Platform: Texas Instruments TI-99

Aztec Challenge (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Aztec Challenge: A Thrilling Escape from the Heart of the Empire

In the heart of the ancient Aztec empire, a perilous challenge awaits. You, a chosen sacrifice, must navigate a treacherous obstacle course—the Aztec Challenge—to escape a gruesome fate. But be warned, this is no ordinary trial. From the moment you step onto the course, you’ll be relentlessly pelted with spears from all sides.

As you progress through the seven breathtaking levels, your agility and reflexes will be tested to the limit. Trapdoors will open beneath your feet, threatening to plunge you into darkness. Boulders will hurtle towards you, seeking to crush your bones. And venomous snakes and spiders will slither and crawl, eager to deliver their deadly venom.

Amidst this chaos, the temple looms large, its towering presence a constant reminder of the ultimate goal. But reaching the temple is no easy feat. Along the way, you’ll encounter a relentless barrage of obstacles, each designed to chip away at your resolve.

A Test of Skill and Endurance

Aztec Challenge is a true test of skill and endurance. Every move you make must be precise and calculated. A single misstep could send you tumbling into a pit of spikes or impaled on a razor-sharp spear.

The game’s unforgiving difficulty will push you to your limits. But with each level you conquer, your confidence will grow. You’ll learn to anticipate the traps, dodge the spears with precision, and outmaneuver the deadly creatures that lurk in the shadows.

A Gruesome Fate or a Triumphant Escape?

As you navigate the Aztec Challenge, you’ll be haunted by the knowledge that failure means a gruesome death. But do not despair, for there is hope. With each successful step, you’ll earn extra lives, giving you a fighting chance to overcome the odds.

And if you possess exceptional skill and unwavering determination, you may just reach the end of the course and claim your triumphant escape. But be warned, the final challenge is the most perilous of all, and only the most worthy warriors will emerge victorious.

A Timeless Classic

Released in 1982 for the Atari 2600, Aztec Challenge quickly became a beloved classic. Its innovative gameplay, intense action, and unforgiving difficulty captivated gamers of all ages.

Despite its age, Aztec Challenge remains a timeless masterpiece. Its simple yet addictive gameplay formula continues to entertain and challenge gamers to this day. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of classic arcade games, Aztec Challenge is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tips for Success

  • Stay calm under pressure. Aztec Challenge is a fast-paced and intense game. It’s easy to panic when you’re being pelted with spears and dodging boulders. But if you can stay calm and focused, you’ll be better equipped to overcome the obstacles.
  • Anticipate the traps. The traps in Aztec Challenge are often hidden or disguised. Pay attention to the patterns and timing of the traps, and you’ll be able to anticipate them and avoid them more easily.
  • Use the environment to your advantage. The Aztec Challenge course is filled with obstacles, but you can also use these obstacles to your advantage. For example, you can use the walls to block spears or the platforms to jump over pits.
  • Don’t give up. Aztec Challenge is a difficult game, but it’s not impossible. If you keep trying, you’ll eventually reach the end of the course. So don’t give up, and keep fighting until you achieve victory!

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

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Mystery Fun House (1979)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Mystery Fun House (1979): A Thrilling Text Adventure

Mystery Fun House is a text adventure game released in 1979 for the TRS-80 and Apple II computers. The game is set in a spooky fun house at an amusement park, and the player’s goal is to navigate through the fun house and find the exit before the park closes for the day.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the environment by typing commands. The player can move around the fun house, examine objects, and talk to other characters. The game’s world is described in detail, and the player must use their imagination to visualize the surroundings.

Mystery Fun House is a challenging game, and the player must use their wits to solve puzzles and avoid danger. The game features a variety of puzzles, including logic puzzles, riddles, and mazes. The player must also be aware of the dangers that lurk in the fun house, including traps, monsters, and ghosts.

Despite its challenges, Mystery Fun House is a rewarding game. The game’s atmosphere is immersive and suspenseful, and the puzzles are clever and engaging. The game also has a sense of humor, and the player will often find themselves chuckling at the game’s witty dialogue.

Gameplay

The player begins the game in the lobby of the fun house. From there, the player can explore the fun house’s many rooms, including a haunted house, a circus tent, and a mirror maze. The player must find keys to unlock doors, solve puzzles to open secret passages, and avoid traps to progress through the game.

The player can interact with a variety of characters in the fun house, including a friendly clown, a grumpy old man, and a mysterious woman. The player can talk to these characters to get clues about the fun house and its secrets.

