Publisher: Scorpio Gamesworld

Bootleg Bandits (1984)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Bootleg Bandits: A Classic Arcade Adventure

Released in 1984 by Atari, Inc., Bootleg Bandits is a side-scrolling arcade game that puts players in control of a group of bandits robbing stagecoaches. With its frantic gameplay and charming graphics, Bootleg Bandits quickly became a fan favorite and remains a popular classic to this day.

Gameplay

The goal of Bootleg Bandits is to rob as many stagecoaches as possible while avoiding capture by the law. Players control a group of four bandits, each with their own unique abilities. The bandits can jump, shoot, and climb ladders, and they can also use a variety of weapons and power-ups.

The game is played across a series of levels, each with its own unique challenges. The bandits must navigate through forests, deserts, and mountains, all while avoiding the law and robbing stagecoaches. The stagecoaches are carrying gold and other valuables, and the bandits must collect as much loot as possible before they reach the end of the level.

If a bandit is caught by the law, they will be taken to jail. The other bandits can rescue their captured comrade by shooting the jail door open. However, if all four bandits are captured, the game is over.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Bootleg Bandits are simple but charming. The characters and environments are all rendered in a colorful and cartoonish style, and the game’s animations are fluid and expressive. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a catchy Western-themed score that perfectly complements the gameplay.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Bootleg Bandits was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its frantic gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack. It was also one of the first arcade games to feature a group of playable characters, each with their own unique abilities.

Bootleg Bandits has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.

Bootleg Bandits is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. It is a fun and challenging game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in Bootleg Bandits:

  • Use cover. The bandits can hide behind rocks and trees to avoid being shot by the law.
  • Shoot the horses. If you shoot the horses pulling a stagecoach, the stagecoach will stop and the bandits can rob it more easily.
  • Use the power-ups. The power-ups in Bootleg Bandits can give the bandits a significant advantage. Be sure to collect them whenever you can.
  • Rescue your comrades. If a bandit is captured, be sure to rescue them as soon as possible. The more bandits you have, the easier it will be to rob stagecoaches.
  • Don’t get caught! If all four bandits are captured, the game is over. Be careful not to get caught by the law.

Conclusion

Bootleg Bandits is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its frantic gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Bootleg Bandits is a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Builder Ben (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Builder Ben (1984)

Builder Ben is a construction-themed adventure game developed and published by Mikro-Gen for the ZX Spectrum in 1984. The player controls Ben, a builder who must complete a series of jobs while avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. The game features colorful graphics and addictive gameplay.

Gameplay

The player controls Ben as he walks around a construction site, completing jobs such as building houses, repairing bridges, and fixing fences. Ben must use a variety of tools to complete his jobs, such as a hammer, a saw, and a ladder. He must also avoid obstacles such as falling bricks, electrical wires, and angry dogs.

Ben can collect power-ups to help him complete his jobs more quickly and easily. These power-ups include a helmet to protect him from falling objects, a pair of boots to make him run faster, and a wrench to fix broken objects.

The game is divided into a series of levels, each of which becomes progressively more difficult. The player must complete all of the levels in order to win the game.

Development

Builder Ben was developed by a team of two programmers, Mike Singleton and David Jones. Singleton was responsible for the game’s design and programming, while Jones created the game’s graphics.

The game was inspired by Singleton’s own experiences working as a builder. He wanted to create a game that would be fun and challenging, but also educational.

Release

Builder Ben was released in 1984 to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and educational value. It was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Legacy

Builder Ben is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games of all time. It was one of the first games to feature a construction theme, and it helped to popularize the adventure game genre on home computers.

The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST. It has also been released on a number of compilation albums.

Builder Ben remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Critical reception

Builder Ben received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and educational value.

  • ZX Computing magazine said: “Builder Ben is a superb game. It’s well-programmed, addictive and educational. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
  • Your Sinclair magazine said: “Builder Ben is a classic. It’s one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.”
  • Crash magazine said: “Builder Ben is a must-have for any ZX Spectrum owner. It’s a fun, challenging and educational game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.”

Awards

Builder Ben won a number of awards upon its release, including:

  • ZX Spectrum Game of the Year (1984) – Golden Joystick Awards
  • Best Adventure Game (1984) – Your Sinclair Readers’ Awards

Cultural impact

Builder Ben has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in a number of books and articles about video games. It has also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the song “ZX Spectrum” by the band The Futureheads.

Builder Ben is considered to be one of the most important ZX Spectrum games of all time. It is a classic example of a well-programmed, addictive and educational game. The game remains popular today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Review Score

0/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

js"lomeshttEmail Addressjs"emsvwordhtturevwordjs"s ww.gattpsefaul.gamreading_bar_po"httfooter"amreading_bar_rip"5js"carouscr_attpswing","slider_attpcreatw.ga,"fcarouscr_attpswing","fslider_attpcreatw.ga,"vf/jamai"a,"vf/jampai"botion-right"amrediript_urlhtt"};e/* ]]> */ DATid="main"htt"}}n/*","hrraess/* js"lomeshttEmail Addressjs"emsvwordhtturevwordjs"s ww.gattpsefaul.gamreading_bar_po"httfooter"amreading_bar_rip"5js"carouscr_attpswing","slider_attpcreatw.ga,"fcarouscr_attpswing","fslider_attpcreatw.ga,"vf/jamai"a,"vf/jampai"botion-right"amrediript_urlhtt"};e/* ]]> */ DATid="main"htt"}}n/*","hrraess/*