Platform: Atari 8-bit

Telengard (1982)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Telengard (1982): A Journey Through a Vast and Perilous Dungeon

Telengard is an early example of a “dungeon crawler” role-playing game, released in 1982 for the TRS-80 and later ported to other platforms. It is a true classic of the genre, offering a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover.

Gameplay

Telengard is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling a single adventurer. The game world is a massive dungeon, consisting of 50 levels, each with 200 by 200 rooms. The dungeon is randomly generated, so no two playthroughs are exactly the same.

The player’s character is defined by six randomly-rolled attributes: Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, and Charisma. These attributes affect the character’s combat abilities, spellcasting abilities, and other skills.

The player character moves through the dungeon in real time, and monsters can attack at any time. Combat is turn-based, and the player can choose to attack, cast a spell, or use an item.

Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player character can gain experience points by defeating monsters and finding treasure. As the character gains experience, they will level up and become more powerful.

Features

Telengard is notable for its size and complexity. The dungeon is vast, and there is a lot to explore. The game also features a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures.

In addition to the main dungeon, Telengard also features a number of special areas, such as the Temple of Elemental Evil and the Tomb of the Lich King. These areas are even more challenging than the main dungeon, but they also offer greater rewards.

Legacy

Telengard was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most important early dungeon crawlers. The game has been praised for its size, complexity, and challenge.

Telengard has also been influential on the development of the dungeon crawler genre. Many later dungeon crawlers, such as Diablo and Torchlight, have been inspired by Telengard’s design.

Conclusion

Telengard is a classic dungeon crawler that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game offers a vast and challenging world to explore, with a variety of monsters, traps, and treasures to discover. If you are a fan of dungeon crawlers, then you owe it to yourself to check out Telengard.

Tips for Playing Telengard

  • Be careful when exploring. The dungeon is full of traps and monsters, so it is important to be careful when moving around.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your spells. Spells can be very powerful in Telengard, so don’t be afraid to use them to your advantage.
  • Be patient. Telengard is a challenging game, but it is also fair. If you are patient and persistent, you will eventually succeed.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Daniel Lawrence
  • Publisher: Avalon Hill
  • Platforms: TRS-80, Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit family, MSX, IBM PC
  • Release Date: 1982

Reviews

  • Computer Gaming World: “Telengard is a classic dungeon crawl that is still enjoyed by gamers today.”
  • IGN: “Telengard is a must-play for fans of the dungeon crawler genre.”
  • GameSpot: “Telengard is a challenging but rewarding experience that is sure to please fans of dungeon crawlers.”

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Necromancer (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Necromancer (1982): A Unique Arcade Classic

Necromancer is an arcade game released in 1982 by Atari, Inc. It is an action game with unique gameplay that combines elements of strategy and puzzle-solving. The player controls the wizard Illuminar, who must use his magic to grow an army of trees to defeat the evil Necromancer and his minions.

Necromancer is divided into three distinct segments, each of which affects the one following it. In the first segment, the player controls Illuminar as he walks through a graveyard, casting spells to create trees. The trees can be used to attack the Necromancer’s minions, or to block their path. The player must carefully plan their strategy in this segment, as the trees they create will carry over to the next segment.

In the second segment, the player controls a group of trees as they march towards the Necromancer’s castle. The trees can attack the Necromancer’s minions, or they can be used to build bridges and other structures to help them reach the castle. The player must again carefully plan their strategy in this segment, as the trees they control will carry over to the third and final segment.

In the third and final segment, the player controls Illuminar as he battles the Necromancer in his castle. The player must use their magic to defeat the Necromancer and his minions, and to rescue the kidnapped princess.

Necromancer is a challenging and rewarding game that requires the player to use their strategic and puzzle-solving skills to succeed. The game’s unique gameplay and dark fantasy setting make it a standout among arcade games of its era.

Gameplay

Necromancer is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls Illuminar in the first and third segments of the game, and a group of trees in the second segment.

In the first segment, the player uses a joystick to move Illuminar around the graveyard. Illuminar can cast spells to create trees, which can be used to attack the Necromancer’s minions or to block their path. The player must carefully plan their strategy in this segment, as the trees they create will carry over to the next segment.

In the second segment, the player controls a group of trees as they march towards the Necromancer’s castle. The trees can attack the Necromancer’s minions, or they can be used to build bridges and other structures to help them reach the castle. The player must again carefully plan their strategy in this segment, as the trees they control will carry over to the third and final segment.

