Amazing Bumpman (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Amazing Bumpman: A Classic Arcade Gem

Released in 1984, Amazing Bumpman is an action game developed by VSS and published by Telegames, Inc. The game is set in a maze-like environment where the player controls a character named Bumpman. Bumpman’s goal is to collect all of the dots in the maze while avoiding ghosts and other enemies.

Amazing Bumpman is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The ghosts are constantly chasing Bumpman, and they can only be defeated by being bumped into from behind. Bumpman can also collect power-ups that give him temporary invincibility or allow him to shoot projectiles.

The game is divided into 256 levels, each with its own unique layout. The levels become increasingly difficult as the game progresses, and the ghosts become faster and more aggressive.

Amazing Bumpman was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and it was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Atari 2600.

Gameplay

Amazing Bumpman is a maze game in which the player controls a character named Bumpman. Bumpman’s goal is to collect all of the dots in the maze while avoiding ghosts and other enemies. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and Bumpman can move in four directions.

Bumpman can defeat ghosts by bumping into them from behind. However, if Bumpman is touched by a ghost from any other direction, he will lose a life. Bumpman can also collect power-ups that give him temporary invincibility or allow him to shoot projectiles.

The game is divided into 256 levels, each with its own unique layout. The levels become increasingly difficult as the game progresses, and the ghosts become faster and more aggressive.

Development

Amazing Bumpman was developed by VSS, a Japanese video game developer. The game was originally released in Japan in 1984 under the name Bump ‘n’ Jump. The game was later ported to the United States by Telegames, Inc. and released under the name Amazing Bumpman.

The game’s development team was led by programmer Kazunori Sawada. Sawada was inspired to create Amazing Bumpman after playing Pac-Man. He wanted to create a game that was similar to Pac-Man but with more challenging gameplay.

Sawada and his team spent over a year developing Amazing Bumpman. They experimented with different level designs and enemy types before finalizing the game’s concept. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish VSS as one of the leading video game developers in Japan.

Legacy

Amazing Bumpman is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay has made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. Amazing Bumpman has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it is still available to play on modern consoles and mobile devices.

The game has also been featured in several video game compilations, including Namco Museum and Midway Arcade Treasures. Amazing Bumpman is a true classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Tips for Playing Amazing Bumpman

Here are a few tips for playing Amazing Bumpman:

  • Learn the maze layout. The first step to mastering Amazing Bumpman is to learn the layout of the maze. This will help you to plan your movements and avoid getting trapped by ghosts.
  • Stay calm under pressure. The ghosts in Amazing Bumpman can be relentless, but it is important to stay calm under pressure. If you start to panic, you are more likely to make mistakes.
  • Use the power-ups wisely. The power-ups in Amazing Bumpman can be very helpful, but it is important to use them wisely. For example, the invincibility power-up can help you to get out of a tight spot, but it is not effective against all enemies.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn how to play Amazing Bumpman is to experiment with different strategies. Try different routes through the maze, and see what works best for you.

Conclusion

Amazing Bumpman is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and memorable characters have made it a timeless classic. If you are looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Amazing Bumpman is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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