The player must be careful not to get lost in the fun house. The fun house is a labyrinthine maze, and it is easy to get turned around. The player can use a map to help them navigate the fun house, but the map is not always accurate.

The player must also be careful not to run out of time. The amusement park closes at midnight, and if the player has not found the exit by then, they will be trapped in the fun house forever.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Mystery Fun House are clever and engaging. The puzzles are varied, and they require the player to use their logic, problem-solving skills, and imagination.

Some of the puzzles in the game are simple, such as finding a key to unlock a door. Other puzzles are more complex, such as solving a riddle to open a secret passage. The player must be patient and persistent to solve the puzzles in the game.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in Mystery Fun House is immersive and suspenseful. The game’s graphics are simple, but they are effective in creating a sense of atmosphere. The sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the game’s suspenseful atmosphere.

The game’s world is described in detail, and the player can easily imagine themselves in the fun house. The game’s writing is also excellent, and the player will often find themselves drawn into the game’s story.

Legacy

Mystery Fun House was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere. Mystery Fun House is considered to be one of the best text adventure games ever made.

Mystery Fun House has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, the Atari 8-bit family, and the PC. The game has also been released on a number of compilation albums.

Mystery Fun House has inspired a number of other games, including the popular point-and-click adventure game Myst. The game has also been parodied in a number of other games, including the Simpsons game Bart’s Nightmare.

Conclusion

Mystery Fun House is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s clever puzzles, immersive atmosphere, and sense of humor make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of text adventure games, or if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play, then I highly recommend Mystery Fun House.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Parsec (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Parsec: A Journey Through the Stars

Released in 1982 for the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, Parsec is a side-scrolling shooter that quickly became one of the most popular games for the platform. Developed by Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus, Parsec tasks players with piloting a spaceship through sixteen levels of increasingly difficult terrain, battling enemy ships and avoiding obstacles along the way.

Gameplay

The objective of Parsec is to guide your spaceship through each level without being shot down or colliding with any objects. You must also destroy all enemy ships in each level before you can progress to the next one.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and your ship can move left, right, up, and down. You can fire your laser cannon in any direction, but it will overheat if you fire too rapidly.

There are three types of enemy ships in Parsec: fighters, cruisers, and satellites. Fighters are the most common enemy type, and they will fly towards your ship in a straight line. Cruisers are larger and more powerful than fighters, and they will fire projectiles at your ship. Satellites are small, fast-moving enemies that can appear anywhere on the screen.

In addition to enemy ships, you must also avoid colliding with asteroids, meteors, and other obstacles. These obstacles can damage your ship or slow you down.

Levels

Parsec features sixteen levels, each with a unique color scheme and terrain. The levels become increasingly difficult as you progress, with more enemy ships and obstacles to contend with.

The first few levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly. By the time you reach the later levels, you will need to be a skilled pilot to survive.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Parsec’s graphics were impressive. The game’s colorful levels and detailed sprites were a step above many other TI-99/4A games. The game’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with its catchy tunes that help to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Legacy

Parsec was a critical and commercial success for the TI-99/4A. It was one of the most popular games for the platform, and it helped to cement the TI-99/4A’s reputation as a capable gaming machine.

Parsec has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its influence on future side-scrolling shooters. The game’s unique blend of action and strategy has made it a favorite among retro gamers for decades.

Conclusion

Parsec is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you owe it to yourself to check out Parsec.

Tips for Playing Parsec

  • Use your laser cannon sparingly to avoid overheating.
  • Destroy enemy ships quickly to prevent them from overwhelming you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid colliding with obstacles.
  • Use the terrain to your advantage to block enemy fire.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Parsec, the better you will become at it.

Additional Information

  • Parsec was released in 1982 for the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A.
  • The game was developed by Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus.
  • Parsec is a side-scrolling shooter with sixteen levels.
  • The game features colorful graphics, detailed sprites, and a catchy soundtrack.
  • Parsec is considered to be one of the best games for the TI-99/4A.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Moon Patrol (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Moon Patrol: A Lunar Excursion Through Time

Released in 1982 by Irem, Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game that puts players at the controls of a six-wheeled lunar rover on a mission to traverse a treacherous lunar landscape. Armed with cannons mounted on the front and top of the vehicle, players must shoot enemies, jump over obstacles, and navigate through a variety of challenging terrain in order to complete the course as quickly as possible.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Moon Patrol is simple yet addictive. Players control the lunar rover with a joystick, using one button to fire the cannons and another to jump. The rover can move left and right, jump over obstacles, and fire shots in eight directions.

