Platform: SG-1000

Knightmare (1987)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 4 minutes read

Summary

Knightmare (1987)

Knightmare is a fantasy-themed vertical scrolling shooter released in 1986 for MSX, also available for Wii’s Virtual Console in Japan. It was brought without a license to the SG-1000 in Taiwan.

The player controls a knight on a flying horse who must defeat dragons and other monsters to rescue a princess. The game features six stages, each with a different theme and boss.

Knightmare was developed by Konami and published by Ultra. It was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters to feature a fantasy setting, and it was praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay.

Gameplay

Knightmare is a vertical scrolling shooter in which the player controls a knight on a flying horse. The player must defeat dragons and other monsters to rescue a princess.

The game features six stages, each with a different theme and boss. The stages are:

  1. Forest
  2. Cave
  3. Desert
  4. Sea
  5. Castle
  6. Final Battle

Each stage is filled with enemies, obstacles, and power-ups. The player must use their sword and magic to defeat the enemies and avoid the obstacles.

The player can collect power-ups to improve their weapons and abilities. The power-ups include:

  • Speed Boost: Increases the player’s speed.
  • Fireball: Gives the player the ability to shoot fireballs.
  • Lightning Bolt: Gives the player the ability to shoot lightning bolts.
  • Shield: Protects the player from enemy attacks.

The player must use their skills and power-ups to defeat the enemies and bosses. The game is challenging, but it is also fair. The player will need to learn the patterns of the enemies and bosses in order to defeat them.

Graphics and Sound

Knightmare features colorful and detailed graphics. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemies and bosses are well-animated. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of atmosphere.

Reception

Knightmare was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay. The game was also ported to several other platforms, including the Famicom, MSX2, and Game Boy.

Knightmare is still considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters ever made. It is a challenging and fun game that is sure to please fans of the genre.

Legacy

Knightmare has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters to feature a fantasy setting, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game also influenced the development of other Konami games, such as Gradius and Parodius.

Knightmare is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is available on several platforms, including the Wii’s Virtual Console and the PlayStation 4’s PlayStation Store.

Conclusion

Knightmare is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and fun game with great graphics, music, and gameplay. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check out Knightmare.

Review Score

7.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Star Force (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Force (1984): A Vertical Scrolling Shooter Classic

Star Force is a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game developed and released by Tehkan (later known as Tecmo) in 1984. The player pilots a starship called the Final Star, and must shoot down waves of enemy ships and destroy enemy structures to progress through the game. Star Force was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters, and is considered to be one of the most influential games in the genre.

Gameplay

The player controls the Final Star, which can move up, down, left, and right, and shoot in eight directions. The player’s ship has two levels of weapon power, and can collect power-ups to increase its firepower. The game is divided into stages, each of which is named after a letter of the Greek alphabet. The stages become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more enemies and obstacles to contend with.

In addition to the main stages, there is also an additional level called “Infinity” (represented by the infinity symbol) which occurs after Omega. The Infinity level is infinitely long, and the player must face increasingly difficult waves of enemies.

Weapons and Power-Ups

The Final Star has two levels of weapon power: normal and charged. The normal shot is a single laser beam, while the charged shot is a more powerful spread shot. The player can collect power-ups to increase the range and power of their shots, as well as to gain temporary invincibility.

Enemies and Bosses

Star Force features a variety of enemies, including small fry ships, larger cruisers, and powerful bosses. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns, and the player must learn how to defeat each one in order to progress.

The bosses in Star Force are particularly challenging, and require the player to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat them. Each boss has its own unique弱点, and the player must experiment to find the best way to defeat each one.

Legacy

Star Force was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the most influential vertical scrolling shooters of all time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its challenging difficulty, made it a popular choice for arcade-goers. Star Force has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and has been included in numerous retro game compilations.

Star Force has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its memorable graphics and sound. The game is still enjoyed by fans of vertical scrolling shooters today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre.

Conclusion

Star Force is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that still holds up today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its challenging difficulty, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a classic arcade experience, then Star Force is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Sega-Galaga (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Sega-Galaga (1983): A Retrospective

Introduction

Sega-Galaga is a fixed shooter arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1981. It is the sequel to Galaxian, and was one of the most popular arcade games of its time. Sega-Galaga was ported to a number of home computers and consoles, including the SG-1000 in 1983.

The SG-1000 port of Galaga is largely faithful to the original arcade game, but with a few minor concessions to the SG-1000’s limited hardware. The graphics and sound are not quite as advanced as the arcade original, and the “challenging stages” have been omitted, meaning each stage is identical to the last.

