series.

The game is set in the year 2001, and the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot who must stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. The player must travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it.

The game’s parser only understands simple one- or two-word commands, and the game world is relatively small and easy to navigate. This makes Mission Asteroid a good choice for beginner text adventure gamers.

Despite its simplicity, Mission Asteroid is a well-crafted game with a good story and interesting puzzles. The game’s graphics are also impressive for the time, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

Gameplay

Mission Asteroid is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very simple, and it only understands a limited number of commands. However, the game’s world is also relatively small and easy to navigate, so the player can usually figure out how to progress by trial and error.

The game’s objective is to travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it. The player must first travel to the space station, where they can purchase a spaceship and fuel. The player can then fly to the asteroid, but they must be careful to avoid being hit by space debris.

Once the player has landed on the asteroid, they must find the bomb and plant it. The bomb is located in a cave, and the player must solve a simple puzzle to open the cave door. Once the bomb is planted, the player must return to their spaceship and fly away from the asteroid before it explodes.

Graphics

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations. The graphics are simple, but they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s world is rendered in black and white, and the player can see their spaceship, the asteroid, and the space station.

Reception

Mission Asteroid was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story. The game was also a financial success, and it helped to establish Sierra On-Line as a major force in the video game industry.

Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games. The game is simple to learn, but it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Legacy

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay and its impressive graphics made it a critical and commercial success. Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games.

Mission Asteroid’s legacy can be seen in many modern video games. For example, the game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated in many other text adventure games. Additionally, the game’s graphical illustrations have inspired the development of many other graphical adventure games.

Mission Asteroid is a classic text adventure game that helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Beach-Head (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Beach-Head (1983): A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1983, Beach-Head is an arcade classic that defined the shoot-’em-up genre. Developed by Access Software and published by Atari, Inc., Beach-Head puts players in the role of a lone soldier fighting against an overwhelming enemy force on a beachhead. With its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics, Beach-Head has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved arcade games of all time.

Gameplay

Beach-Head is a fixed shooter game, meaning that the player’s movement is restricted to a specific area of the screen. The player controls a lone soldier armed with a machine gun and grenades, and must fend off waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player’s objective is to survive as long as possible and rack up a high score.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive. The player must constantly move and shoot to avoid being hit by enemy fire. The player can also use grenades to take out multiple enemies at once. As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemies become increasingly difficult, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of grenades.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Beach-Head’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s use of sprite scaling and parallax scrolling created a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere.

Legacy

Beach-Head was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several sequels and ports to home computers. The game is still fondly remembered by gamers today for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics. Beach-Head is considered to be one of the most important arcade games of all time, and its influence can still be seen in modern shoot-’em-up games.

Critical Reception

Beach-Head was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 20,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Accolades

  • Arcade Game of the Year (1983) – RePlay magazine
  • Best Action Arcade Game (1983) – Arcade Express magazine

  • 2 Top Arcade Game (1983) – Cash Box magazine

Cultural Impact

Beach-Head has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. The game’s iconic graphics and gameplay have also been parodied and imitated in numerous other games.

Conclusion

Beach-Head is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics make it a must-play for any fan of shoot-’em-up games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Beach-Head is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Drelbs (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Drelbs (1983): A Synapse Software Classic

Released in 1983 by Synapse Software, Drelbs is a maze game for the Atari 8-bit family that combines elements of Pac-Man, Lady Bug, and Tron. The player controls a walking eyeball called a drelb, with the goal of flipping gates to create closed boxes and trapping square trollaboars.

The game is played on a maze of gates, similar to the Lady Bug arcade game. The drelb can push into the gates to rotate them 90 degrees, creating paths and trapping trollaboars. However, the trollaboars can also use the gates, so the player must be careful not to trap themselves.

In addition to the trollaboars, the player must also contend with screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Drelbs is a challenging and addictive game that requires quick thinking and strategy. The maze is constantly changing, so the player must be able to adapt on the fly. The game is also very unforgiving, as a single mistake can lead to death.

Despite its difficulty, Drelbs is a fair and rewarding game. The player is always in control of their drelb, and there is no randomness involved in the gameplay. This makes it a great game for players who enjoy a challenge.

