Summary
- Release Year: 1980
- Genres: Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600, Family Computer, PlayStation, Sharp X68000, Wii, WonderSwan
- Developers: Nihon Bussan
- Publishers: Atari, Nihon Bussan
Crazy Climber: The Precursor to Platformers
Released in 1980, Crazy Climber is an arcade classic that laid the groundwork for the platformer genre. Developed by Nichibutsu and distributed in North America by Taito, Crazy Climber was one of the first games to focus on climbing and platforming, predating Nintendo’s Donkey Kong by a year.
Gameplay
Crazy Climber is a single-screen platformer in which the player controls a climber ascending a building. The climber can move left and right, jump, and climb ladders and ropes. The goal of the game is to reach the top of the building while avoiding obstacles and collecting items.
Obstacles in Crazy Climber include falling objects, moving platforms, and enemies. The player must use their agility and timing to avoid these obstacles and reach the top of the building.
Items in Crazy Climber include fruit, which gives the player extra points, and power-ups, which give the player special abilities. Power-ups include the ability to jump higher, climb faster, and shoot projectiles.
Legacy
Crazy Climber was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the most influential arcade games of all time. It was one of the first games to focus on climbing and platforming, and its success helped to lay the groundwork for the platformer genre.
Crazy Climber has been ported to numerous home consoles, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Nintendo Entertainment System. It has also been included in several retro video game compilations.
Critical Reception
Crazy Climber was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature. It was also praised for its graphics and sound, which were considered to be top-notch for its time.
Crazy Climber has received perfect scores from several reviewers, including IGN and GameSpot. It is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Cultural Impact
Crazy Climber has had a significant cultural impact. It was one of the first video games to feature a climber as the protagonist, and its success helped to popularize the climbing genre.
Crazy Climber has also been referenced in other video games, movies, and television shows. For example, the game is featured in the movie Pixels, and it is referenced in the TV show Stranger Things.
Conclusion
Crazy Climber is a true arcade classic that helped to define the platformer genre. Its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. Crazy Climber is a must-play for any fan of platformers or arcade games.
Additional Information
- Crazy Climber was developed by a team led by Kazuyuki Nakashima, who would later go on to create the Pac-Man series.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Junko Ozawa, who also composed the music for the original Donkey Kong game.
- Crazy Climber was ported to the Atari 2600 in 1982, and it was one of the first arcade games to be ported to a home console.
- The game has been re-released several times over the years, including on the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Nintendo Switch Online.
Review Score
9.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