In the third and final segment, the player controls Illuminar as he battles the Necromancer in his castle. The player must use their magic to defeat the Necromancer and his minions, and to rescue the kidnapped princess.

Development

Necromancer was developed by Atari’s coin-op division in Sunnyvale, California. The game was designed by Ed Rotberg and programmed by John Dunn. Rotberg was inspired to create Necromancer after playing the arcade game Pac-Man. He wanted to create a game that was more challenging and strategic than Pac-Man, and that would also feature a dark fantasy setting.

Necromancer was released in arcades in 1982. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best arcade games of its era.

Legacy

Necromancer has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, and Commodore 64. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital distribution platforms.

Necromancer has been praised for its unique gameplay, dark fantasy setting, and challenging difficulty. The game is considered to be a classic of the arcade era, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Conclusion

Necromancer is a unique and challenging arcade game that combines elements of action, strategy, and puzzle-solving. The game’s dark fantasy setting and innovative gameplay make it a standout among arcade games of its era. Necromancer is a classic game that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

7.5/10

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The Witness (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 8 minutes read

Summary

The Witness (1983): A Classic Text Adventure Murder Mystery

The Witness is a text adventure game developed by Infocom and released in 1983. It is the seventh game in the Zork series, and the first to be released for personal computers. The player takes on the role of a detective who is summoned to the Cabeza Plana, California office of Mr. Linder, a millionaire. Linder fears that his life is in danger… and indeed, as he sits in his office with the player, he is murdered before the player’s eyes. The player then must solve the murder.

The Witness is a classic example of an interactive fiction game. The player interacts with the game world by typing commands, and the game responds with text descriptions of the player’s surroundings and the results of their actions. The game world is richly detailed, and the player can explore a variety of locations, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest.

The murder mystery at the heart of The Witness is well-written and engaging. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer. The game features a variety of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

In addition to its strong mystery plot, The Witness is also notable for its innovative use of language. The game’s parser is one of the most sophisticated ever created, and it allows the player to interact with the game world in a very natural way. The game also features a number of puzzles that require the player to think outside the box.

The Witness was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its well-written story, innovative gameplay, and sophisticated parser. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for fans of interactive fiction.

Gameplay

The Witness is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is one of the most sophisticated ever created, and it allows the player to interact with the game world in a very natural way. The player can type commands such as “go north”, “examine desk”, and “talk to witness” to explore the game world and interact with objects and characters.

The game world is richly detailed, and the player can explore a variety of locations, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer.

The Witness features a variety of puzzles, some of which are quite challenging. The puzzles require the player to think outside the box and use their problem-solving skills. The game also features a number of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

Story

The Witness is a murder mystery story. The player takes on the role of a detective who is summoned to the Cabeza Plana, California office of Mr. Linder, a millionaire. Linder fears that his life is in danger… and indeed, as he sits in his office with the player, he is murdered before the player’s eyes. The player then must solve the murder.

The murder mystery at the heart of The Witness is well-written and engaging. The player must interview witnesses, collect evidence, and solve puzzles in order to uncover the identity of the killer. The game features a variety of red herrings and dead ends, which makes the mystery all the more challenging to solve.

Characters

The Witness features a cast of well-developed characters. The player character is a detective who is tasked with solving the murder of Mr. Linder. The player can also interact with a variety of other characters, including witnesses, suspects, and the victim’s family and friends.

The characters in The Witness are all well-written and believable. The player can learn a great deal about each character by talking to them and observing their behavior. The characters’ relationships with each other are also complex and well-developed.

Setting

The Witness is set in the small town of Cabeza Plana, California. The town is a quiet and peaceful place, but it is also home to a number of secrets. The player can explore a variety of locations in the town, including Linder’s office, the surrounding town, and a nearby forest.

The setting of The Witness is well-realized and atmospheric. The player can easily imagine themselves walking through the streets of Cabeza Plana and interacting with the townspeople. The game’s setting also plays an important role in the mystery plot.

Themes

The Witness explores a number of themes, including murder, mystery, and justice. The game also examines the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of our actions.

The Witness is a thought-provoking and challenging game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. It is a classic example of an interactive fiction game, and it is still one of the best murder mystery games ever created.