Gameplay

The goal of Drelbs is to create closed boxes by flipping gates and trapping trollaboars. The player controls a drelb, which can push into gates to rotate them 90 degrees. The trollaboars can also use the gates, but they cannot seal them into boxes.

The player must be careful not to trap themselves in a box, as this will result in death. The player must also be careful to avoid the screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Development

Drelbs was written by Kelly Jones and published by Synapse Software in 1983. Jones was inspired to create Drelbs after playing Lady Bug, a maze game released by Atari in 1981. Jones wanted to create a game that was similar to Lady Bug, but with more challenging gameplay.

Jones spent several months developing Drelbs, and the game was finally released in 1983. Drelbs was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best maze games ever made.

Reception

Drelbs was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Drelbs has been ported to several other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC. The game has also been released on several compilation albums, including the Atari Anniversary Collection and the Synapse Software Anthology.

Drelbs is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered one of the classic games of the Atari 8-bit era.

Legacy

Drelbs has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and graphics have influenced many other games, including Pac-Man, Tron, and Qix.

Drelbs is also considered one of the first games to feature a female protagonist. The game’s protagonist, the drelb, is a female eyeball, and she is one of the few female protagonists in video games from the early 1980s.

Drelbs is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of maze games.

Review Score

8/10

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Swiss Family Robinson (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Swiss Family Robinson (1984): A Nostalgic Adventure on a Desert Isle

Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Swiss Family Robinson is an adventure game based on the classic novel by Johann David Wyss. Players take on the role of the Robinson family, who are shipwrecked on a desert island and must learn to survive and thrive in their new environment.

The game begins with the Robinson family’s ship being caught in a fierce storm. The ship is destroyed, and the family is stranded on a remote island. With only the clothes on their backs and a few salvaged supplies, the Robinsons must quickly learn to adapt to their new surroundings.

Players must explore the island, gather resources, build shelter, and find food. The island is full of lush vegetation and exotic animals, but there are also dangers lurking in the shadows. Players must be wary of wild animals, poisonous plants, and the occasional pirate attack.

As the Robinsons explore the island, they will also encounter a variety of challenges and puzzles. They must find a way to cross a raging river, build a sturdy treehouse, and even construct a makeshift hot air balloon. With each challenge they overcome, the Robinsons will become more self-sufficient and resourceful.

One of the unique features of Swiss Family Robinson is its focus on family cooperation. Players must work together to survive on the island. Each member of the Robinson family has their own unique skills and abilities. For example, the father is a skilled hunter and builder, while the mother is a talented cook and healer. Players must learn to use each family member’s strengths to their advantage.

Swiss Family Robinson was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first games to feature a large, open-world environment that players could explore at their own pace. The game also featured a complex crafting system that allowed players to create a variety of items, from simple tools to elaborate machines.

Swiss Family Robinson was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and heartwarming story. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Gameplay

Swiss Family Robinson is a point-and-click adventure game. Players use the mouse to interact with the environment and solve puzzles. The game’s world is divided into a series of screens, which players can explore by clicking on the edges of the screen.

Players can collect items, use items, and talk to other characters. The game’s inventory system is limited, so players must carefully choose which items to carry with them.

Swiss Family Robinson also features a number of action sequences. For example, players must use the keyboard to control the family’s raft as they navigate a treacherous river. Players must also use the keyboard to shoot pirates and other enemies.

Graphics and Sound

Swiss Family Robinson’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s world is full of lush vegetation and exotic animals. The game’s character sprites are also well-animated.

The game’s sound effects are simple but effective. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the cries of the animals help to create a immersive atmosphere.

Story

Swiss Family Robinson is a heartwarming story about a family who learns to overcome adversity and thrive in a challenging environment. The game’s story is faithful to the original novel, and it captures the spirit of adventure and family togetherness.

Legacy

Swiss Family Robinson is a classic adventure game that has stood the test of time. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and heartwarming story continue to entertain gamers today. Swiss Family Robinson is a must-play for fans of adventure games and retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Swiss Family Robinson

  • Explore the island thoroughly. There are many hidden items and secrets to discover.
  • Use each family member’s unique skills to your advantage.
  • Be patient. Some of the game’s puzzles can be challenging.
  • Don’t give up! The game’s ending is worth the effort.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Pooyan (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Pooyan: A Classic Arcade Game from the Golden Age

Pooyan is a classic arcade game released in 1982 by Stern Electronics under license from Konami. It is a simple but addictive game that has stood the test of time, remaining popular with gamers of all ages.