The goal of the game is to reach the end of each level as quickly as possible while shooting as many enemies as possible for points. Enemies come in a variety of forms, including tanks, flying saucers, and even giant spiders. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns, so players must be quick to adapt their strategies in order to survive.

In addition to enemies, players must also contend with a variety of obstacles, including rocks, mines, and pits. Rocks and mines can be shot, but pits must be jumped over. Some enemies can also create new pits in the course, so players must be constantly aware of their surroundings.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Moon Patrol’s graphics were impressive. The game’s vibrant colors and detailed sprites brought the lunar landscape to life. The game’s sound effects were also top-notch, with realistic explosions and laser fire adding to the overall atmosphere.

Legacy

Moon Patrol was a huge success upon its release, and it remains popular with retro gamers today. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Atari 2600. It has also been featured in several compilations of classic arcade games.

Moon Patrol’s legacy extends beyond its own success. The game’s unique blend of side-scrolling action and shooting elements has influenced the design of many other games, including the popular Super Mario Bros. series.

Critical Reception

Moon Patrol was praised by critics upon its release for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics. The game received perfect scores from several reviewers, and it was named one of the best arcade games of 1982.

Cultural Impact

Moon Patrol has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game’s iconic lunar rover has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media. The game’s music has also been sampled by several hip-hop artists.

Conclusion

Moon Patrol is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Moon Patrol is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Pirate Adventure (1978)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Pirate Adventure (1978): A Text-Based Treasure Hunt on the High Seas

Set sail for adventure in Pirate Adventure (1978), a classic text-based game that will transport you to a world of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasures, and perilous encounters. Released in 1978 for the TRS-80, Apple II, and Commodore 64, Pirate Adventure was one of the first text adventure games ever created, and it remains a beloved favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Gameplay

In Pirate Adventure, you take on the role of a young pirate who has just set out on his first adventure. Your goal is to find the legendary pirate treasure, which is said to be hidden on a remote island. To do this, you’ll need to explore the island, solve puzzles, and battle pirates and other enemies.

The game is played using simple two-word commands. For example, to move north, you would type “GO NORTH”. To pick up an object, you would type “GET OBJECT”. The game’s parser is relatively sophisticated, and it understands a wide range of commands.

Setting

Pirate Adventure takes place on a large, uncharted island. The island is home to a variety of different environments, including forests, mountains, caves, and beaches. You’ll also encounter a variety of different characters, including pirates, natives, and animals.

The game’s world is richly detailed and atmospheric. The descriptions are evocative and immersive, and you’ll feel like you’re actually there on the island.

Puzzles

Pirate Adventure is full of puzzles. Some of the puzzles are simple, while others are quite challenging. To solve the puzzles, you’ll need to use your wits and your knowledge of the game world.

The puzzles are an integral part of the game, and they help to create a sense of challenge and accomplishment. Solving a difficult puzzle is a rewarding experience, and it makes you feel like you’re making progress in your quest.

Combat

In addition to puzzles, Pirate Adventure also features combat. You’ll encounter a variety of different enemies throughout the game, including pirates, natives, and animals. To defeat your enemies, you’ll need to use your sword or your fists.

The combat in Pirate Adventure is simple but effective. It’s not as complex as the combat in modern RPGs, but it’s still fun and challenging.

Legacy

Pirate Adventure was one of the first text adventure games ever created, and it helped to define the genre. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, immersive setting, and challenging puzzles made it a hit with gamers of all ages.

Pirate Adventure has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy, its educational value, and its timeless appeal.

Conclusion

Pirate Adventure is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, immersive setting, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging adventure, then Pirate Adventure is the game for you.

Tips for Playing Pirate Adventure

  • Take your time and explore the island thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets to discover.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it understands a wide range of commands.
  • If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many online resources available to help you solve the game’s puzzles.
  • Have fun! Pirate Adventure is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. So relax, take your time, and immerse yourself in the world of the game.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Wishbringer (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Wishbringer: A Magical Introduction to Interactive Fiction

Released in 1985 by Infocom, Wishbringer: The Magick Stone of Dreams was a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that introduced a new generation of players to the wonders of text-based adventures. Designed to be more accessible than the company’s previous releases, Wishbringer offered a charming and whimsical setting, clever puzzles, and an engaging story that captivated players of all ages.

