Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Atari 5200
Beef Drop (2004): A Meaty Port of a Classic Arcade Game
Beef Drop is a 2004 port of the popular arcade game Burgertime, which was originally released in 1982. The game was developed by Ken Siders and published by Atari for the Atari 7800 home video game console.
Beef Drop is a single-screen platformer in which the player controls a chef who must run and jump through a kitchen, dropping beef patties on monsters to defeat them. The game features four different types of monsters: hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and pickles. Each type of monster has its own unique abilities and weaknesses.
The chef can drop beef patties on the monsters from above, or he can throw them forward. If a beef patty hits a monster, it will stun the monster for a few seconds. The chef can then either jump on the stunned monster to defeat it, or he can run past it.
The chef can also collect power-ups that give him special abilities, such as the ability to shoot hamburgers or to turn into a giant chef.
Beef Drop features 50 different levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The game also includes a two-player cooperative mode, in which two players can team up to defeat the monsters.
Development
Beef Drop was developed by Ken Siders, who had previously ported Burgertime to the Atari 5200 and 8-bit computers. The 7800 version of Beef Drop features several improvements over the 5200/8-bit versions, including better graphics, sound, and gameplay.
One of the most significant improvements in the 7800 version of Beef Drop is the addition of POKEY sound support. POKEY is a sound chip that was used in several Atari computers and game consoles, including the Atari 7800. The POKEY sound chip provides much better audio quality than the 7800’s built-in sound chip.
The 7800 version of Beef Drop also features improved graphics over the 5200/8-bit versions. The sprites are larger and more detailed, and the backgrounds are more colorful and varied.
Reception
Beef Drop was released to positive reviews from critics. Many critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay. However, some critics complained that the game was too difficult.
Despite the positive reviews, Beef Drop was not a commercial success. The game was released late in the Atari 7800’s life cycle, and it was overshadowed by more popular games such as Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man.
Legacy
Beef Drop is a faithful and well-made port of the classic arcade game Burgertime. The game features improved graphics, sound, and gameplay over the 5200/8-bit versions, making it the definitive release of the game.
Although Beef Drop was not a commercial success, it has gained a cult following among retro gamers. The game is still enjoyed by many people today, and it is considered to be one of the best games released for the Atari 7800.
Tips for Playing Beef Drop
Here are a few tips for playing Beef Drop:
- Use the POKEY sound chip for the best audio experience.
- Take your time and learn the patterns of the monsters.
- Use the power-ups to your advantage.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
- Have fun!
Review Score
8/10