Gameplay

The player controls Mama, a pig whose babies have been kidnapped by a group of wolves. Mama must use her balloons to float up and rescue her babies, while avoiding the wolves and their attacks.

The game is played on a single screen, with Mama at the bottom and the wolves at the top. Mama can move left and right, and can jump up to grab her babies. She can also use her balloons to float up and down, and to attack the wolves.

The wolves will try to attack Mama by jumping on her or throwing rocks at her. Mama can avoid the wolves by jumping over them or by using her balloons to float out of their reach. She can also attack the wolves by jumping on them or by throwing her balloons at them.

If Mama manages to rescue all of her babies, she will move on to the next level. The game becomes progressively more difficult as Mama progresses through the levels, with more wolves and obstacles to contend with.

Development

Pooyan was developed by Konami in Japan. The game was originally released in Japan in 1982 under the title Crazy Balloon. Stern Electronics licensed the game for release in the United States in 1982, and changed the name to Pooyan.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s. It was ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the ColecoVision, and the Commodore 64.

Legacy

Pooyan is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the golden age. It is a simple but addictive game that has stood the test of time, remaining popular with gamers of all ages.

The game has been praised for its charming graphics and sound, and for its addictive gameplay. It has been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including Bubble Bobble and Pac-Man.

Re-releases

Pooyan has been re-released on a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Network, the Xbox Live Arcade, and the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The game is also available as part of a number of retro game compilations, such as the Konami Classics Collection and the Arcade Archives series.

Conclusion

Pooyan is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. It is a simple but addictive game that is sure to bring back memories for anyone who grew up in the 1980s.

Additional Information

  • Pooyan was one of the first arcade games to feature a female protagonist.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Balloon Mama”, but the name was changed to Pooyan to make it more appealing to international audiences.
  • Pooyan has been featured in a number of television shows and movies, including “The Simpsons” and “Wreck-It Ralph”.
  • The game has been parodied in a number of other games, including “Super Mario Bros. 3” and “WarioWare”.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Arkanoid (1986)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Arkanoid: The Classic Brick-Breaking Arcade Game

Released in 1986, Arkanoid is a classic arcade game that took the Breakout formula to the next level with power-ups, different brick types, and a variety of level layouts. The game was developed by Taito and was a huge success, spawning numerous sequels and ports to home consoles and computers.

Gameplay

The goal of Arkanoid is to destroy all of the bricks on the screen using a ball and a paddle. The paddle is controlled by the player and can be moved left and right to hit the ball. The ball bounces off of the paddle and the bricks, and the player must use the paddle to keep the ball in play.

There are a variety of different brick types in Arkanoid, each with its own unique properties. Some bricks are harder to destroy than others, and some bricks contain power-ups that can help the player. Power-ups include things like extra balls, lasers, and magnets.

The game is divided into 33 levels, each with its own unique layout. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, and the later levels feature more complex layouts and more challenging brick formations.

Legacy

Arkanoid was a huge success in arcades, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of all time. The game was ported to numerous home consoles and computers, and it has been re-released on a variety of platforms over the years.

Arkanoid has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh (1987), Arkanoid II: The Return of Doh (1988), and Arkanoid DS (2007). The game has also been featured in several crossover games, including Tetris & Dr. Mario (1994) and Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001).

Arkanoid is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has stood the test of time, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers and casual gamers alike.

Critical Reception

Arkanoid was critically acclaimed upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, innovative power-ups, and challenging level design. Arkanoid was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Awards

Arkanoid has won numerous awards, including:

  • Game of the Year (1986) – Arcade Awards
  • Best Action Game (1987) – Golden Joystick Awards
  • Hall of Fame (2007) – GameSetWatch

Cultural Impact

Arkanoid has had a significant cultural impact. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has made it a popular choice for gamers of all ages. Arkanoid has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Family Guy.

Conclusion

Arkanoid is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, innovative power-ups, and challenging level design have made it a popular choice for gamers of all ages. Arkanoid is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and casual gamers alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Mission Asteroid (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Mission Asteroid: A Classic Text Adventure from Sierra

Mission Asteroid is a text adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1980. It was the third text adventure game with graphical illustrations from Sierra, but due to its easy difficulty level, it was released as number zero in Sierra’s Hi-Res Adventure series.

