Developer: First Star Software

Spy vs Spy (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Spy vs Spy (1984): A Cold War Classic

In the annals of video gaming, few titles evoke the Cold War era quite like Spy vs Spy. Released in 1984 by First Star Software, this stealth-action game pits two spies, one black and one white, against each other in a race to retrieve secret documents and escape the embassy. With its clever traps, devious gameplay, and iconic visuals, Spy vs Spy quickly became a classic and remains popular to this day.

Gameplay

Spy vs Spy is a single-screen game where the player controls either the black spy or the white spy. The goal of the game is to find four items hidden throughout the embassy: a briefcase, a passport, secret plans, and a door key. Once all four items have been collected, the player must make their way to the airport door and escape.

The embassy is a large and complex building, with multiple rooms to explore. Each room contains various objects, such as desks, file cabinets, and other furniture. These objects can be searched for hidden items, or they can be used to set traps for the opposing spy.

Traps are a key part of Spy vs Spy’s gameplay. There are a variety of different traps that can be set, such as bombs, bear traps, and even exploding toilets. Traps can be disarmed by the opposing spy, but they can also be used to great effect to slow down or even kill the other player.

In addition to traps, there are also a number of other hazards to watch out for in the embassy. These include security guards, who will attack the player on sight, and guard dogs, who can be used to track down the player.

Graphics and Sound

Spy vs Spy’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s characters are depicted as small, black-and-white figures, and the environments are rendered in a stark, minimalist style. This simplicity helps to create a sense of atmosphere and tension, and it also makes the game easy to read and play.

The game’s sound effects are also minimalist, but they are effective in creating a sense of atmosphere. The sound of footsteps echoing through the embassy, the ticking of a bomb, and the growling of a guard dog all help to create a sense of tension and excitement.

Legacy

Spy vs Spy was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1984. The game was praised for its clever gameplay, devious traps, and iconic visuals. Spy vs Spy has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular to this day.

The game has also been influential in the development of other stealth-action games. Games such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell owe a clear debt to Spy vs Spy’s pioneering gameplay.

Conclusion

Spy vs Spy is a classic Cold War-era game that still delivers plenty of laughs today. With its clever traps, devious gameplay, and iconic visuals, Spy vs Spy is a game that is sure to entertain and challenge players of all ages.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Boulder Dash III (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Boulder Dash III (1986): A Critical Failure or a Hidden Gem?

Boulder Dash III is a 1986 puzzle-action game developed and published by First Star Software for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Apple II, and PC. It is the third game in the Boulder Dash series, following Boulder Dash (1984) and Boulder Dash II (1985).

Boulder Dash III introduces a number of new features to the series, including monochrome space-themed graphics, new enemies and obstacles, and a level editor. However, the game was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its innovative gameplay and others criticizing its poor graphics and level design.

Gameplay

Boulder Dash III retains the basic gameplay of its predecessors. The player controls Rockford, a miner who must collect diamonds while avoiding boulders, enemies, and other obstacles. The game is played on a single-screen level, and the player must collect all of the diamonds on the screen before they can progress to the next level.

New to Boulder Dash III is the ability to create and edit your own levels using the built-in level editor. This allows players to create their own unique challenges and share them with others.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Boulder Dash III are monochrome, with a space-themed aesthetic. The game’s visuals are simple but effective, and the use of color is limited to the diamonds and other objects on the screen.

The sound in Boulder Dash III is also minimal, with simple sound effects and a catchy title screen tune.

Reception

Boulder Dash III received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay and level editor, while others criticized its poor graphics and level design.

  • Zzap!64 magazine gave the game a score of 93%, praising its “addictive” gameplay and “excellent” level editor.
  • Commodore User magazine gave the game a score of 7/10, praising its “challenging” gameplay but criticizing its “uninspiring” graphics.
  • Your Sinclair magazine gave the game a score of 6/10, criticizing its “unimpressive” graphics and “frustrating” level design.

Legacy

Despite its mixed reviews, Boulder Dash III has become a cult classic among fans of the series. The game’s innovative gameplay and level editor have inspired a number of fan-made levels and mods.

Boulder Dash III is also notable for being one of the first games to feature a level editor. This feature has since become a staple of the puzzle-action genre, and it has allowed players to create their own unique challenges and share them with others.

Conclusion

Boulder Dash III is a flawed but enjoyable puzzle-action game. The game’s innovative gameplay and level editor make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series and puzzle-action games in general.

Score: 7/10

Review Score

5/10

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Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics (1986)

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics is a competitive stealth game developed by First Star Software and published by Sierra On-Line in 1986. It is the third and final installment in the Spy vs. Spy series, following Spy vs. Spy and Spy vs. Spy: The Island Caper.

