Clu Clu Land (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Clu Clu Land: A Timeless Puzzle Classic

Released in arcades in 1984, Clu Clu Land is a simple yet addictive puzzle game that has stood the test of time. The goal of the game is to guide a fish through a maze-like playfield, collecting gold coins while avoiding enemies and obstacles.

Clu Clu Land is played on a single screen, with the player controlling a fish that can move in four directions. The maze is made up of walls, water, and conveyor belts, and the player must navigate their fish through the maze to collect all of the gold coins.

Enemies in Clu Clu Land include sea urchins, jellyfish, and electric eels. Sea urchins will chase the player’s fish, while jellyfish will stun the player if they touch them. Electric eels can be stunned by the player’s fish, and once stunned, they can be used to control the movement of the sea urchins.

Clu Clu Land features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The game also includes a bonus round, which is accessed by collecting all of the gold coins in a level without losing a life.

Clu Clu Land can be played by one or two players. In the two-player mode, the players compete to see who can collect the most gold coins.

Clu Clu Land was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music. Clu Clu Land has been ported to a variety of home consoles and computers, and it remains a popular game today.

Gameplay

Clu Clu Land is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The player controls a fish that can move in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The player must guide the fish through a maze-like playfield, collecting gold coins while avoiding enemies and obstacles.

The maze is made up of walls, water, and conveyor belts. The player’s fish can swim through water and walk on conveyor belts, but it cannot walk on walls. The player must use the conveyor belts to move the fish around the maze and to avoid enemies.

Enemies in Clu Clu Land include sea urchins, jellyfish, and electric eels. Sea urchins will chase the player’s fish, while jellyfish will stun the player if they touch them. Electric eels can be stunned by the player’s fish, and once stunned, they can be used to control the movement of the sea urchins.

The player must collect all of the gold coins in a level to complete it. The player can also collect bonus points by collecting stars and by stunning electric eels.

Clu Clu Land features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The game also includes a bonus round, which is accessed by collecting all of the gold coins in a level without losing a life.

Two-Player Mode

Clu Clu Land can be played by one or two players. In the two-player mode, the players compete to see who can collect the most gold coins. The players can also stun each other’s fish, which can be a strategic advantage.

Legacy

Clu Clu Land has been praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles and computers, and it remains a popular game today.

Clu Clu Land has also been cited as an influence on a number of other video games, including the popular Super Mario Bros. series. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and its charming visuals have made it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Tips for Playing Clu Clu Land

  • Use the conveyor belts to your advantage. The conveyor belts can be used to move your fish around the maze quickly and easily.
  • Be careful of the enemies. The sea urchins, jellyfish, and electric eels can all be dangerous, so be sure to avoid them if possible.
  • Use the electric eels to your advantage. The electric eels can be stunned by your fish, and once stunned, they can be used to control the movement of the sea urchins.
  • Collect all of the gold coins in a level to complete it. The gold coins are necessary to progress to the next level.
  • Collect bonus points by collecting stars and by stunning electric eels. The bonus points can be used to earn extra lives.

Conclusion

Clu Clu Land is a timeless puzzle classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music make it a great choice for gamers of all ages. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Clu Clu Land or you’re just discovering it for the first time, be sure to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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