Platform: Atari 8-bit

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

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Spellbreaker (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Spellbreaker: A Masterpiece of Interactive Fiction

Spellbreaker is the third and final game in Infocom’s Enchanter trilogy, and it is widely considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever created. Released in 1985, Spellbreaker builds on the strengths of its predecessors, Enchanter and Sorcerer, with a compelling story, challenging puzzles, and superb writing.

The game takes place ten years after the events of Enchanter. The player character, now the leader of the Circle of Enchanters, is called upon to investigate the sudden failure of magic throughout the land. The leaders of all the Guilds have gathered to demand answers, but before the player can address them, they are all transformed into toads and newts. Everyone present is affected except for the player and a shadowy figure who flees the hall.

The player must now set out on a quest to find the source of the magical disruption and restore balance to the land. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including treacherous dungeons, deadly creatures, and mind-bending puzzles.

One of the things that makes Spellbreaker so special is its story. The game’s plot is full of twists and turns, and the player is constantly kept guessing about what will happen next. The writing is also top-notch, with a rich cast of characters and a vivid setting.

In addition to its story, Spellbreaker is also known for its challenging puzzles. The game’s puzzles are fair but difficult, and they require the player to think creatively in order to solve them. The puzzles are also well-integrated into the story, and they never feel like arbitrary obstacles.

Spellbreaker is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all levels of experience. If you’re a fan of interactive fiction, or just love great storytelling, then you need to play Spellbreaker.

Gameplay

Spellbreaker is a text-based interactive fiction game. The player controls the game by typing commands, which are then parsed by the game’s engine. The game’s world is described in detail, and the player can explore it by moving from location to location.

The player can interact with objects and characters in the game world by using commands such as “get”, “use”, and “talk to”. The player can also cast spells by typing the appropriate command followed by the name of the spell.

Spellbreaker features a variety of puzzles, which the player must solve in order to progress through the game. The puzzles are typically based on logic and problem-solving, and they require the player to think creatively in order to solve them.

Setting

Spellbreaker is set in the same fantasy world as the previous two games in the Enchanter trilogy. The game’s world is a rich and detailed one, with a variety of locations to explore, including forests, dungeons, and castles.

The game’s world is also home to a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile. The player will encounter everything from talking animals to deadly monsters.

Characters

Spellbreaker features a cast of memorable characters. The player character is a powerful wizard, and they will be aided by a variety of allies, including a talking cat and a wise old wizard.

The player will also encounter a variety of antagonists, including a powerful sorcerer and a group of evil creatures.

Legacy

Spellbreaker is considered to be one of the greatest interactive fiction games ever created. The game’s story, puzzles, and writing have all been praised by critics and players alike.

Spellbreaker has also been influential on the development of other interactive fiction games. The game’s use of a parser-based interface and its focus on storytelling have been adopted by many other IF games.

Conclusion

Spellbreaker is a masterpiece of interactive fiction. The game’s story, puzzles, and writing are all top-notch, and the game’s world is rich and detailed. If you’re a fan of interactive fiction, or just love great storytelling, then you need to play Spellbreaker.

Review Score

9/10

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The Lurking Horror (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

The Lurking Horror: A Lovecraftian Masterpiece of Interactive Fiction

Released in 1987 by Infocom, The Lurking Horror is a text-based interactive fiction game that takes players on a terrifying journey into the depths of cosmic horror. Inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, the game creates an immersive and atmospheric experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

You begin the game as a private investigator called to the isolated New England town of Dunwich to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy local man. As you delve deeper into your investigation, you uncover a sinister plot involving ancient beings and unspeakable horrors.

The Lurking Horror is a master class in interactive storytelling. The game’s parser is incredibly powerful, allowing you to interact with the world in a natural and intuitive way. You can explore the town of Dunwich, talk to its inhabitants, and collect clues to help you solve the mystery.

The game’s atmosphere is one of its strongest points. The writing is evocative and descriptive, creating a vivid sense of place and mood. The sound effects and music (in the Amiga version) add to the immersive experience, creating a truly unsettling and oppressive atmosphere.

The Lurking Horror is also a challenging game. The puzzles are complex and require careful thought to solve. The game world is unforgiving, and there are many ways to die. However, the challenge is fair, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally solve the mystery is immense.

Lovecraftian Horror at Its Best

The Lurking Horror is a faithful adaptation of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror mythos. The game features many of Lovecraft’s signature themes, such as the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and unknowable universe, the existence of ancient and powerful beings that exist beyond our comprehension, and the inevitability of madness and doom.