Legacy

The Witness was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its well-written story, innovative gameplay, and sophisticated parser. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for fans of interactive fiction.

The Witness has also been influential in the development of other video games. The game’s parser has been used as a model for other interactive fiction games, and its innovative gameplay has inspired a number of other games. The Witness is a true classic of the video game genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Zork (1977)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Zork: A Text-Based Adventure That Pioneered Interactive Fiction

Introduction

Zork is a groundbreaking interactive fiction game that has captivated gamers for over four decades. Originally developed in the late 1970s, Zork laid the foundation for the adventure game genre and continues to inspire game designers to this day.

Gameplay

Zork is a text-based adventure game, meaning that players interact with the game world by typing commands. Players explore a vast underground world filled with lush forests, treacherous dungeons, and hidden treasures. Along the way, they encounter a cast of memorable characters, solve puzzles, and make choices that shape the story.

One of the key innovations of Zork was its use of natural language processing. Players could type commands in plain English, and the game would understand their intent. This made Zork much more accessible than previous text-based adventures, which required players to memorize a list of specific commands.

Setting

Zork is set in the Great Underground Empire, a vast and mysterious world hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Players explore a variety of environments, including forests, caves, dungeons, and temples. Each area is filled with its own unique challenges and secrets.

Characters

Zork features a cast of memorable characters, both friendly and hostile. Players interact with wizards, thieves, dwarves, and other inhabitants of the Great Underground Empire. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and players must learn to navigate their relationships in order to progress.

Puzzles

Zork is renowned for its challenging puzzles. Players must use their wits and creativity to solve a variety of puzzles, including riddles, mazes, and logic puzzles. Some puzzles are straightforward, while others require lateral thinking and experimentation.

Legacy

Zork has had a profound impact on the video game industry. It is considered one of the most important and influential games of all time, and it has inspired countless other adventure games. Zork’s legacy can be seen in modern games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Critical Reception

Zork was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and challenging puzzles. Zork has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.

Impact on Popular Culture

Zork has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and other works of art. The game’s iconic phrase, “feeblemind,” has become a part of the gaming lexicon.

Conclusion

Zork is a true classic of video gaming. Its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and challenging puzzles have captivated generations of gamers. Zork is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of interactive fiction.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

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Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle (1983): A Nostalgic Journey into the Atari Era

Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle, a classic shoot ’em up video game released in 1983 for the Atari 2600 and other platforms. Embark on a nostalgic journey as we delve into the gameplay, graphics, sound, and legacy of this beloved title.

Gameplay: Battling the Empire in Space

Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle immerses you in the iconic Battle of Endor, piloting the legendary Millennium Falcon against the relentless forces of the Galactic Empire. Your mission is clear: destroy the second Death Star and bring about the downfall of the Empire.

The gameplay is simple yet engaging. Control the Millennium Falcon with the joystick, maneuvering through space and firing lasers at enemy TIE fighters. The game is split into two distinct stages, each presenting its own set of challenges.

In the first stage, you must navigate a treacherous asteroid field while dodging and destroying TIE fighters. The key objective is to find an opening in the Death Star’s energy shield, which will allow you to proceed to the next stage.

Once you penetrate the shield, the second stage begins. Here, you must target specific parts of the Death Star, gradually weakening its defenses until a clear path to the reactor is revealed. With precision and skill, you must then destroy the reactor, triggering a massive explosion that will obliterate the Death Star.

Graphics: Pixelated Space Battles

By today’s standards, the graphics of Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle may seem simplistic. However, in 1983, they were considered cutting-edge for an Atari 2600 game. The iconic Millennium Falcon is rendered in blocky pixels, while the TIE fighters resemble tiny, darting insects. The Death Star looms large in the background, its menacing presence a constant reminder of the stakes involved.

Despite its limitations, the graphics effectively convey the intensity of the space battles. Explosions are rendered with bursts of color, and the Millennium Falcon’s laser fire streaks across the screen. The game’s simple yet effective visuals capture the essence of the Star Wars universe, immersing players in a nostalgic pixelated adventure.

Sound: Beeps, Boops, and the Iconic Star Wars Theme

The sound design of Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle is equally nostalgic. The game’s soundtrack consists of simple beeps and boops that create a suitably retro atmosphere. However, the inclusion of the iconic Star Wars theme music adds an epic dimension to the gameplay, stirring emotions and enhancing the overall experience.

