Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Developers: The Lost Boys
- Publishers: Thalion Software GmbH
A Prehistoric Tale: A Journey Back to the Stone Age
Introduction
A Prehistoric Tale is a charming and challenging 2D platformer released in 1990 for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. Developed by Hewson Consultants and published by Psygnosis, the game takes players on a prehistoric adventure filled with dinosaurs, cavemen, and perilous environments.
Gameplay
A Prehistoric Tale is a non-scrolling platformer, meaning the screen does not move as the player character moves. The player controls a caveman named Grug as he traverses various levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies.
Grug’s main method of attack is jumping. He can jump on enemies to kill them or jump over them to temporarily cage them in eggs. However, some enemies can only be defeated by using specific items or environmental hazards.
The game features a variety of enemies, including dinosaurs, pterodactyls, and cave bears. Each enemy has its own unique behavior and attack patterns, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
In addition to enemies, players must also navigate through treacherous environments, such as caves, forests, and swamps. These environments are filled with obstacles, hazards, and hidden secrets.
Levels
A Prehistoric Tale features a total of 20 levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges. The levels are set in a variety of locations, including caves, forests, swamps, and even a volcano.
The early levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty increases significantly as the game progresses. Later levels introduce new enemies, obstacles, and puzzles, requiring players to master Grug’s abilities and use their wits to survive.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, A Prehistoric Tale featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s vibrant colors and detailed sprites bring the prehistoric world to life. The soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere.
Legacy
A Prehistoric Tale was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and challenging difficulty. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
A Prehistoric Tale is remembered as one of the best platformers of its era. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers hours of prehistoric fun.
Tips for Playing
Here are a few tips for playing A Prehistoric Tale:
- Master Grug’s jumping ability. Jumping is Grug’s main method of attack and traversal. Learn to control his jumps precisely to avoid enemies and reach hidden areas.
- Use the environment to your advantage. The game’s levels are filled with environmental hazards that can be used to defeat enemies. For example, you can push boulders onto enemies or drop them into pits.
- Be patient. A Prehistoric Tale is a challenging game. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
- Explore every nook and cranny. The game’s levels are filled with hidden secrets and power-ups. Be sure to explore every area thoroughly to find everything.
Conclusion
A Prehistoric Tale is a classic 2D platformer that offers a fun and challenging prehistoric adventure. With its charming graphics, catchy soundtrack, and innovative gameplay, it is a game that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
