Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Platform, Racing
- Platforms: ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, MSX
- Developers: Sydney Development Corp.
- Publishers: Erbe Software, Sierra On-Line
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge (1984)
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1984. It is the sequel to the 1983 game B.C.’s Quest for Tires, and follows the adventures of Thor, a caveman who must collect 100 clams in order to pay the tolls and advance through a series of mountains in search of the Meaning of Life.
The game is set in a prehistoric world, and Thor must contend with a variety of obstacles, including rocks, potholes, pterodactyls, and Grog, a giant caveman who steals clams from Thor. Thor can collect clams by walking over them, and he can also use his club to smash clams that are out of reach.
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best video games of the 1980s. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and charming graphics.
Gameplay
The player controls Thor as he walks, jumps, and climbs through a series of mountains. Thor must collect 100 clams in order to pay the tolls and advance through each mountain. Clams can be found scattered throughout the mountains, as well as in caves.
Thor can also collect power-ups that will help him on his quest. These power-ups include:
- Extra lives: Give Thor an extra life.
- Speed boost: Makes Thor run faster.
- Invincibility: Makes Thor invincible for a short period of time.
- Headlight: Allows Thor to see in the dark.
Thor must also contend with a variety of obstacles, including:
- Rocks: Thor can jump over rocks, but if he touches them, he will lose a life.
- Potholes: Thor can fall into potholes, which will slow him down and cost him a life.
- Pterodactyls: Pterodactyls will eat Thor’s wheel, which will slow him down and cost him a life.
- Grog: Grog is a giant caveman who steals clams from Thor. Thor can avoid Grog by running away or by hitting him with his club.
Development
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge was developed by a team led by Ken Williams and Roberta Williams. The game was inspired by the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, and it was designed to be a more challenging and addictive game.
The game’s graphics were created by artist Chuck Bueche, who used a unique style that combined hand-drawn characters with computer-generated backgrounds. The game’s music was composed by Mark Cooksey, who created a catchy and upbeat soundtrack.
Reception
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and charming graphics. The game was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge has been included in several lists of the best video games of all time. In 2009, the game was ranked #22 on IGN’s list of the “Top 100 NES Games.” In 2012, the game was ranked #35 on GameSpot’s list of the “Top 100 Video Games of All Time.”
Legacy
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge is considered to be one of the best video games of the 1980s. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and charming graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. The game has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC.
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge has also been the inspiration for several other video games, including the 1985 game Grog’s Revenge II and the 2004 game B.C. Trip. The game has also been featured in several books and articles about video game history.
Conclusion
B.C. II: Grog’s Revenge is a classic video game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and charming graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. The game is also a significant historical artifact, as it is one of the first video games to feature a prehistoric setting.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