The game’s setting is also quintessentially Lovecraftian. Dunwich is a small, isolated town with a dark history. The townsfolk are superstitious and xenophobic, and there are rumors of strange goings-on in the surrounding woods.

The Lurking Horror is a truly terrifying game. The atmosphere is oppressive, the puzzles are challenging, and the stakes are high. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, then you owe it to yourself to play this game.

A Technical Marvel

In addition to its storytelling and atmosphere, The Lurking Horror is also a technical marvel. The game was written using Infocom’s Z-machine, which allowed it to be ported to multiple platforms. The game’s parser is incredibly powerful, and it allows for a wide range of player input.

The Amiga version of the game was the first Infocom game to feature sound effects and music. The sound effects are used sparingly, but they are effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. The music is also excellent, and it helps to set the mood for the game.

Conclusion

The Lurking Horror is a masterpiece of interactive fiction. It is a terrifying, atmospheric, and challenging game that will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, then you owe it to yourself to play this game.

Review Score: 9/10

Pros:

  • Immersive and atmospheric
  • Complex and challenging puzzles
  • Faithful adaptation of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror mythos
  • Powerful parser
  • Excellent sound effects and music (Amiga version)

Cons:

  • Can be unforgiving
  • Some puzzles may be too difficult for some players

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Jumpman (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Jumpman (1983): A Classic Platformer That’s Still Fun Today

Jumpman is a platform game written by Randy Glover and released by Epyx in 1983. Originally developed for the Atari 8-bit family, versions were also released for the Commodore 64, Apple II, IBM PC, and ColecoVision.

The game is simple but addictive, with challenging levels and tight controls. Players control Jumpman, a small, blue character wearing a red hat and overalls. Jumpman must jump and climb his way through a series of levels, avoiding enemies and collecting keys to open doors.

Jumpman was one of the first platformers to feature multiple levels, and its innovative gameplay helped to define the genre. The game was also one of the first to use a joystick, which gave players more precise control over Jumpman’s movements.

Jumpman was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of a joystick. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.

Gameplay

Jumpman is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Jumpman as he jumps and climbs his way through a series of levels. The goal of each level is to reach the exit door, which is typically located at the top of the screen.

Jumpman can jump, climb ladders, and shoot enemies. He can also collect keys to open doors. The game features a variety of enemies, including spiders, bats, and ghosts.

The levels in Jumpman are challenging, but they are also fair. The player must carefully time their jumps and climbs in order to avoid falling or being hit by enemies. The game also features a number of secret areas that can be accessed by finding hidden passages.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Jumpman are simple but effective. The characters and backgrounds are all rendered in a colorful, cartoonish style. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable.

Controls

Jumpman is controlled using a joystick. The joystick controls Jumpman’s movement and jumping. The player can also press the fire button to shoot enemies.

Legacy

Jumpman is a classic platformer that helped to define the genre. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and innovative use of a joystick have made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades.

Jumpman has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today. The game is also available on modern platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Conclusion

Jumpman is a classic platformer that’s still fun to play today. It’s simple but addictive, with challenging levels and tight controls. If you’re a fan of retro games, you owe it to yourself to check out Jumpman!

Tips for Playing Jumpman

Here are a few tips for playing Jumpman:

  • Take your time and learn the levels. The levels in Jumpman are challenging, but they are also fair. The player must carefully time their jumps and climbs in order to avoid falling or being hit by enemies.
  • Use the joystick to control Jumpman’s movement and jumping. The joystick gives players more precise control over Jumpman’s movements than the keyboard.
  • Shoot enemies when they are close to you. Jumpman can shoot enemies by pressing the fire button. The player should shoot enemies when they are close to Jumpman in order to avoid being hit.
  • Collect keys to open doors. Keys are scattered throughout the levels in Jumpman. The player must collect keys in order to open doors and progress through the game.
  • Find secret areas. The levels in Jumpman feature a number of secret areas that can be accessed by finding hidden passages. These secret areas often contain power-ups or extra lives.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Jumpman and become a platforming pro!

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Crush, Crumble and Chomp! (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Crush, Crumble, and Chomp! (1981): A Monstrous Arcade Classic

Released in 1981, Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is an arcade game that lets players take control of a variety of monsters and wreak havoc upon unsuspecting cities. The game was developed by Midway Games and was one of the first arcade games to feature destructible environments.

Gameplay

The player controls a monster that can move around the city, destroying buildings and eating people. The goal of the game is to cause as much damage as possible before being defeated by the army.

There are a total of four different monsters to choose from, each with its own unique abilities. The monsters are:

  • Gargantua: A giant green monster with super strength and the ability to breathe fire.
  • Chomper: A large, red monster with sharp teeth and the ability to spit acid.
  • Quake: A small, blue monster with the ability to create earthquakes.
  • Sizzle: A flying monster that can shoot fireballs.

