Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Interceptor Software
- Publishers: Interceptor Software
China Miner (1984)
China Miner is a single-screen platform game developed and published by Quicksilva in 1984 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The game was ported to the Atari 8-bit family in 1985.
The player controls Wally, the only person who knows the location of the Jade Mines belonging to the Pong Dynasty in China. On each of the 30 screens, the player must collect certain objects before collecting a key to move onto the next screen. As well as the platforms to negotiate, the player must also avoid the various creatures that populate the mine. Touching any of these creatures loses one of five lives, and the player is sent to the start of the screen, and all objects reappear. There are various obstacles to avoid or use, like lasers, moving platforms, and platforms that disintegrate when stepped on. Falling from heights also loses the player a life.
China Miner was a critical and commercial success, praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and colorful graphics. The game has been cited as an influence on later platform games, such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros.
Gameplay
China Miner is a single-screen platform game. The player controls Wally, who must collect all of the objects on each screen before collecting a key to move onto the next screen. There are 30 screens in total.
The player must avoid the various creatures that populate the mine. Touching any of these creatures loses one of five lives, and the player is sent to the start of the screen, and all objects reappear. There are various obstacles to avoid or use, like lasers, moving platforms, and platforms that disintegrate when stepped on. Falling from heights also loses the player a life.
Development
China Miner was developed by Quicksilva, a British video game developer. The game was designed by John Phillips and David Shea, and the graphics were created by Bernie Drummond.
China Miner was released in 1984 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. The game was ported to the Atari 8-bit family in 1985.
Reception
China Miner was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and colorful graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
China Miner has been cited as an influence on later platform games, such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros.
Legacy
China Miner is a classic platform game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game has been ported to many different platforms over the years, and it is also available as a freeware download.
China Miner is a challenging and addictive game that will test your skills. If you are a fan of platform games, then you should definitely check out China Miner.
Tips
Here are a few tips for playing China Miner:
- Be patient. China Miner is a challenging game, and it takes time to learn the levels and how to avoid the enemies.
- Use the obstacles to your advantage. The lasers, moving platforms, and disintegrating platforms can all be used to help you reach the key.
- Don’t be afraid to fall. Falling from heights loses you a life, but it can also be used to reach areas that you couldn’t otherwise reach.
- Collect the bonus items. There are bonus items hidden throughout the levels. These items can give you extra lives, points, or invincibility.
Cheats
There are a few cheats that you can use to make China Miner easier.
- To start the game with 99 lives, enter the code POKE 23694,0 at the title screen.
- To make Wally invincible, enter the code POKE 23708,0 at the title screen.
- To skip to the next level, enter the code POKE 23698,0 at the title screen.
Conclusion
China Miner is a classic platform game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is challenging, addictive, and fun. If you are a fan of platform games, then you should definitely check out China Miner.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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