You play as a postal clerk in the small fishing village of Festeron. Your ordinary life is turned upside down when you’re tasked with delivering an important envelope to the proprietor of Ye Olde Magick Shoppe. The kindly old lady asks you to rescue her cat from a mysterious sorceress known only as The Evil One.

Stepping out of the store, you find that Festeron has mysteriously been transformed into a more sinister town called Witchville. There are but a few hours to defeat The Evil One. Fortunately, you soon find the Wishbringer, a magical stone that can grant seven wishes if a suitable object is used in conjunction.

The seven wishes that can be granted by the stone are for advice, darkness, flight, foresight, freedom, luck, and rain. Each wish can only be used once per game, and requires that the player possess some related object. For example, to wish for darkness, you must have a candle or lantern. To wish for flight, you must have a feather or a broomstick.

The puzzles in Wishbringer are clever and varied, and require the player to think outside the box. For example, one puzzle requires you to use a mirror to reflect sunlight onto a dark room. Another puzzle requires you to use a magnet to retrieve a key from a well.

In addition to its clever puzzles, Wishbringer also features a charming and whimsical setting. The town of Witchville is full of quirky characters, such as a talking cat, a fortune teller, and a witch who sells potions. The game’s writing is also top-notch, with witty dialogue and humorous descriptions.

Wishbringer was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best interactive fiction games ever made. It was praised for its accessibility, its clever puzzles, and its charming setting. Wishbringer also helped to popularize the interactive fiction genre, and inspired a number of other games, including the Zork series and the Myst series.

Tips for Playing Wishbringer

  • Explore your surroundings carefully. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found in Witchville.
  • Talk to everyone you meet. The townspeople of Witchville are full of useful information.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. The puzzles in Wishbringer can be solved in a variety of ways.
  • Use the Wishbringer wisely. The seven wishes can be very helpful, but they can only be used once per game.
  • Have fun! Wishbringer is a charming and whimsical game that’s meant to be enjoyed.

Legacy of Wishbringer

Wishbringer was a groundbreaking game that helped to popularize the interactive fiction genre. It was one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, and it was also one of the first games to use a graphical interface. Wishbringer’s success inspired a number of other games, including the Zork series and the Myst series.

Today, Wishbringer is still considered to be one of the best interactive fiction games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by players of all ages. If you’re a fan of adventure games, or if you’re just looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, I highly recommend checking out Wishbringer.

Additional Information

  • Release Date: 1985
  • Developer: Infocom
  • Platform: Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, DOS, Macintosh, TRS-80
  • Genre: Interactive fiction
  • Setting: The town of Witchville
  • Protagonist: A postal clerk

Awards

  • 1985 Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game
  • 1986 Codies Award for Best Adventure Game

Reviews

  • GameSpot: 8.5/10
  • IGN: 9/10
  • PC Gamer: 92/100

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Ms. Pac-Man (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Ms. Pac-Man: A Classic Sequel That Improved Upon the Original

Released in 1982, Ms. Pac-Man was the highly anticipated sequel to the massively popular Pac-Man. Developed by General Computer Corporation and published by Midway, Ms. Pac-Man introduced a number of new features and improvements that made it a classic in its own right.

Gameplay

Ms. Pac-Man retained the core gameplay of its predecessor. Players control Ms. Pac-Man, a yellow circle with a bow and lipstick, as she navigates through a maze filled with dots, fruits, and ghosts. The goal of the game is to eat all of the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts. If Ms. Pac-Man is touched by a ghost, she loses a life.

One of the most significant changes in Ms. Pac-Man was the addition of new mazes. The original Pac-Man featured only one maze, but Ms. Pac-Man introduced four different mazes, each with its own unique layout and challenges. This added variety to the gameplay and kept players coming back for more.

Another new feature in Ms. Pac-Man was the addition of fruits. Fruits appear randomly in the maze, and eating them gives Ms. Pac-Man bonus points. The fruits also have different point values, so players have to strategize which fruits to eat and when.

The ghosts in Ms. Pac-Man also received some changes. In the original Pac-Man, the ghosts were all identical in their behavior. However, in Ms. Pac-Man, each ghost has its own unique personality and tactics. Inky is the blue ghost who is known for his erratic behavior. Blinky is the red ghost who is known for his aggressive pursuit of Ms. Pac-Man. Pinky is the pink ghost who is known for her ability to ambush Ms. Pac-Man. And Sue is the orange ghost who is known for her slow but steady pursuit of Ms. Pac-Man.

