Summary
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
Haunted Hedges: A Spooky Pac-Man Clone
Haunted Hedges is a 1983 maze arcade game developed and published by Bally Midway. It is a clone of the popular game Pac-Man, but with a Halloween theme. The player controls a character named Spooky, who must eat all of the dots in a maze while avoiding ghosts.
The game is set in a haunted house, and the maze is filled with spooky objects such as pumpkins, ghosts, and bats. The ghosts are also faster and more aggressive than in Pac-Man, making the game more challenging.
Haunted Hedges was a commercial success, and it was ported to several home computers. It is still considered to be one of the best Pac-Man clones, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Haunted Hedges is played in a maze, which is viewed from a top-down perspective. The player controls Spooky, who must eat all of the dots in the maze while avoiding ghosts. Spooky can move in four directions: up, down, left, and right.
The ghosts in Haunted Hedges are faster and more aggressive than in Pac-Man. They will chase Spooky relentlessly, and if they catch him, he will lose a life. Spooky can eat power pellets to temporarily stun the ghosts, making them easier to avoid.
Haunted Hedges also features several unique elements that are not found in Pac-Man. For example, there are warp tunnels that can be used to travel quickly around the maze. There are also keys that can be used to open doors to secret areas.
Development
Haunted Hedges was developed by Bally Midway, which was one of the leading arcade game developers of the early 1980s. The game was designed by Toru Iwatani, who also designed Pac-Man.
Haunted Hedges was released in arcades in 1983. It was a commercial success, and it was ported to several home computers, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Reception
Haunted Hedges was well-received by critics and gamers alike. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and unique elements. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 200,000 arcade cabinets.
Haunted Hedges is still considered to be one of the best Pac-Man clones, and it remains popular with retro gamers today. It is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a quick gaming fix.
Legacy
Haunted Hedges has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the most popular Pac-Man clones, and it has inspired several other games, including Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Mania.
Haunted Hedges is also notable for its innovative gameplay elements. The warp tunnels and keys were new additions to the Pac-Man formula, and they have been used in many other games since.
Haunted Hedges is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a fun and challenging game that is perfect for a quick gaming fix. If you are a fan of Pac-Man, then you owe it to yourself to check out Haunted Hedges.
Tips for Playing Haunted Hedges
Here are a few tips for playing Haunted Hedges:
- Eat the power pellets as soon as possible. This will stun the ghosts and make them easier to avoid.
- Use the warp tunnels to travel quickly around the maze. This can be helpful for escaping from ghosts or for getting to the other side of the maze quickly.
- Use the keys to open doors to secret areas. These areas often contain power pellets or other helpful items.
- Stay calm and don’t panic. If you start to panic, you are more likely to make mistakes.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you play Haunted Hedges, the better you will become at it.
With a little practice, you will be able to master Haunted Hedges and become a Pac-Man pro.
Review Score
7.5/10
