Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Platform
- Platforms: Odyssey, Odyssey 2 / Videopac G7000
- Publishers: North American Philips Consumer Electronics Corp.
Pick Axe Pete! (1982): A Boulder-Blasting, Key-Collecting Mining Adventure
Released in 1982, Pick Axe Pete! is an arcade classic that puts you in the shoes of a determined miner named Pete. Your mission is to navigate a treacherous mine shaft, dodging boulders, collecting keys, and upgrading your trusty pickaxe to advance through increasingly challenging levels.
Gameplay: A Bouncing Boulder Bonanza
The gameplay of Pick Axe Pete! is simple yet addictive. Pete stands in the middle of the screen, armed with a pickaxe. Three doors at the top of the screen release boulders that bounce down the mine shafts. Pete must use his pickaxe to destroy the boulders, earning 3 points for each one he successfully shatters.
However, Pete’s pickaxe has limited durability and will eventually disappear. When this happens, Pete can either jump over the boulders (earning 1 point per jump) or head to the bottom of the mine to retrieve a new pickaxe (earning a 5-point bonus).
Keys to the Next Level
Scattered among the boulders are keys. Collecting a key allows Pete to enter one of the doors at the top of the screen, leading him to the next level. Each level presents a new challenge, with faster-bouncing boulders and more complex mine shaft layouts.
Power-Ups and Explosions
When two boulders collide, they explode. This explosion can yield either a new pickaxe, which floats to the bottom of the screen, or a key, which floats to the top. Occasionally, the explosion will produce nothing at all.
Scoring and Strategy
The goal of Pick Axe Pete! is to score as many points as possible by destroying boulders, collecting keys, and completing levels. Points are awarded as follows:
- Destroying a boulder: 3 points
- Jumping over a boulder: 1 point
- Retrieving a new pickaxe: 5 points
- Collecting a key: 10 points
- Completing a level: 50 points
The key to success in Pick Axe Pete! is to manage your pickaxe wisely. It’s tempting to swing wildly at every boulder, but this will quickly wear out your axe and leave you vulnerable. Instead, try to time your swings carefully and only strike when necessary.
Also, keep an eye out for keys and try to collect them whenever possible. Keys are essential for progressing through the levels and racking up big points.
Legacy and Impact
Pick Axe Pete! was a popular arcade game in its day, and it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and charming pixelated graphics have stood the test of time.
The game has been ported to various home computers and consoles over the years, and it is also available on modern gaming platforms through emulation.
Pick Axe Pete! has inspired several sequels and spin-offs, including Pick Axe Pete’s Pocket Adventure (1991) and Pick Axe Pete: Adventures in the Third Dimension (1993).
Conclusion
Pick Axe Pete! is a timeless arcade classic that offers a fun and challenging mining adventure. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming pixelated graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Pick Axe Pete! is a game that will appeal to retro gaming fans of all ages.
So grab your pickaxe, dodge those boulders, and see how far you can dig your way to victory in the perilous mines of Pick Axe Pete!
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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