Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Beam Software
- Publishers: Mindscape, Inc.
Australian Games (1989): A Nostalgic Celebration of Aussie Culture
Released in 1989, Australian Games is a charming and humorous sports-based minigame collection that pokes fun at classic Australian stereotypes. Developed by Beam Software and published by Melbourne House, the game was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling titles on the Commodore 64 and Amiga home computers.
Gameplay
Australian Games features a total of eight minigames, each of which is based on a different Australian stereotype. The games are:
- Sheep Shearing: Shear a sheep as quickly as possible, avoiding its kicks and headbutts.
- Kangaroo Boxing: Box against a kangaroo in a boxing ring.
- Surfing: Ride a surfboard through a series of waves, avoiding sharks and jellyfish.
- Didgeridoo Duel: Play the didgeridoo against an Aboriginal opponent, trying to outplay them with your musical skills.
- Crocodile Dundee: Shoot crocodiles as they emerge from the water, using a variety of weapons.
- Platypus Paddle: Race a platypus through a series of obstacles in a river.
- Emu Chase: Chase an emu through the outback, using a variety of vehicles.
- Vegemite Challenge: Eat as much Vegemite as possible, avoiding the flies that are attracted to it.
Each minigame is simple to learn but difficult to master, and they all feature a unique sense of humor that is sure to make you chuckle. The game can be played by up to four players, making it a great choice for parties or family gatherings.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Australian Games featured impressive graphics and sound. The pixelated characters and environments are colorful and detailed, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s lighthearted atmosphere.
Reception
Australian Games was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s charming graphics, addictive gameplay, and hilarious sense of humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Australian Games has been praised for its accurate and affectionate portrayal of Australian culture. The game’s minigames are all based on real Australian traditions and stereotypes, and they are all executed with a great deal of humor and charm. The game has also been praised for its accessibility, as it is easy to learn and play but difficult to master.
Legacy
Australian Games is considered to be one of the classic games of the Commodore 64 and Amiga eras. The game’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and challenging gameplay has made it a favorite among retro gamers for decades. Australian Games has also been praised for its positive portrayal of Australian culture, and it has helped to raise awareness of Australian traditions and stereotypes around the world.
Conclusion
Australian Games is a charming and nostalgic celebration of Australian culture. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, hilarious sense of humor, and impressive graphics and sound have made it a classic of the Commodore 64 and Amiga eras. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging game to play, be sure to check out Australian Games.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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