Summary
- Genres: Adventure, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
Alligator People: An Unreleased Atari Prototype from the Depths of the Swamp
Introduction
In the annals of gaming history, there are countless tales of unreleased prototypes, games that were developed but never saw the light of day. One such game is Alligator People, an Atari prototype based on the 1980 horror film of the same name. Discovered by Ben Liashenko in 2021, this prototype offers a tantalizing glimpse into a game that could have been a classic.
Gameplay
Alligator People is a single-screen action game where the player controls an intrepid adventurer tasked with rescuing their friends from the clutches of the Alligator People. The game takes place in a murky swamp, filled with alligators and other dangerous creatures.
The player must collect vials of antidote scattered throughout the swamp and inoculate their friends, who are slowly being transformed into alligators. The longer the player waits, the more antidote they will need to reverse the transformation.
Alligators are constantly chasing the player, and touching an alligator will result in losing a life. The player can defend themselves by shooting alligators with a harpoon gun.
Development
Alligator People was developed by Atari in 1983. The game was based on the 1980 horror film of the same name, which starred Louis Jourdan, Beverly Garland, and Robin Riker.
The game was apparently completed and ready for release, but it was never officially released for unknown reasons. It is possible that the game was overshadowed by other Atari releases at the time, such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Pac-Man.
Legacy
Despite never being released, Alligator People has gained a cult following among Atari enthusiasts. The game’s unique premise and challenging gameplay have made it a sought-after item for collectors.
In 2021, Ben Liashenko discovered a prototype of Alligator People and released it to the public. This has allowed gamers to finally experience this lost classic for themselves.
Analysis
Alligator People is a well-made game that is both challenging and fun. The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting.
The game’s only real flaw is its difficulty. The alligators are relentless in their pursuit of the player, and it can be difficult to avoid them while also collecting the antidote and inoculating the player’s friends.
Conclusion
Alligator People is a fascinating glimpse into a lost era of gaming. The game is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the early video game developers. Despite never being released, Alligator People remains a cult classic that is enjoyed by gamers to this day.
Additional Information
- The Alligator People prototype was discovered on a floppy disk labeled “Alligator.”
- The prototype is playable on emulators such as MAME and MESS.
- There is a fan-made remake of Alligator People available for download.
Sources
Review Score
0/10
