Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari ST/STE
- Developers: Zip Technologies
- Publishers: Atari Corporation, Zip Technologies
Crack’ed (1987): A Fond Look Back at a Classic Atari Game
Released in 1987 for the Atari 7800, Crack’ed is a unique and challenging game that will keep you entertained for hours. The goal of the game is to protect the eggs of the South American Hornbill from a variety of predators. You do this by using your slingshot to shoot the predators before they can reach the eggs.
The game is played across three levels. In the first level, you must protect the eggs in a tree. The second level takes place in a sewer, where the gameplay is the same but the predators are different. The third level is a bonus round where you must shoot roosters that pop out of windows.
Crack’ed is a challenging game, but it is also very fair. The predators are fast and relentless, but you have a powerful slingshot and plenty of ammo. The levels are well-designed and the difficulty curve is just right.
One of the things that makes Crack’ed so special is its unique gameplay. The slingshot mechanic is simple to learn but difficult to master. You have to take into account the wind speed and direction, as well as the distance to the predator. This makes for a very challenging and rewarding experience.
The graphics in Crack’ed are simple but effective. The characters are well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed. The game also has a great soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere.
Overall, Crack’ed is a classic Atari game that is still fun to play today. It is a challenging but fair game with unique gameplay and great graphics. If you are a fan of classic video games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Crack’ed.
Gameplay
Crack’ed is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls an ornithologist who is tasked with protecting the eggs of the South American Hornbill. The eggs are nested in a tree, and the player must use a slingshot to defend them from a variety of predators, including snakes, monkeys, and birds.
The player has a limited amount of time to complete each level. If the timer runs out, the predators will steal the eggs and the player will lose the game. The player can earn extra time by shooting the predators before they reach the eggs.
The player can also collect power-ups that will help them to defeat the predators. These power-ups include faster projectiles, more powerful shots, and a shield that will protect the eggs from damage.
Development
Crack’ed was developed by Atari Games and published by Atari Corporation. The game was originally developed for the Atari 2600, but it was eventually released only for the Atari 7800.
The Atari 2600 version of Crack’ed was released at the 2002 Classic Gaming Expo. This version of the game is very rare and is highly sought-after by collectors.
Reception
Crack’ed was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and great graphics. Crack’ed was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Crack’ed is considered to be one of the best games for the Atari 7800. The game is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is often cited as an example of the console’s best offerings.
Crack’ed has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Atari Lynx, the Commodore 64, and the PC. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs, including the Atari 7800 Classics Collection and the Atari Anthology.
Conclusion
Crack’ed is a classic Atari game that is still fun to play today. The game’s unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and great graphics make it a must-play for any Atari fan.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