Power-Ups

Ms. Pac-Man introduced a new power-up known as the Energizer. When Ms. Pac-Man eats an Energizer, the ghosts turn blue and become vulnerable to being eaten. This gives Ms. Pac-Man a chance to earn bonus points and clear the maze of ghosts.

Intermissions

Another unique feature of Ms. Pac-Man is the intermissions that occur between levels. These intermissions show the growing romantic relationship between Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Man. The intermissions are humorous and add a bit of personality to the game.

Critical Reception

Ms. Pac-Man was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its improved gameplay, new features, and charming graphics. Ms. Pac-Man was also one of the first video games to feature a female protagonist, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.

Legacy

Ms. Pac-Man is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It has been ported to numerous platforms and has been included in several compilations. Ms. Pac-Man has also been the inspiration for several sequels and spin-offs.

Conclusion

Ms. Pac-Man is a classic video game that improved upon the original Pac-Man in every way. With its new mazes, fruits, ghosts, and power-ups, Ms. Pac-Man is a must-play for fans of arcade classics.

Review Score

9/10

Art

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The Count (1979)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Count (1979): A Text Adventure Masterpiece

Introduction

The Count is a text adventure game developed and published by Scott Adams in 1979. It is one of the earliest examples of interactive fiction, and is considered to be one of the most influential games of all time. The game is set in a dark and brooding castle, where the player must solve puzzles, find secret passageways, and avoid the creatures of the night in order to defeat the Count.

Gameplay

The Count is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a simple parser to interpret the player’s commands, and the player can use a variety of verbs to interact with the environment, such as “go”, “look”, “take”, and “use”.

The game world is divided into a series of rooms, each of which is described in detail. The player can move between rooms by using the “go” command, and can examine objects in the room by using the “look” command. The player can also pick up objects by using the “take” command, and use objects by using the “use” command.

The player’s goal in The Count is to find the Count’s coffin and destroy it. To do this, the player must solve a series of puzzles, find secret passageways, and avoid the creatures of the night. The game is non-linear, meaning that the player can explore the castle in any order they choose.

Setting

The Count is set in a dark and brooding castle in Transylvania. The castle is filled with secret passageways, hidden rooms, and dangerous creatures. The player must be careful not to get lost or fall prey to the creatures of the night.

Characters

The player character is an unnamed adventurer who has been trapped in the Count’s castle. The player must use their wits and courage to escape the castle and defeat the Count.

The Count is the main antagonist of the game. He is a powerful vampire who has been terrorizing the countryside. The player must defeat the Count in order to escape the castle.

Puzzles

The Count is filled with a variety of puzzles. Some of the puzzles are simple, while others are more complex. The player must use their logic and problem-solving skills to solve the puzzles.

Reception

The Count was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its dark and atmospheric setting, and its challenging puzzles. The Count is considered to be one of the most influential games of all time, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

The Count has had a significant impact on the development of video games. The game’s non-linear gameplay, its dark and atmospheric setting, and its challenging puzzles have all been imitated by later games. The Count is also credited with popularizing the text adventure genre.

Conclusion

The Count is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of puzzles, horror, and exploration, then you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Miner 2049er (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Miner 2049er (1982): A Retro Mining Adventure

Miner 2049er is a classic arcade game released in 1982 by Bally Midway. The game is set in the year 2049, and the player controls Bounty Bob, a miner who must collect gold and other valuable minerals while avoiding deadly mutant organisms.

Miner 2049er is a single-screen platformer with simple but addictive gameplay. The player controls Bounty Bob with a joystick, and can move him left, right, up, and down. Bob can also jump and shoot.

The goal of Miner 2049er is to collect all of the gold and other valuable minerals on each screen. Bob can collect gold by walking over it, and he can collect other minerals by shooting them with his gun.

Bob must also avoid contact with the deadly mutant organisms that inhabit the mine. These organisms come in a variety of forms, including spiders, snakes, and bats. If Bob touches a mutant organism, he will lose a life.

Bob can also collect various articles left by previous miners for bonus points. These articles include things like dynamite, which can be used to destroy obstacles, and jetpacks, which can be used to fly over enemies.

Miner 2049er is a challenging but rewarding game. It is a great example of early arcade gaming, and it is still a lot of fun to play today.

