Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Apple II, Arcade, Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, MSX, SG-1000, TRS-80 Color Computer, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision, Tandy
Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns (1984)
Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns is a platformer game developed by Activision and released in 1984 for the Atari 2600. It is the sequel to the 1982 game Pitfall! and was a critical and commercial success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide.
Pitfall II retains the basic gameplay of its predecessor, but adds a number of new features, including a larger world to explore, more varied enemies and obstacles, and a variety of new items and power-ups. The player controls Pitfall Harry, a treasure hunter who must navigate a series of treacherous caverns in search of lost treasure.
One of the most significant changes in Pitfall II is the addition of a maze-like world to explore. In the original Pitfall!, the player progressed through a series of linear levels. In Pitfall II, the player can explore a more open world, with multiple paths to take and secrets to discover. This makes the game more challenging and replayable, as players can experiment with different routes and strategies to find the best way to reach the end.
Another major change in Pitfall II is the addition of a wider variety of enemies and obstacles. In the original game, the player primarily faced spiders and scorpions. In Pitfall II, the player must also contend with snakes, bats, crocodiles, and even a giant octopus. These enemies are all more varied in their behavior and attack patterns, which makes the game more challenging and keeps players on their toes.
In addition to the new enemies and obstacles, Pitfall II also introduces a variety of new items and power-ups. These items can help Harry to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and find hidden treasure. Some of the most useful items include the boomerang, which can be used to stun enemies and collect items from a distance; the grappling hook, which can be used to swing across gaps and climb walls; and the torch, which can be used to light up dark areas and reveal hidden passages.
Pitfall II was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, and it quickly became one of the best-selling games for the Atari 2600. The game has been ported to a variety of other platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, the NES, and the Game Boy. It is still considered to be one of the best platformer games ever made.
Gameplay
The goal of Pitfall II is to guide Pitfall Harry through a series of treacherous caverns in search of lost treasure. The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player must use the joystick to control Harry’s movements. Harry can walk, jump, and climb ladders. He can also use a variety of items and power-ups to help him overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
The caverns are filled with a variety of hazards, including pits, spikes, and enemies. Harry must carefully navigate these hazards in order to reach the end of each level. The game also features a number of hidden areas and secrets, which can be discovered by exploring off the beaten path.
There are a total of 32 levels in Pitfall II. The first 16 levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty increases significantly in the later levels. The final level is a particularly challenging gauntlet, and only the most skilled players will be able to complete it.
Development
Pitfall II was developed by a team led by David Crane. Crane had previously worked on the original Pitfall! game, as well as other classic Atari 2600 games such as Kaboom! and Freeway.
The development of Pitfall II was a challenging process. The team had to work within the limitations of the Atari 2600 hardware, which had only 4 KB of RAM and a very limited graphical and sound capabilities. However, the team was able to overcome these limitations and create a game that was both visually impressive and fun to play.
One of the most innovative aspects of Pitfall II was its use of a maze-like world. This was a significant departure from the linear levels of the original game, and it allowed for a much more open and explorable world. The team also added a variety of new enemies and obstacles, as well as new items and power-ups. These additions made the game more challenging and replayable, and they helped to create a truly unique and memorable experience.
Reception
Pitfall II was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, and it quickly became one of the best-selling games for the Atari 2600. The game has been ported to a variety of other platforms over the years, and it is still considered to be one of the best platformer games ever made.
Pitfall II has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging levels, and its memorable graphics and sound. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the platformer genre. Pitfall II is a true classic of the video game industry, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Legacy
Pitfall II has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging levels have inspired many other platformer games, and its memorable graphics and sound have helped to define the genre. Pitfall II is a true classic of the video game industry, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
In addition to its critical and commercial success, Pitfall II has also been recognized for its historical significance. In 2009, the game was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. This honor is bestowed upon games that have made a significant impact on the video game industry, and it is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of Pitfall II.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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