The city is procedurally generated, so each game is different. The buildings in the city can be destroyed by the monsters, and the people can be eaten. The army will eventually arrive to try to stop the monsters, and the game ends when all of the monsters are defeated.

Development

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! was developed by Midway Games, which was one of the leading arcade game developers at the time. The game was designed by Eugene Jarvis, who was also responsible for other classic arcade games such as Defender and Robotron: 2084.

The game was inspired by the 1958 film “The Blob,” which features a giant, gelatinous monster that terrorizes a small town. Jarvis wanted to create a game that would let players experience the power of a giant monster.

Reception

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, destructible environments, and charming pixel art. The game was also a financial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets.

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! has been ported to a variety of home consoles over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in several arcade game compilations.

Legacy

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and destructible environments helped to set the stage for future arcade classics such as Rampage and Gauntlet. The game is also remembered for its charming pixel art and memorable monsters.

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game is a classic example of the golden age of arcade gaming, and it is a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips for playing Crush, Crumble and Chomp!:

  • Choose the right monster for the job. Each monster has its own unique abilities, so choose the one that is best suited for the task at hand.
  • Destroy the buildings in the city to score points and to create chaos.
  • Eat the people in the city to score points and to replenish your health.
  • Be careful of the army. The army will eventually arrive to try to stop you, so be prepared to fight them off.
  • Don’t give up! Even if you are defeated, you can always try again.

Conclusion

Crush, Crumble and Chomp! is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, destructible environments, and charming pixel art make it a must-play for any fan of retro games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Stationfall (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Stationfall: A Stellar Sequel

Stationfall is a 1987 interactive fiction computer game written by Steve Meretzky and released by Infocom. It is a sequel to Planetfall, one of Infocom’s most popular titles. The game is set five years after the events of Planetfall, and follows the player character, now a Lieutenant First Class in the Stellar Patrol, as they are assigned to accompany a spacetruck to a space station and pick up a load of “Request for Stellar Patrol Issue Regulation Black Form Binders Request Form Forms”.

Despite the seemingly mundane nature of the assignment, things quickly take a turn for the worse when the spacetruck is attacked by pirates. The player character must use their wits and skills to survive the attack and complete their mission.

Stationfall is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game features a parser that understands a wide range of natural language commands, allowing the player to interact with the game world in a realistic and immersive way.

The game world is richly detailed and full of interesting characters and locations. The player can explore the space station, interact with the crew of the spacetruck, and even visit a nearby planet. The game also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress.

Stationfall is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a lot of replay value. The game’s parser is one of the most sophisticated of its time, and the game world is full of secrets and surprises. Fans of interactive fiction and science fiction will definitely want to check out Stationfall.

Gameplay

Stationfall is played from a first-person perspective. The player character can move around the game world by typing commands such as “go north” or “go east”. The player can also interact with objects in the game world by typing commands such as “get key” or “use key on door”.

The game’s parser is very sophisticated and understands a wide range of natural language commands. This allows the player to interact with the game world in a realistic and immersive way. For example, the player can type “ask the bartender for a drink” or “tell the guard to let me pass”.

The game world is richly detailed and full of interesting characters and locations. The player can explore the space station, interact with the crew of the spacetruck, and even visit a nearby planet. The game also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress.

Puzzles

The puzzles in Stationfall are challenging but fair. The player must use their wits and skills to solve the puzzles in order to progress. Some of the puzzles are inventory-based, while others require the player to think outside the box.

One of the most challenging puzzles in the game involves finding a way to disable a force field. The player must use a variety of objects and clues in the game world to figure out how to do this.

Characters

The characters in Stationfall are well-developed and believable. The player can interact with a variety of characters, including the crew of the spacetruck, the staff of the space station, and the inhabitants of the nearby planet.

Each character has their own unique personality and motivations. The player must learn to interact with each character in a different way in order to get what they need.

Setting

Stationfall is set in a science fiction universe. The game takes place on a space station and a nearby planet. The space station is a bustling hub of activity, with people from all over the galaxy coming and going.

The nearby planet is a beautiful and mysterious place. The player can explore the planet’s surface and interact with its inhabitants.

Themes

Stationfall explores a number of themes, including the nature of good and evil, the importance of friendship, and the power of hope. The game also raises questions about the nature of reality and the meaning of life.

Legacy

Stationfall is a classic interactive fiction game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s sophisticated parser, well-developed characters, and challenging puzzles make it a rewarding experience for players of all levels.

