Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Acorn Electron, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Dragon 32/64, MSX, Tatung Einstein, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: A&F Software
- Publishers: A&F Software, Einsoft, Pick & Choose Ltd.
Chuckie Egg: A Yolk-y Good Time
Released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum, Chuckie Egg is an action platformer that quickly became a classic. Its simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode made it a hit with gamers of all ages.
Gameplay
Chuckie Egg is a single-screen platformer in which the player controls Hen-House Harry, a farmer tasked with collecting twelve eggs from each level. Harry must navigate through a variety of obstacles, including ladders, platforms, and enemies, to reach the eggs.
The game features two main modes: single-player and multiplayer. In single-player mode, the player must collect all twelve eggs before a countdown timer reaches zero. In multiplayer mode, two players take turns playing as Harry, competing to see who can collect the most eggs.
Features
Chuckie Egg is notable for its innovative multiplayer mode, which was one of the first of its kind. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help Harry on his quest, such as speed boosts and invincibility.
The game’s graphics are simple but charming, with bright colors and detailed sprites. The music is also catchy and memorable.
Critical Reception
Chuckie Egg was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode. The game was also a financial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Legacy
Chuckie Egg is considered to be one of the greatest ZX Spectrum games of all time. It has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and MSX. The game has also been re-released on modern platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
Chuckie Egg has inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Chuckie Egg 2 (1984), Chuckie Egg: The Search for the Golden Eggs (1985), and Chuckie Egg: The Movie (2017).
Conclusion
Chuckie Egg is a classic platformer that still holds up today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode make it a must-play for retro gaming fans. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Chuckie Egg is sure to provide hours of yolk-y good fun.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Chuckie Egg
- The game was originally going to be called “Hen-House Harry”, but the name was changed to Chuckie Egg to make it more appealing to children.
- The game’s protagonist, Hen-House Harry, is based on the British comedian Harry Enfield.
- The game’s music was composed by David Whittaker, who also composed the music for the classic ZX Spectrum game Manic Miner.
- Chuckie Egg was one of the first games to feature a two-player competitive mode.
- The game was banned in Italy because of its depiction of eggs being cracked open.
- Chuckie Egg has been ported to over 20 different platforms.
- The game was featured in the 2015 documentary film “The Rise and Fall of the British Video Game Industry”.
- Chuckie Egg is considered to be one of the greatest ZX Spectrum games of all time.
- The game has inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs.
- Chuckie Egg is still being played and enjoyed by gamers today.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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