Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, PC-8800 Series, SG-1000
- Publishers: Brøderbund Software, Sega, Soft Pro International
Drol (1983): A Captivating Maze Adventure on the SG-1000
Released in 1983 for various home computers, Drol captivated gamers with its unique blend of maze navigation and robotic rescue gameplay. Originally developed by Brøderbund, the game found a new home on the SG-1000 in 1985, published exclusively in Japan by Sega.
Gameplay: A Maze of Challenges
Drol presents players with a series of increasingly complex mazes, each filled with obstacles and enemies. The objective is to guide a robot hero through these mazes, rescuing its children along the way. The robot can move in four directions, and players must carefully plan their path to avoid hazards and reach the exit.
The mazes are filled with a variety of obstacles, including walls, pits, and conveyor belts. Enemies also roam the mazes, posing a threat to the robot and its children. These enemies come in different forms, each with unique movement patterns and behaviors.
The Robot’s Abilities
The robot hero in Drol is equipped with a set of abilities to help it navigate the mazes and overcome obstacles. It can jump over pits, push blocks to create new paths, and even use conveyor belts to its advantage.
In addition, the robot can collect power-ups that enhance its abilities. These power-ups can increase the robot’s speed, grant it temporary invincibility, or reveal hidden areas of the maze.
Rescuing the Children
The robot’s primary mission is to rescue its children, who are scattered throughout the mazes. The children are represented by small, colorful sprites, and they must be collected in order to complete each level.
Rescuing the children can be challenging, as they are often placed in dangerous locations or guarded by enemies. The robot must use its abilities and carefully plan its path to reach the children without getting caught.
Maze Design and Variety
Drol’s mazes are cleverly designed, offering a wide range of challenges and obstacles. Each maze is unique, requiring players to adapt their strategies and find new ways to overcome the hazards.
The game features over 100 mazes, providing ample content for players to explore and enjoy. The mazes gradually increase in difficulty, offering a steady challenge as players progress through the game.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Drol’s graphics were impressive, featuring detailed and colorful sprites. The game’s world is brought to life with vibrant colors and smooth animations.
The sound effects are simple but effective, adding to the game’s atmosphere and excitement. The music is catchy and memorable, creating a sense of urgency and adventure.
Legacy and Impact
Drol was a critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming one of the most popular games for the SG-1000. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging mazes, and charming visuals.
The game’s success spawned several sequels and ports to other platforms. It is still fondly remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic of the maze genre.
Conclusion
Drol (1983) is a captivating and challenging maze adventure that stands the test of time. Its unique blend of puzzle-solving and robotic rescue gameplay makes it a timeless classic that continues to entertain gamers today. With its clever maze design, charming visuals, and catchy music, Drol is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and maze enthusiasts alike.
Review Score
7.5/10