Sound effects are minimal but effective. The Millennium Falcon’s laser fire emits a satisfying “pew-pew” sound, while the explosions of TIE fighters and the Death Star’s destruction are accompanied by appropriately dramatic sound effects.

Legacy: A Nostalgic Classic

Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle may not be the most graphically advanced or sophisticated game by today’s standards, but it remains a beloved classic for many retro gaming enthusiasts. Its simple yet engaging gameplay, iconic graphics, and nostalgic sound design transport players back to the golden age of Atari gaming.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by its historical significance. As the first released video game based on the movie Return of the Jedi, it played a pivotal role in expanding the Star Wars universe into the realm of interactive entertainment.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Death Star Battle is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic video games. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, nostalgic graphics, and iconic sound design evoke a sense of childlike wonder and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer to the Atari era, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So, grab your joystick, prepare for battle, and experience the thrill of destroying the Death Star once again!

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Hollywood Hijinx (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Hollywood Hijinx (1987)

Hollywood Hijinx is an action-adventure platformer game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was released in North America in 1987 and in Europe in 1988.

The player controls a private detective named Mark Hopper who is investigating a series of thefts at a Hollywood movie studio. Mark must travel through a variety of levels, each based on a different movie genre, in order to find the stolen items and bring the thieves to justice.

Hollywood Hijinx is a challenging and rewarding game that features a variety of enemies, puzzles, and platforming challenges. The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive.

Gameplay

Hollywood Hijinx is a side-scrolling platformer game. The player controls Mark Hopper, who can run, jump, and shoot. Mark can also use a variety of weapons and items to help him defeat enemies and solve puzzles.

The game is divided into a series of levels, each of which is based on a different movie genre. The levels include a Western town, a haunted house, a science fiction spaceship, and a medieval castle. Each level is filled with enemies, puzzles, and platforming challenges.

Mark must use his wits and skills to overcome the challenges in each level and find the stolen items. He must also defeat the boss at the end of each level in order to progress.

Weapons and Items

Mark can use a variety of weapons and items to help him defeat enemies and solve puzzles. These include:

  • Gun: Mark’s primary weapon. He can shoot enemies with his gun to defeat them.
  • Grenades: Mark can throw grenades to damage enemies or destroy obstacles.
  • Bomb: Mark can plant bombs to destroy obstacles or damage enemies.
  • Key: Mark can use keys to open doors and chests.
  • Health: Mark can collect health items to restore his health.
  • Power-ups: Mark can collect power-ups to increase his strength, speed, or jumping ability.

Levels

Hollywood Hijinx features a variety of levels, each of which is based on a different movie genre. The levels include:

  • Western Town: The first level is a Western town. Mark must travel through the town, defeating outlaws and avoiding traps.
  • Haunted House: The second level is a haunted house. Mark must navigate through the house, solving puzzles and avoiding ghosts.
  • Science Fiction Spaceship: The third level is a science fiction spaceship. Mark must travel through the spaceship, defeating aliens and avoiding lasers.
  • Medieval Castle: The fourth level is a medieval castle. Mark must travel through the castle, defeating knights and avoiding traps.

Each level is filled with enemies, puzzles, and platforming challenges. Mark must use his wits and skills to overcome the challenges in each level and find the stolen items.

Bosses

At the end of each level, Mark must defeat a boss in order to progress. The bosses include:

  • Outlaw: The boss of the Western Town level is an outlaw named Butch Cassidy.
  • Ghost: The boss of the Haunted House level is a ghost named Casper.
  • Alien: The boss of the Science Fiction Spaceship level is an alien named Zorgon.
  • Knight: The boss of the Medieval Castle level is a knight named Sir Lancelot.

Each boss has its own unique attacks and abilities. Mark must use his wits and skills to defeat the bosses and progress to the next level.

Graphics and Sound

Hollywood Hijinx features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s characters and environments are well-drawn and animated. The game’s soundtrack is also catchy and memorable.

Conclusion

Hollywood Hijinx is a fun and challenging action-adventure platformer game that will appeal to fans of retro games. The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive. Overall, Hollywood Hijinx is a great game that is sure to please fans of the genre.