Gameplay

Miner 2049er is a single-screen platformer with simple but addictive gameplay. The player controls Bounty Bob with a joystick, and can move him left, right, up, and down. Bob can also jump and shoot.

The goal of Miner 2049er is to collect all of the gold and other valuable minerals on each screen. Bob can collect gold by walking over it, and he can collect other minerals by shooting them with his gun.

Bob must also avoid contact with the deadly mutant organisms that inhabit the mine. These organisms come in a variety of forms, including spiders, snakes, and bats. If Bob touches a mutant organism, he will lose a life.

Bob can also collect various articles left by previous miners for bonus points. These articles include things like dynamite, which can be used to destroy obstacles, and jetpacks, which can be used to fly over enemies.

Development

Miner 2049er was developed by Bally Midway, a company that was founded in 1960. Bally Midway was one of the pioneers of the arcade game industry, and it is responsible for developing some of the most iconic arcade games of all time, including Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong.

Miner 2049er was designed by Steve Ritchie, who is also known for designing other classic arcade games, such as Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man. Ritchie was inspired to create Miner 2049er after reading an article about the California Gold Rush.

Release

Miner 2049er was released in arcades in 1982. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s.

Miner 2049er was ported to a number of home computers, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Apple II. The home computer versions of the game were not as popular as the arcade version, but they were still enjoyed by many gamers.

Legacy

Miner 2049er is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. The game is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it is considered to be an important part of gaming history.

Miner 2049er has been cited as an inspiration for a number of other video games, including Lode Runner and Dig Dug. The game has also been featured in a number of television shows and movies.

Conclusion

Miner 2049er is a classic arcade game that is still a lot of fun to play today. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. If you are a fan of classic arcade games, then you should definitely check out Miner 2049er.

Review Score

8/10

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Ballyhoo (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Ballyhoo (1986): A Thrilling Circus Mystery

Ballyhoo is an interactive fiction computer game designed by Jeff O’Neill and published by Infocom in 1985. It was released for ten different 8 and 16-bit platforms, including MS-DOS, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. It is Infocom’s nineteenth game.

The game’s tagline is “Big-time suspense under the Big Top!”, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The player’s character is bedazzled by the spectacle of the circus and the mystery of the performer’s life. After attending a show of Tomas Munrab’s “The Travelling Circus That Time Forgot”, the player loiters near the tents instead of rushing through the exit. Maybe some clowns will practice a new act, or perhaps at least one of the trapeze artists will trip…

Instead, the player overhears a strange conversation. The circus’ owner has hired a drunken, inept detective to find his daughter Chelsea, who has been kidnapped. Munrab is convinced that it was an outside job; surely his loyal employees would never betray him like this!

The player decides to investigate the abduction, but it soon becomes clear that the circus workers don’t appreciate the intrusion. Their reactions range from indifference to hostility to attempted murder. In order to unravel the mystery, the player engages in a series of actions straight out of a circus fan’s dream: dressing up as a clown, walking the high wire, and taming lions.

Gameplay

Ballyhoo is a text-based adventure game. The player types in commands to control their character and interact with the environment. The game world is described in detail, and the player can explore it at their own pace.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair. The player must use their wits and ingenuity to solve them. There are multiple ways to complete the game, and the player’s choices will affect the outcome.

Characters

The characters in Ballyhoo are well-developed and memorable. The player will encounter a variety of characters, from the flamboyant circus owner to the enigmatic trapeze artist. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations.

Setting

Ballyhoo is set in a traveling circus in the early 1900s. The game’s setting is vividly described, and the player can feel the sawdust under their feet and the smell of popcorn in the air.

Themes

Ballyhoo explores a number of themes, including the nature of good and evil, the importance of family, and the power of dreams. The game also provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the circus.

Critical Reception

Ballyhoo was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game.

Legacy

Ballyhoo is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever made. It has been praised for its originality, its challenging gameplay, and its memorable characters. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the circus setting in video games.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Ballyhoo:

  • Talk to everyone you meet. You never know who might have a clue about Chelsea’s whereabouts.
  • Explore the circus thoroughly. There are many hidden objects and secrets to be found.
  • Don’t be afraid to try different things. There are multiple ways to solve the game’s puzzles.
  • Save your game often. The game can be challenging, and you don’t want to lose your progress if you make a mistake.

Conclusion

Ballyhoo is a classic interactive fiction game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, well-developed characters, and immersive setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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