The game is set in the year 2001, and the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot who must stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. The player must travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it.

The game’s parser only understands simple one- or two-word commands, and the game world is relatively small and easy to navigate. This makes Mission Asteroid a good choice for beginner text adventure gamers.

Despite its simplicity, Mission Asteroid is a well-crafted game with a good story and interesting puzzles. The game’s graphics are also impressive for the time, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

Gameplay

Mission Asteroid is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very simple, and it only understands a limited number of commands. However, the game’s world is also relatively small and easy to navigate, so the player can usually figure out how to progress by trial and error.

The game’s objective is to travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it. The player must first travel to the space station, where they can purchase a spaceship and fuel. The player can then fly to the asteroid, but they must be careful to avoid being hit by space debris.

Once the player has landed on the asteroid, they must find the bomb and plant it. The bomb is located in a cave, and the player must solve a simple puzzle to open the cave door. Once the bomb is planted, the player must return to their spaceship and fly away from the asteroid before it explodes.

Graphics

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations. The graphics are simple, but they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s world is rendered in black and white, and the player can see their spaceship, the asteroid, and the space station.

Reception

Mission Asteroid was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story. The game was also a financial success, and it helped to establish Sierra On-Line as a major force in the video game industry.

Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games. The game is simple to learn, but it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Legacy

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay and its impressive graphics made it a critical and commercial success. Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games.

Mission Asteroid’s legacy can be seen in many modern video games. For example, the game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated in many other text adventure games. Additionally, the game’s graphical illustrations have inspired the development of many other graphical adventure games.

Mission Asteroid is a classic text adventure game that helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Beach-Head (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Beach-Head (1983): A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1983, Beach-Head is an arcade classic that defined the shoot-’em-up genre. Developed by Access Software and published by Atari, Inc., Beach-Head puts players in the role of a lone soldier fighting against an overwhelming enemy force on a beachhead. With its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics, Beach-Head has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved arcade games of all time.

Gameplay

Beach-Head is a fixed shooter game, meaning that the player’s movement is restricted to a specific area of the screen. The player controls a lone soldier armed with a machine gun and grenades, and must fend off waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player’s objective is to survive as long as possible and rack up a high score.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive. The player must constantly move and shoot to avoid being hit by enemy fire. The player can also use grenades to take out multiple enemies at once. As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemies become increasingly difficult, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of grenades.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Beach-Head’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s use of sprite scaling and parallax scrolling created a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere.

Legacy

Beach-Head was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several sequels and ports to home computers. The game is still fondly remembered by gamers today for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics. Beach-Head is considered to be one of the most important arcade games of all time, and its influence can still be seen in modern shoot-’em-up games.

Critical Reception

Beach-Head was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 20,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Accolades

  • Arcade Game of the Year (1983) – RePlay magazine
  • Best Action Arcade Game (1983) – Arcade Express magazine

  • 2 Top Arcade Game (1983) – Cash Box magazine

Cultural Impact

Beach-Head has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. The game’s iconic graphics and gameplay have also been parodied and imitated in numerous other games.

Conclusion

Beach-Head is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics make it a must-play for any fan of shoot-’em-up games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Beach-Head is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Drelbs (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Drelbs (1983): A Synapse Software Classic

Released in 1983 by Synapse Software, Drelbs is a maze game for the Atari 8-bit family that combines elements of Pac-Man, Lady Bug, and Tron. The player controls a walking eyeball called a drelb, with the goal of flipping gates to create closed boxes and trapping square trollaboars.

The game is played on a maze of gates, similar to the Lady Bug arcade game. The drelb can push into the gates to rotate them 90 degrees, creating paths and trapping trollaboars. However, the trollaboars can also use the gates, so the player must be careful not to trap themselves.

In addition to the trollaboars, the player must also contend with screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Drelbs is a challenging and addictive game that requires quick thinking and strategy. The maze is constantly changing, so the player must be able to adapt on the fly. The game is also very unforgiving, as a single mistake can lead to death.

Despite its difficulty, Drelbs is a fair and rewarding game. The player is always in control of their drelb, and there is no randomness involved in the gameplay. This makes it a great game for players who enjoy a challenge.