The game takes place on an arctic island, where two spies, Black Spy and White Spy, are tasked with stealing secret documents from each other. The spies can use a variety of weapons and gadgets to kill each other, including guns, knives, bombs, and traps.

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best games in the series. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging level design, and humorous graphics.

Gameplay

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics is a competitive stealth game in which two players control a black spy and a white spy, respectively. The goal of the game is to steal secret documents from the other spy while avoiding being killed.

The spies can move around the game world by walking, running, or jumping. They can also use a variety of weapons and gadgets to help them complete their mission. These include guns, knives, bombs, and traps.

The game is played on a series of levels, each of which is a different location on the arctic island. The levels are filled with obstacles and hazards, which the spies must navigate in order to reach their目标.

The spies can kill each other by shooting, stabbing, or bombing them. They can also set traps for each other, such as bear traps or land mines.

The game ends when one of the spies steals the secret documents from the other spy.

Weapons and gadgets

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics features a variety of weapons and gadgets that the spies can use to help them complete their mission. These include:

  • Guns: The spies can use a variety of guns to shoot each other, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
  • Knives: The spies can use knives to stab each other.
  • Bombs: The spies can use bombs to blow each other up.
  • Traps: The spies can set traps for each other, such as bear traps or land mines.

In addition to these weapons and gadgets, the spies can also use a variety of items to help them navigate the game world. These include:

  • Keys: The spies can use keys to unlock doors and chests.
  • Maps: The spies can use maps to find their way around the game world.
  • Disguises: The spies can use disguises to fool the other spy.

Level design

The levels in Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics are designed to be challenging and充滿陷阱. The levels are filled with obstacles and hazards, which the spies must navigate in order to reach their目標.

The levels are also designed to be visually appealing. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the levels are filled with interesting and unique locations.

Graphics

The graphics in Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics are colorful and detailed. The characters are well-animated, and the levels are filled with interesting and unique locations.

The game uses a top-down perspective, which gives the player a clear view of the game world. The graphics are also smooth and fluid, which makes the game a pleasure to play.

Sound

The sound in Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics is excellent. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and well-done.

The game also features a variety of voice samples, which add to the game’s atmosphere. The voice samples are well-acted, and they help to bring the characters to life.

Conclusion

Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics is a fun and challenging game that’s perfect for fans of the series. The graphics are great, the gameplay is solid, and there’s plenty of replay value.

If you’re looking for a great stealth game to play, then I highly recommend Spy vs Spy III: Arctic Antics.

Review Score

8/10

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Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper: Espionage and Hijinks on a Desert Isle

Introduction

Get ready to infiltrate a tropical paradise and engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse in Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper, the thrilling sequel to the classic espionage title. Released in 1985, this isometric action game takes the rivalry between the Black and White spies to a secluded desert island, where they must race to collect missile pieces and escape.

Gameplay: A Mission of Espionage and Sabotage

Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper retains the core gameplay of its predecessor, offering a mix of stealth, action, and puzzle-solving. Players control either the Black or White spy, each with unique gadgets and abilities. The goal is to navigate a series of treacherous levels, avoiding enemy traps and guards while collecting three pieces of a missile.

The game introduces a new arsenal of traps and weapons, including tripwires, poison darts, and a single gun. Players must use their wits and agility to overcome these obstacles and eliminate their opponent. Sabotage is also key, as spies can disable traps and steal items from each other.

A Tropical Playground of Peril

The Island Caper takes place across a variety of exotic environments, from lush jungles to treacherous caves. Each level is filled with hidden passages, secret rooms, and deadly traps. Players must carefully explore their surroundings, using their spy gadgets to uncover hidden objects and plan their next move.

The game’s isometric perspective provides a wide field of view, allowing players to anticipate enemy movements and plan their attacks. However, it also creates blind spots, adding an extra layer of challenge to the stealth gameplay.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Espionage with a Friend

Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper shines in its multiplayer mode, where two players can compete head-to-head in a race to collect the missile pieces. The multiplayer adds a whole new level of excitement and unpredictability to the game, as players must not only outsmart their opponent but also anticipate their every move.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and addictive multiplayer. It was praised for its clever use of the isometric perspective and its ability to create a tense and thrilling espionage experience.

The game has since become a cult classic, fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique blend of stealth, action, and humor has influenced countless subsequent titles in the spy genre.

Conclusion

Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper is a timeless espionage adventure that continues to entertain and challenge gamers today. Its innovative gameplay, exotic environments, and thrilling multiplayer mode make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned spy or a newcomer to the world of espionage, prepare to infiltrate the tropical paradise and engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse in Spy vs. Spy II: The Island Caper.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Boulder Dash (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Boulder Dash (1984): The Mining Classic That Defined a Genre

Boulder Dash is a classic mining game that was originally released in 1984 for Atari 8-bit computers. It was developed and published by First Star Software, and spawned a series of sequels, re-releases, and spinoffs. Boulder Dash is also credited with establishing and influencing the mining genre of video games, which can be seen in modern games such as Minecraft, Spelunky, and Terraria.

