Developer: Imagic

Microsurgeon (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Microsurgeon (1982): A Pioneering Medical Simulation

Released in 1982, Microsurgeon was a groundbreaking medical simulation game that challenged players to take on the role of a microsurgeon and perform intricate procedures to save their patients’ lives. Developed by Chris Crawford, the game was praised for its realism and educational value, and it remains a classic of the genre today.

Gameplay

In Microsurgeon, the player takes on the role of a microsurgeon who must use a robot probe to navigate through a patient’s veins and arteries, administering medication and performing procedures to save their life. The game features 197 different patients, each with their own unique ailments. The player must first examine the patient’s medical chart to determine the most critical conditions, then use the robot probe to administer the appropriate treatment.

The robot probe can be used to administer aspirin, antiseptic, or ultrasonics to clear up the problem. The player must be careful to navigate the probe through the veins, arteries, and lymph; if the probe is guided outside these areas, its movement will slow down and swarms of white blood cells will attack it, depleting the limited energy supply.

Realism and Educational Value

Microsurgeon was praised for its realism and educational value. The game’s graphics were cutting-edge for the time, and the gameplay was designed to be as realistic as possible. The game also included a detailed medical encyclopedia that players could use to learn more about the different conditions and procedures featured in the game.

Microsurgeon has been used in medical schools and hospitals to teach students about microsurgery and other medical procedures. The game has also been used to help patients understand their own medical conditions and treatments.

Legacy

Microsurgeon was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years. The game has also been cited as an inspiration for other medical simulation games, such as Trauma Center and Surgeon Simulator.

Microsurgeon is a classic medical simulation game that remains popular today. The game’s realism, educational value, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Additional Information

  • Microsurgeon was developed by Chris Crawford and published by Atari, Inc.
  • The game was released in 1982 for the Atari 8-bit family of computers.
  • Microsurgeon was ported to the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC in 1983.
  • The game was re-released on the Atari 5200 in 1984.
  • Microsurgeon was included in the Atari Anthology compilation released in 2004.

Critical Reception

Microsurgeon received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its realism, educational value, and challenging gameplay.

  • Computer Gaming World said that Microsurgeon was “a must-have for any serious gamer.”
  • Electronic Games said that Microsurgeon was “the most realistic medical simulation game ever created.”
  • InfoWorld said that Microsurgeon was “a challenging and rewarding game that is both fun and educational.”

Awards

  • Microsurgeon won the Golden Joystick Award for Best Strategy Game in 1983.
  • The game was also nominated for the Software Publishers Association’s Best Game of the Year award in 1983.

Cultural Impact

Microsurgeon has been featured in numerous articles and books about the history of video games. The game has also been used in medical schools and hospitals to teach students about microsurgery and other medical procedures.

Microsurgeon is a classic medical simulation game that remains popular today. The game’s realism, educational value, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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No Escape! (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

No Escape! (1983): A Classic Arcade Game

No Escape! is a classic arcade game released in 1983 by Midway Games. It is a single-screen action game in which the player controls Jason, a hero who must defeat all of the Furies in order to escape from the Temple of Aphrodite.

Gameplay

The player controls Jason with a joystick and two buttons. One button is used to throw stones, and the other button is used to jump. Jason can throw stones in eight directions, and he can also jump over obstacles.

The Furies are constantly moving around the screen, and they will fire projectiles at Jason. If Jason is hit by a projectile, he will lose a life. Jason can defeat the Furies by hitting them with stones. When a Fury is hit by a stone, it will be destroyed.

However, if Jason accidentally hits a Fury with a stone, then the Fury will multiply. This can make the game very challenging, as the player must be careful not to accidentally create more Furies than they can handle.

In addition to the Furies, there are also other obstacles in the game, such as falling bricks and spikes. The player must be careful to avoid these obstacles, or they will lose a life.

Levels

There are a total of 32 levels in No Escape!. Each level is more difficult than the last, and the player must defeat all of the Furies on each level in order to progress to the next level.

The first few levels are relatively easy, but the later levels become increasingly difficult. The player must be skilled at dodging projectiles and avoiding obstacles in order to succeed.

Difficulty Levels

No Escape! has three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard. The difficulty level affects the speed and accuracy of the Furies’ projectiles. On Easy difficulty, the Furies’ projectiles are slow and inaccurate, while on Hard difficulty, the Furies’ projectiles are fast and accurate.

Power-Ups

There are a number of power-ups that can help Jason in his quest. These power-ups include:

  • Extra lives: These power-ups give Jason an extra life.
  • Rapid fire: This power-up allows Jason to throw stones more quickly.
  • Invulnerability: This power-up makes Jason invulnerable to the Furies’ projectiles for a short period of time.

Legacy

No Escape! was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of power-ups. No Escape! has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it is still considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time.

Conclusion

No Escape! is a classic arcade game that is still a lot of fun to play today. It is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you need to check out No Escape!