Gameplay

The goal of Drelbs is to create closed boxes by flipping gates and trapping trollaboars. The player controls a drelb, which can push into gates to rotate them 90 degrees. The trollaboars can also use the gates, but they cannot seal them into boxes.

The player must be careful not to trap themselves in a box, as this will result in death. The player must also be careful to avoid the screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Development

Drelbs was written by Kelly Jones and published by Synapse Software in 1983. Jones was inspired to create Drelbs after playing Lady Bug, a maze game released by Atari in 1981. Jones wanted to create a game that was similar to Lady Bug, but with more challenging gameplay.

Jones spent several months developing Drelbs, and the game was finally released in 1983. Drelbs was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best maze games ever made.

Reception

Drelbs was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Drelbs has been ported to several other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC. The game has also been released on several compilation albums, including the Atari Anniversary Collection and the Synapse Software Anthology.

Drelbs is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered one of the classic games of the Atari 8-bit era.

Legacy

Drelbs has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and graphics have influenced many other games, including Pac-Man, Tron, and Qix.

Drelbs is also considered one of the first games to feature a female protagonist. The game’s protagonist, the drelb, is a female eyeball, and she is one of the few female protagonists in video games from the early 1980s.

Drelbs is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of maze games.

Review Score

8/10

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Swiss Family Robinson (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Swiss Family Robinson (1984): A Nostalgic Adventure on a Desert Isle

Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Swiss Family Robinson is an adventure game based on the classic novel by Johann David Wyss. Players take on the role of the Robinson family, who are shipwrecked on a desert island and must learn to survive and thrive in their new environment.

The game begins with the Robinson family’s ship being caught in a fierce storm. The ship is destroyed, and the family is stranded on a remote island. With only the clothes on their backs and a few salvaged supplies, the Robinsons must quickly learn to adapt to their new surroundings.

Players must explore the island, gather resources, build shelter, and find food. The island is full of lush vegetation and exotic animals, but there are also dangers lurking in the shadows. Players must be wary of wild animals, poisonous plants, and the occasional pirate attack.

As the Robinsons explore the island, they will also encounter a variety of challenges and puzzles. They must find a way to cross a raging river, build a sturdy treehouse, and even construct a makeshift hot air balloon. With each challenge they overcome, the Robinsons will become more self-sufficient and resourceful.

One of the unique features of Swiss Family Robinson is its focus on family cooperation. Players must work together to survive on the island. Each member of the Robinson family has their own unique skills and abilities. For example, the father is a skilled hunter and builder, while the mother is a talented cook and healer. Players must learn to use each family member’s strengths to their advantage.

Swiss Family Robinson was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first games to feature a large, open-world environment that players could explore at their own pace. The game also featured a complex crafting system that allowed players to create a variety of items, from simple tools to elaborate machines.

Swiss Family Robinson was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and heartwarming story. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Gameplay

Swiss Family Robinson is a point-and-click adventure game. Players use the mouse to interact with the environment and solve puzzles. The game’s world is divided into a series of screens, which players can explore by clicking on the edges of the screen.

Players can collect items, use items, and talk to other characters. The game’s inventory system is limited, so players must carefully choose which items to carry with them.

Swiss Family Robinson also features a number of action sequences. For example, players must use the keyboard to control the family’s raft as they navigate a treacherous river. Players must also use the keyboard to shoot pirates and other enemies.

Graphics and Sound

Swiss Family Robinson’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s world is full of lush vegetation and exotic animals. The game’s character sprites are also well-animated.

The game’s sound effects are simple but effective. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the cries of the animals help to create a immersive atmosphere.

Story

Swiss Family Robinson is a heartwarming story about a family who learns to overcome adversity and thrive in a challenging environment. The game’s story is faithful to the original novel, and it captures the spirit of adventure and family togetherness.

Legacy

Swiss Family Robinson is a classic adventure game that has stood the test of time. The game’s innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and heartwarming story continue to entertain gamers today. Swiss Family Robinson is a must-play for fans of adventure games and retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Swiss Family Robinson

  • Explore the island thoroughly. There are many hidden items and secrets to discover.
  • Use each family member’s unique skills to your advantage.
  • Be patient. Some of the game’s puzzles can be challenging.
  • Don’t give up! The game’s ending is worth the effort.

Review Score

7.5/10

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