The goal of Boulder Dash is to collect all of the diamonds in a cave while avoiding boulders, enemies, and other hazards. The player controls Rockford, a miner who can dig through dirt and collect diamonds. However, Rockford must be careful not to get crushed by boulders or killed by enemies.

Boulder Dash is a challenging game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player must carefully plan their moves in order to avoid danger and collect all of the diamonds. The game also features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges.

Boulder Dash was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and charming graphics. The game has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with gamers today.

Gameplay

Boulder Dash is a top-down mining game in which the player controls Rockford, a miner who must collect all of the diamonds in a cave while avoiding boulders, enemies, and other hazards. The player can dig through dirt and collect diamonds, but they must be careful not to get crushed by boulders or killed by enemies.

The game is played on a grid-based map. The player can move Rockford up, down, left, or right, and they can dig through dirt by pressing the spacebar. Diamonds are scattered throughout the cave, and the player must collect all of them in order to complete the level.

However, the player must also be careful to avoid boulders and enemies. Boulders can fall from the ceiling or be pushed by enemies. If a boulder falls on Rockford, he will be crushed and die. Enemies can also kill Rockford if they touch him.

The player can use a variety of different strategies to avoid danger and collect all of the diamonds. They can dig tunnels to avoid boulders, and they can use bombs to destroy enemies. The player can also use their digging skills to create traps for enemies.

Levels

Boulder Dash features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. The levels are progressively more difficult, and the player must use all of their skills and strategies to complete them.

Some levels are large and complex, while others are smaller and more straightforward. Some levels are filled with boulders, while others are filled with enemies. The player must adapt their strategies to each level in order to succeed.

Legacy

Boulder Dash is a classic mining game that has influenced a generation of gamers. The game’s addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and charming graphics have made it a timeless classic. Boulder Dash has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with gamers today.

Boulder Dash has also been credited with establishing and influencing the mining genre of video games. Modern games such as Minecraft, Spelunky, and Terraria all owe a debt to Boulder Dash. These games have taken the basic gameplay of Boulder Dash and expanded upon it, creating new and innovative experiences.

Boulder Dash is a true classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games. It is a game that is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Tips for Playing Boulder Dash

Here are a few tips for playing Boulder Dash:

  • Plan your moves carefully. Before you dig, take a moment to think about where you want to go and what hazards you might encounter.
  • Use tunnels to avoid boulders. If you see a boulder falling, dig a tunnel to avoid it.
  • Use bombs to destroy enemies. If an enemy is blocking your path, use a bomb to destroy it.
  • Create traps for enemies. You can use your digging skills to create traps for enemies. For example, you can dig a pit and then lure an enemy into it.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Boulder Dash. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Boing! (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Boing! (1983): A Bouncing Classic

Boing! is a simple yet addictive arcade game released in 1983 by Bally Midway. The game’s objective is to bounce a cute-pie hero across parallel rows of panels, changing their color and finishing them off, while avoiding obstacles.

Gameplay

The player controls the hero with a joystick, moving him left and right across the screen. The hero can bounce off of walls and ceilings, and he can change the color of panels by bouncing on them. The goal is to change the color of all the panels in a row, which will then cause them to disappear.

There are two types of obstacles in Boing!: Bubble Eaters and Pins. Bubble Eaters are large, bouncing creatures that will eat the hero if they touch him. Pins are smaller, jumping creatures that can also kill the hero.

The game gets progressively more difficult as the player progresses, with more Bubble Eaters and Pins appearing on the screen. The player must also contend with moving platforms and other hazards.

Development

Boing! was developed by a team led by programmer Mike Aprahamian and artist John Kotlarik. The game was inspired by an earlier arcade game called Jump Bug, which was released in 1981.

Aprahamian and Kotlarik wanted to create a game that was more challenging and exciting than Jump Bug. They added new features to the game, such as the ability to change the color of panels and the addition of obstacles.

Release

Boing! was released in arcades in 1983. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s.

Boing! was ported to several home computers, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The home versions of the game were not as successful as the arcade version, but they still sold well.

Legacy

Boing! is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has kept it popular for decades, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Boing! has been cited as an influence on several other video games, including Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog. The game’s cute-pie hero has also become an iconic figure in gaming culture.

Critical Reception

Boing! received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music.

Accolades

Boing! was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year. The game was also inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.

Cultural Impact

Boing! has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s cute-pie hero has become an iconic figure, and the game’s music has been used in several films and television shows.

Boing! has also been referenced in several other works of popular culture, including the animated television series The Simpsons and the movie Wreck-It Ralph.

Conclusion

Boing! is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music have made it a favorite of gamers for decades. Boing! is a true classic that deserves its place in the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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