Review Score

7/10

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Mission Asteroid (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Mission Asteroid: A Classic Text Adventure from Sierra

Mission Asteroid is a text adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1980. It was the third text adventure game with graphical illustrations from Sierra, but due to its easy difficulty level, it was released as number zero in Sierra’s Hi-Res Adventure series.

The game is set in the year 2001, and the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot who must stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. The player must travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it.

The game’s parser only understands simple one- or two-word commands, and the game world is relatively small and easy to navigate. This makes Mission Asteroid a good choice for beginner text adventure gamers.

Despite its simplicity, Mission Asteroid is a well-crafted game with a good story and interesting puzzles. The game’s graphics are also impressive for the time, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

Gameplay

Mission Asteroid is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very simple, and it only understands a limited number of commands. However, the game’s world is also relatively small and easy to navigate, so the player can usually figure out how to progress by trial and error.

The game’s objective is to travel to the asteroid, land on it, and plant a bomb to destroy it. The player must first travel to the space station, where they can purchase a spaceship and fuel. The player can then fly to the asteroid, but they must be careful to avoid being hit by space debris.

Once the player has landed on the asteroid, they must find the bomb and plant it. The bomb is located in a cave, and the player must solve a simple puzzle to open the cave door. Once the bomb is planted, the player must return to their spaceship and fly away from the asteroid before it explodes.

Graphics

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations. The graphics are simple, but they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s world is rendered in black and white, and the player can see their spaceship, the asteroid, and the space station.

Reception

Mission Asteroid was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story. The game was also a financial success, and it helped to establish Sierra On-Line as a major force in the video game industry.

Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games. The game is simple to learn, but it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Legacy

Mission Asteroid was one of the first text adventure games to feature graphical illustrations, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay and its impressive graphics made it a critical and commercial success. Mission Asteroid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic text adventure games.

Mission Asteroid’s legacy can be seen in many modern video games. For example, the game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated in many other text adventure games. Additionally, the game’s graphical illustrations have inspired the development of many other graphical adventure games.

Mission Asteroid is a classic text adventure game that helped to popularize the genre. The game’s simple but fun gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its good story have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you should definitely check out Mission Asteroid.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

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Beach-Head (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Beach-Head (1983): A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1983, Beach-Head is an arcade classic that defined the shoot-’em-up genre. Developed by Access Software and published by Atari, Inc., Beach-Head puts players in the role of a lone soldier fighting against an overwhelming enemy force on a beachhead. With its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics, Beach-Head has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved arcade games of all time.

Gameplay

Beach-Head is a fixed shooter game, meaning that the player’s movement is restricted to a specific area of the screen. The player controls a lone soldier armed with a machine gun and grenades, and must fend off waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player’s objective is to survive as long as possible and rack up a high score.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive. The player must constantly move and shoot to avoid being hit by enemy fire. The player can also use grenades to take out multiple enemies at once. As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemies become increasingly difficult, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of grenades.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Beach-Head’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s use of sprite scaling and parallax scrolling created a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere.

Legacy

Beach-Head was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several sequels and ports to home computers. The game is still fondly remembered by gamers today for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics. Beach-Head is considered to be one of the most important arcade games of all time, and its influence can still be seen in modern shoot-’em-up games.

Critical Reception

Beach-Head was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 20,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Accolades

  • Arcade Game of the Year (1983) – RePlay magazine
  • Best Action Arcade Game (1983) – Arcade Express magazine

  • 2 Top Arcade Game (1983) – Cash Box magazine

Cultural Impact

Beach-Head has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. The game’s iconic graphics and gameplay have also been parodied and imitated in numerous other games.

Conclusion

Beach-Head is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics make it a must-play for any fan of shoot-’em-up games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Beach-Head is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Drelbs (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Drelbs (1983): A Synapse Software Classic

Released in 1983 by Synapse Software, Drelbs is a maze game for the Atari 8-bit family that combines elements of Pac-Man, Lady Bug, and Tron. The player controls a walking eyeball called a drelb, with the goal of flipping gates to create closed boxes and trapping square trollaboars.

The game is played on a maze of gates, similar to the Lady Bug arcade game. The drelb can push into the gates to rotate them 90 degrees, creating paths and trapping trollaboars. However, the trollaboars can also use the gates, so the player must be careful not to trap themselves.

