Jewels of Babylon (1984)

Summary

Release Year: 1984
Genres: Adventure
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
Publishers: Interceptor Software

Released in 1984 for the Atari 2600, Jewels of Babylon is a simple but addictive puzzle game that challenges players to match three or more jewels of the same color to make them disappear. The game is set in the ancient city of Babylon, and the player takes on the role of an archaeologist tasked with excavating a series of underground chambers filled with jewels.

The game is played on a single screen, which is divided into a 10×10 grid. Each square on the grid contains a jewel of a different color. The player can move the jewels around the grid by pressing the joystick in the direction they want to move. When three or more jewels of the same color are lined up in a row, either horizontally or vertically, they disappear and are replaced by new jewels falling from the top of the screen.

The player’s goal is to clear all of the jewels from the screen before the time runs out. The game starts with a time limit of 99 seconds, but the player can earn additional time by clearing jewels quickly and efficiently. The game also features a bonus round, which is awarded when the player clears the screen without using any bombs.

Jewels of Babylon was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best puzzle games for the Atari 2600. The game’s simple gameplay and addictive nature have made it a favorite of gamers of all ages.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Jewels of Babylon is simple to learn but difficult to master. The player controls a cursor that can be moved around the screen to swap adjacent jewels. When three or more jewels of the same color are lined up in a row, either horizontally or vertically, they disappear and are replaced by new jewels falling from the top of the screen.

The player’s goal is to clear all of the jewels from the screen before the time runs out. The game starts with a time limit of 99 seconds, but the player can earn additional time by clearing jewels quickly and efficiently. The player can also earn bonus points by clearing multiple rows of jewels at the same time.

The game features a variety of different jewel types, each with its own unique properties. Regular jewels simply disappear when they are matched, while special jewels can have a variety of different effects. For example, bombs can be used to clear a large area of jewels, while stars can be used to stop the timer.

The game also features a number of different levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, and the later levels require careful planning and strategy to complete.

Development

Jewels of Babylon was developed by Atari, Inc. and released in 1984 for the Atari 2600. The game was designed by Ed Logg, who is also known for designing other classic Atari games such as Asteroids and Centipede.

Logg was inspired to create Jewels of Babylon after playing a similar game on a mainframe computer. He wanted to create a game that was simple to learn but difficult to master, and he also wanted to incorporate some unique gameplay elements, such as the use of special jewels.

The development of Jewels of Babylon was relatively straightforward, and the game was completed in just a few months. However, the game’s release was delayed by the video game crash of 1983, which caused a sharp decline in sales of Atari 2600 games.

Despite the delay, Jewels of Babylon was eventually released in 1984 and became a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of special jewels. Jewels of Babylon is still considered one of the best puzzle games for the Atari 2600, and it remains popular with gamers of all ages today.

Reception

Jewels of Babylon was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of special jewels. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Jewels of Babylon has been praised by critics for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of special jewels. AllGame called the game “a classic puzzle game that is still fun to play today,” and IGN praised the game’s “simple but addictive gameplay.”

The game has also been praised by gamers for its longevity and replayability. Many gamers have reported playing the game for hours on end, and the game’s simple gameplay ensures that it remains fresh and challenging even after repeated playthroughs.

Overall, Jewels of Babylon is a well-crafted and enjoyable puzzle game that deserves its place as a classic of the Atari 2600 library. The game’s simple gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of special jewels make it a must-play for fans of puzzle games and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

Legacy

Jewels of Babylon has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s simple gameplay and addictive nature have made it a favorite of gamers of all ages, and it has inspired many other puzzle games over the years.

The game’s use of special jewels has also been influential in the development of other puzzle games. Many modern puzzle games feature special jewels or other power-ups that can be used to help the player progress through the game.

Jewels of Babylon is a classic puzzle game that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game’s simple gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of special jewels make it a must-play for fans of puzzle games and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

Jewels of Babylon (1984)

Summary