Stationfall has been praised by critics for its writing, puzzles, and atmosphere. The game has been included in several lists of the best interactive fiction games of all time.

Re-release

In 2015, Stationfall was re-released for modern computers by GOG.com. The re-release includes the original game files, as well as a number of new features, such as support for high-resolution graphics and sound.

The re-release of Stationfall has been well-received by fans of the game. It is now easier than ever to experience this classic interactive fiction game.

Review Score

9/10

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Bug Attack (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Bug Attack (1981)

Bug Attack is a classic arcade game released in 1981 by Midway Games. It is a variant of the popular game Centipede, but with some key differences. In Bug Attack, the player controls a ship that moves along the bottom of the screen, firing at bugs that crawl down from the top. The bugs come in different colors and sizes, and each type of bug has its own unique behavior.

One of the things that makes Bug Attack unique is the way the bugs move. Unlike in Centipede, where the bugs move in a straight line, the bugs in Bug Attack can move in any direction. This makes them much more difficult to hit, and it adds to the challenge of the game.

Another difference between Bug Attack and Centipede is the way the player’s ship fires. In Centipede, the player’s ship can only fire in one direction. In Bug Attack, the player’s ship can fire in eight directions. This gives the player more flexibility in attacking the bugs, but it also makes it more difficult to avoid being hit by enemy fire.

Bug Attack was a popular game in arcades, and it was also ported to a number of home computers. It is still enjoyed by retro gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the best Centipede variants ever made.

Gameplay

The goal of Bug Attack is to destroy all of the bugs on the screen. The player controls a ship that moves along the bottom of the screen. The ship can fire in eight directions, and it can also drop bombs.

The bugs come in different colors and sizes. Each type of bug has its own unique behavior. The smaller bugs are faster and more agile than the larger bugs, but they are also easier to kill. The larger bugs are slower and less agile, but they can take more hits before they are destroyed.

The player must use their ship’s firepower and bombs to destroy the bugs. The player can also use the ship’s shield to protect themselves from enemy fire.

Scoring

The player scores points for destroying bugs. The number of points awarded for each bug depends on the size and color of the bug. The player also scores points for collecting power-ups.

Power-ups

There are a number of power-ups that can help the player in Bug Attack. These power-ups include:

  • Speed: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
  • Firepower: Increases the firepower of the player’s ship.
  • Bombs: Gives the player a limited number of bombs.
  • Shield: Protects the player’s ship from enemy fire.

Enemies

There are a number of different types of enemies in Bug Attack. These enemies include:

  • Bugs: The most common enemy in the game. Bugs come in different colors and sizes, and each type of bug has its own unique behavior.
  • Scorpions: Scorpions are larger and more powerful than bugs. They can also fire projectiles at the player.
  • Spiders: Spiders are fast and agile enemies. They can also climb walls and ceilings.
  • Fleas: Fleas are small and difficult to hit. They can also jump over the player’s ship.

Bosses

There are two bosses in Bug Attack. The first boss is a large centipede. The second boss is a giant spider.

Legacy

Bug Attack was a popular game in arcades, and it was also ported to a number of home computers. It is still enjoyed by retro gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the best Centipede variants ever made.

Bug Attack has been praised for its challenging gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music. It is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

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Voodoo Castle (1979)

by Nish
written by Nish 8 minutes read

Summary

Voodoo Castle (1979): A Text Adventure Classic

Voodoo Castle is a text adventure game released in 1979 for the TRS-80 and Apple II computers. It was developed by Scott Adams, who is also known for his other text adventure games, such as Adventureland and Colossal Cave Adventure.

Voodoo Castle is a dark and atmospheric game that puts you in the role of Count Cristo, a man who has been cursed by a voodoo priest. The curse has turned Cristo into a vampire, and he must now travel to the Voodoo Castle to lift the curse and save his soul.

The game is played using a two-word command parser. You can type in commands such as “get lamp” or “go north” to interact with the game world. Voodoo Castle is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The puzzles are logical, and there is always a way to progress if you think carefully.

One of the things that makes Voodoo Castle so special is its atmosphere. The game’s text descriptions are vivid and evocative, and they do a great job of creating a sense of place. You can almost feel the cold, damp air of the castle as you explore its dark corridors.

The game’s puzzles are also very well-designed. They are challenging, but they are not impossible. With a little bit of thought, you can always figure out how to progress.

Voodoo Castle is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your mind and immerse you in a world of mystery and danger.

Gameplay

Voodoo Castle is a text adventure game played using a two-word command parser. You can type in commands such as “get lamp” or “go north” to interact with the game world.