In addition to the trollaboars, the player must also contend with screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Drelbs is a challenging and addictive game that requires quick thinking and strategy. The maze is constantly changing, so the player must be able to adapt on the fly. The game is also very unforgiving, as a single mistake can lead to death.

Despite its difficulty, Drelbs is a fair and rewarding game. The player is always in control of their drelb, and there is no randomness involved in the gameplay. This makes it a great game for players who enjoy a challenge.

Gameplay

The goal of Drelbs is to create closed boxes by flipping gates and trapping trollaboars. The player controls a drelb, which can push into gates to rotate them 90 degrees. The trollaboars can also use the gates, but they cannot seal them into boxes.

The player must be careful not to trap themselves in a box, as this will result in death. The player must also be careful to avoid the screwhead tanks that patrol the empty border outside the maze. These tanks shoot at the drelb, so the player must be careful to avoid them.

Occasionally, one of the boxes in the maze will become a “drelbish window to the dark corridor.” When this happens, the player can enter the dark corridor, where the goal is to free as many drelbs as possible while avoiding gorgolytes. Completing the dark corridor, or kissing a randomly appearing “mystery lady,” awards a bonus based on the number of completed boxes.

Development

Drelbs was written by Kelly Jones and published by Synapse Software in 1983. Jones was inspired to create Drelbs after playing Lady Bug, a maze game released by Atari in 1981. Jones wanted to create a game that was similar to Lady Bug, but with more challenging gameplay.

Jones spent several months developing Drelbs, and the game was finally released in 1983. Drelbs was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best maze games ever made.

Reception

Drelbs was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Drelbs has been ported to several other platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC. The game has also been released on several compilation albums, including the Atari Anniversary Collection and the Synapse Software Anthology.

Drelbs is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered one of the classic games of the Atari 8-bit era.

Legacy

Drelbs has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and graphics have influenced many other games, including Pac-Man, Tron, and Qix.

Drelbs is also considered one of the first games to feature a female protagonist. The game’s protagonist, the drelb, is a female eyeball, and she is one of the few female protagonists in video games from the early 1980s.

Drelbs is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of maze games.

Review Score

8/10

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Pooyan (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Pooyan: A Classic Arcade Game from the Golden Age

Pooyan is a classic arcade game released in 1982 by Stern Electronics under license from Konami. It is a simple but addictive game that has stood the test of time, remaining popular with gamers of all ages.

Gameplay

The player controls Mama, a pig whose babies have been kidnapped by a group of wolves. Mama must use her balloons to float up and rescue her babies, while avoiding the wolves and their attacks.

The game is played on a single screen, with Mama at the bottom and the wolves at the top. Mama can move left and right, and can jump up to grab her babies. She can also use her balloons to float up and down, and to attack the wolves.

The wolves will try to attack Mama by jumping on her or throwing rocks at her. Mama can avoid the wolves by jumping over them or by using her balloons to float out of their reach. She can also attack the wolves by jumping on them or by throwing her balloons at them.

If Mama manages to rescue all of her babies, she will move on to the next level. The game becomes progressively more difficult as Mama progresses through the levels, with more wolves and obstacles to contend with.

Development

Pooyan was developed by Konami in Japan. The game was originally released in Japan in 1982 under the title Crazy Balloon. Stern Electronics licensed the game for release in the United States in 1982, and changed the name to Pooyan.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s. It was ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the ColecoVision, and the Commodore 64.

Legacy

Pooyan is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the golden age. It is a simple but addictive game that has stood the test of time, remaining popular with gamers of all ages.

The game has been praised for its charming graphics and sound, and for its addictive gameplay. It has been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including Bubble Bobble and Pac-Man.

Re-releases

Pooyan has been re-released on a number of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Network, the Xbox Live Arcade, and the Nintendo Switch Online service.

The game is also available as part of a number of retro game compilations, such as the Konami Classics Collection and the Arcade Archives series.

Conclusion

Pooyan is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. It is a simple but addictive game that is sure to bring back memories for anyone who grew up in the 1980s.

Additional Information

  • Pooyan was one of the first arcade games to feature a female protagonist.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Balloon Mama”, but the name was changed to Pooyan to make it more appealing to international audiences.
  • Pooyan has been featured in a number of television shows and movies, including “The Simpsons” and “Wreck-It Ralph”.
  • The game has been parodied in a number of other games, including “Super Mario Bros. 3” and “WarioWare”.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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