Review Score

8/10

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Demon Attack (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Demon Attack: A Nostalgic Dive into the Depths of Arcade Chaos

Introduction

In the golden era of arcade gaming, amidst a sea of pixelated adventures and groundbreaking titles, there existed a game that captivated players with its vibrant chaos and relentless challenge: Demon Attack (1982). This arcade classic, developed by the legendary studio Sega, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts, offering a thrilling blend of action, strategy, and pure arcade madness.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Lasers and Explosions

Demon Attack is an arcade action game that pits you against hordes of colorful and unpredictable demons. Taking control of a laser cannon positioned at the bottom of the screen, your mission is to defend against wave after wave of these otherworldly invaders. But be warned, these demons are far from ordinary; they bounce around the screen in bizarre and unpredictable patterns, unleashing a barrage of bombs and lasers to destroy your cannon.

The gameplay of Demon Attack is deceptively simple yet devilishly addictive. With each shot fired from your laser cannon, you aim to eliminate the demons. However, the challenge lies in the fact that destroying a demon often results in it splitting into two smaller demons, increasing the number of enemies on the screen. This unique mechanic adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider their shots to avoid overwhelming themselves with an endless swarm of demons.

Levels and Difficulty: A Test of Skill and Endurance

Demon Attack features a total of 16 levels, each presenting a unique challenge and increasing in difficulty as you progress. The first few levels serve as a gentle introduction to the game’s mechanics, with slow-moving demons and relatively simple patterns. However, as you delve deeper into the game, the demons become more aggressive, their movements become more erratic, and the screen fills with a chaotic symphony of explosions and laser fire.

The difficulty curve in Demon Attack is designed to test even the most skilled arcade veterans. Each level requires a combination of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and a touch of luck to overcome. The relentless waves of demons, coupled with the ever-increasing difficulty, create a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

For a game released in 1982, Demon Attack boasts impressive visuals that bring the chaotic world of demons to life. The vibrant colors and detailed sprites add to the overall charm and atmosphere of the game. The demons themselves are designed with a variety of shapes and patterns, making each wave a visually distinct experience.

The sound design in Demon Attack is equally impressive, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced gameplay. The sound effects, from the laser blasts to the explosions, create an immersive and engaging auditory experience. The combination of visuals and sound in Demon Attack creates a truly captivating arcade experience.

Legacy and Impact: A Timeless Classic

Since its release in 1982, Demon Attack has become a beloved classic in the arcade gaming community. Its unique gameplay, vibrant visuals, and challenging difficulty have cemented its place as one of the most memorable arcade games of its era. Demon Attack has also inspired numerous clones and spiritual successors, a testament to its enduring legacy and influence on the gaming industry.

Conclusion

Demon Attack (1982) is a timeless arcade classic that continues to captivate gamers with its chaotic gameplay, vibrant visuals, and relentless challenge. Its unique blend of action, strategy, and arcade madness has made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran or a newcomer to the world of classic gaming, Demon Attack is an essential experience that will provide hours of thrilling and nostalgic entertainment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Atlantis (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Atlantis (1982): A Classic Arcade Defender

Released in 1982, Atlantis is a classic arcade game that tasks players with defending the lost city of Atlantis from waves of attacking Gorgon vessels. Developed by Atari, Inc., Atlantis was one of the first games to use raster graphics, which allowed for more detailed and colorful visuals than vector graphics.

Gameplay

The player controls a series of command posts located at the edges of Atlantis. The Gorgon vessels fly across the screen in varying numbers and flight patterns, and the player must use the command posts to fire missiles and destroy them before they reach the city. If an enemy vessel makes it past the command posts and reaches Atlantis, it will destroy one of the city’s buildings.

As the player progresses through the game, the enemy vessels will increase in speed and become more difficult to destroy. The game ends when all of the buildings in Atlantis have been destroyed.

Controls

Atlantis is controlled using a joystick and a single button. The joystick is used to move the cursor around the screen and to aim the missiles. The button is used to fire the missiles.

Graphics and Sound

Atlantis uses raster graphics to create a detailed and colorful world. The city of Atlantis is rendered in great detail, and the Gorgon vessels are all unique and distinctive. The game’s soundtrack is composed of simple but effective electronic music.

Legacy

Atlantis was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was one of the first arcade games to use raster graphics, and its gameplay was praised for its simplicity and addictiveness. Atlantis has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Critical Reception

Atlantis received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Arcade Express praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, calling it “one of the best arcade games of the year.” Video Games magazine also praised the game’s graphics and gameplay, saying that it was “a must-have for any arcade fan.”

Commercial Performance

Atlantis was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide. It was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1982, and it remained popular for several years after its release.

Home Ports

Atlantis was ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. The home ports were generally well-received, although they were not as graphically impressive as the arcade original.

Legacy

Atlantis is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. It was one of the first games to use raster graphics, and its gameplay was praised for its simplicity and addictiveness. Atlantis has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Tips and Tricks

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

  • Use the joystick to move the cursor quickly around the screen.
  • Aim your missiles carefully to avoid wasting ammo.
  • Prioritize destroying the enemy vessels that are closest to Atlantis.
  • Don’t let the enemy vessels get too close to the city, or they will destroy the buildings.
  • If you are overwhelmed by enemy vessels, use the special weapon to clear the screen.

Conclusion

Atlantis is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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