Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Don Rigby
- Publishers: Scorpio Gamesworld
Builder Ben (1984)
Builder Ben is a construction-themed adventure game developed and published by Mikro-Gen for the ZX Spectrum in 1984. The player controls Ben, a builder who must complete a series of jobs while avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. The game features colorful graphics and addictive gameplay.
Gameplay
The player controls Ben as he walks around a construction site, completing jobs such as building houses, repairing bridges, and fixing fences. Ben must use a variety of tools to complete his jobs, such as a hammer, a saw, and a ladder. He must also avoid obstacles such as falling bricks, electrical wires, and angry dogs.
Ben can collect power-ups to help him complete his jobs more quickly and easily. These power-ups include a helmet to protect him from falling objects, a pair of boots to make him run faster, and a wrench to fix broken objects.
The game is divided into a series of levels, each of which becomes progressively more difficult. The player must complete all of the levels in order to win the game.
Development
Builder Ben was developed by a team of two programmers, Mike Singleton and David Jones. Singleton was responsible for the game’s design and programming, while Jones created the game’s graphics.
The game was inspired by Singleton’s own experiences working as a builder. He wanted to create a game that would be fun and challenging, but also educational.
Release
Builder Ben was released in 1984 to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and educational value. It was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Legacy
Builder Ben is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games of all time. It was one of the first games to feature a construction theme, and it helped to popularize the adventure game genre on home computers.
The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amstrad CPC, and the Atari ST. It has also been released on a number of compilation albums.
Builder Ben remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Critical reception
Builder Ben received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and educational value.
- ZX Computing magazine said: “Builder Ben is a superb game. It’s well-programmed, addictive and educational. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
- Your Sinclair magazine said: “Builder Ben is a classic. It’s one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made.”
- Crash magazine said: “Builder Ben is a must-have for any ZX Spectrum owner. It’s a fun, challenging and educational game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.”
Awards
Builder Ben won a number of awards upon its release, including:
- ZX Spectrum Game of the Year (1984) – Golden Joystick Awards
- Best Adventure Game (1984) – Your Sinclair Readers’ Awards
Cultural impact
Builder Ben has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in a number of books and articles about video games. It has also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the song “ZX Spectrum” by the band The Futureheads.
Builder Ben is considered to be one of the most important ZX Spectrum games of all time. It is a classic example of a well-programmed, addictive and educational game. The game remains popular today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Review Score
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