The game is set in a large castle that is filled with puzzles and dangers. You must explore the castle and find a way to lift the curse that has been placed on you.

Along the way, you will encounter a variety of challenges, including:

  • Puzzles: The castle is filled with puzzles that you must solve in order to progress. These puzzles can be challenging, but they are all fair and logical.
  • Traps: The castle is also filled with traps that can harm you if you are not careful. You must be aware of your surroundings and avoid these traps.
  • Enemies: There are also a number of enemies in the castle that will attack you if you get too close. You must be prepared to fight these enemies in order to survive.

Setting

Voodoo Castle is set in a large, dark castle that is located in a remote area. The castle is filled with puzzles and dangers, and it is home to a variety of creatures, including vampires, ghosts, and zombies.

The game’s atmosphere is dark and oppressive, and it does a great job of creating a sense of dread and suspense. You can almost feel the cold, damp air of the castle as you explore its dark corridors.

Characters

You play as Count Cristo, a man who has been cursed by a voodoo priest. The curse has turned Cristo into a vampire, and he must now travel to the Voodoo Castle to lift the curse and save his soul.

Along the way, you will meet a variety of other characters, including:

  • The Voodoo Priest: The Voodoo Priest is the one who cursed Cristo. He is a powerful sorcerer who lives in the Voodoo Castle.
  • The Vampire Queen: The Vampire Queen is the ruler of the vampires in the Voodoo Castle. She is a beautiful and dangerous woman who will stop at nothing to protect her castle.
  • The Zombie Butler: The Zombie Butler is a loyal servant of the Vampire Queen. He is a slow and clumsy creature, but he is also very strong.

Legacy

Voodoo Castle is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your mind and immerse you in a world of mystery and danger.

The game has been praised for its atmosphere, puzzles, and characters. It is considered to be one of the best text adventure games ever made.

Voodoo Castle has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices. It is also available to play online.

If you are a fan of text adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Voodoo Castle. It is a classic game that is still enjoyable today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Aztec (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Aztec: A Journey into the Heart of a Lost Civilization

Released in 1982, Aztec is a text-based adventure game that transports players to the heart of a lost Aztec civilization. The game follows the protagonist, an intrepid explorer, on a quest to find the legendary Aztec Idol, a priceless artifact hidden deep within the ruins of the ancient city.

Gameplay

Aztec is played from a first-person perspective, with the player interacting with the game world through text commands. The game features a detailed and immersive environment, with players able to explore a variety of locations, including lush jungles, treacherous caves, and crumbling temples.

As the player explores, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including deadly traps, hostile monsters, and cunning puzzles. To overcome these obstacles, players must use their wits and resourcefulness, as well as the items they collect along the way.

Items and Inventory

Items play a vital role in Aztec. Players will need to collect and use a variety of items to progress through the game, including weapons, tools, and healing items. Items can be found in chests scattered throughout the game world, or by defeating enemies.

The player’s inventory is limited, so they must carefully manage their resources. Deciding which items to keep and which to discard is an important part of the gameplay.

Traps and Monsters

The ruins of Aztec are filled with deadly traps and hostile monsters. Players must be careful not to trigger traps, which can cause instant death. Monsters can also be dangerous, and players must use their weapons and wits to defeat them.

Puzzles

In addition to traps and monsters, players must also solve a variety of puzzles in order to progress through the game. These puzzles can be challenging, but they are also fair and logical. Solving a puzzle provides a great sense of accomplishment.

The Aztec Idol

The ultimate goal of Aztec is to find the legendary Aztec Idol. The Idol is hidden deep within the ruins of the ancient city, and players must use all of their skills and resources to reach it.

Finding the Idol is a challenging but rewarding experience. Once the player has the Idol, they can return to the surface and claim their victory.

Legacy

Aztec was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first text-based adventure games to feature a detailed and immersive environment, as well as a variety of challenging puzzles. The game was also praised for its realistic and atmospheric sound effects.

Aztec has been praised by critics and players alike for its immersive gameplay, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric sound effects. The game is considered to be a classic of the text-adventure genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Tips for Playing Aztec

  • Take your time. Aztec is a complex game, and it is important to take your time and explore the environment carefully. Don’t rush into anything, or you may miss something important.
  • Be observant. Pay attention to your surroundings and look for clues. The environment is full of hidden objects and secrets.
  • Use your inventory wisely. The player’s inventory is limited, so it is important to carefully manage your resources. Deciding which items to keep and which to discard is an important part of the gameplay.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to solve the puzzles in Aztec. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works.
  • Have fun! Aztec is a challenging but rewarding game. Take your time, explore the environment, and enjoy the experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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