Despite these minor concessions, Sega-Galaga is still a great port of a classic arcade game. It offers all the same great gameplay as the original, and is a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Gameplay

Sega-Galaga is a fixed shooter game in which the player controls a spaceship that must destroy all of the on-screen enemies. The enemies are arranged in a formation of four rows, with five enemies in each row. The player’s spaceship is located at the bottom of the screen, and can move left, right, and up.

The player’s spaceship can fire a single shot at a time. The shot travels in a straight line, and can destroy any enemy that it hits. If the player’s spaceship is hit by an enemy, it will lose a life. The player has three lives, and if they lose all of their lives, the game is over.

In addition to the regular enemies, there are also a number of special enemies that can appear. These special enemies include:

  • Boss Galaga: A large, powerful enemy that fires three shots at once.
  • Galaga Fighter: A small, fast enemy that can fly around the screen.
  • Galaga Commander: A large, powerful enemy that can fire a spread shot.

The player can earn bonus points by destroying special enemies. The player can also earn bonus points by destroying multiple enemies in a row.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Sega-Galaga are simple but effective. The enemies are all distinct and easy to identify, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The sound effects are also well-done, and add to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Reception

Sega-Galaga was a huge success upon its release. It was one of the most popular arcade games of its time, and was praised for its addictive gameplay and innovative features. The SG-1000 port of Galaga was also well-received, and is still considered to be one of the best ports of the game.

Legacy

Sega-Galaga is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time. It has been ported to a number of different platforms, and has been featured in several compilations. The game has also been referenced in popular culture, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos.

Conclusion

Sega-Galaga is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. It is a simple but addictive game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you owe it to yourself to check out Sega-Galaga.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Namco
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: 1983
  • Platform: SG-1000
  • Genre: Fixed shooter

Trivia

  • Sega-Galaga is the only port of Galaga to receive a name change.
  • The SG-1000 port of Galaga is missing the “challenging stages” that were present in the arcade original.
  • Galaga has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation.
  • Galaga has been featured in several compilations, including Namco Museum and Midway Arcade Treasures.
  • Galaga has been referenced in popular culture, including in the movies The Last Starfighter and Pixels.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Sokoban (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Sokoban (1985): The Classic Puzzle Game That Will Test Your Wits

Sokoban is a classic puzzle game that was first released in 1985. The game’s objective is to move crates around a warehouse to get them to their designated spots. However, the challenge lies in the fact that you can only move one crate at a time, and you can’t push crates into walls or other crates.

Sokoban was created by Hiroyuki Imabayashi, a Japanese programmer. The game was originally released for the NEC PC-8801 personal computer, but it was later ported to a variety of other platforms, including the MSX, the Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Game Boy.

Sokoban has been praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay. The game is easy to learn, but it can be very challenging to master. There are over 300 levels in the game, and each one requires careful planning and execution.

One of the things that makes Sokoban so challenging is the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to each level. You have to approach each level differently, and you have to be willing to experiment with different strategies.

If you get stuck on a level, don’t be afraid to restart. Sometimes, the best way to solve a level is to start over and try a different approach.

Sokoban is a great game for people of all ages. It’s a challenging and rewarding puzzle game that will test your wits and keep you entertained for hours on end.

Tips for Playing Sokoban

Here are a few tips to help you play Sokoban:

  • Plan your moves carefully. Before you move a crate, take a moment to think about the consequences of your move. Make sure that you won’t get yourself blocked in, and that you’re moving the crate in the right direction.
  • Don’t be afraid to restart. If you get stuck on a level, don’t be afraid to restart. Sometimes, the best way to solve a level is to start over and try a different approach.
  • Use the walls to your advantage. The walls can be used to block crates and to create paths for your player. Use the walls to your advantage to solve the levels.
  • Be patient. Sokoban is a challenging game, but it’s also a very rewarding one. Don’t get discouraged if you get stuck on a level. Keep trying, and you’ll eventually solve it.

Sokoban in Popular Culture

Sokoban has been referenced in popular culture on several occasions. For example, the game was featured in the movie “The Matrix” (1999). In the movie, the character Neo is seen playing Sokoban on a computer.

Sokoban has also been parodied in several video games. For example, the game “Portal” (2007) features a level that is based on Sokoban.

Conclusion

Sokoban is a classic puzzle game that has stood the test of time. The game is simple to learn, but it can be very challenging to master. Sokoban is a great game for people of all ages, and it’s a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle game, then Sokoban is definitely worth checking out. The game is available on a variety of platforms, so you can play it on your computer, your phone, or your tablet.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

The Black Onyx (1984)

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

Summary

The Black Onyx (1984)

The Black Onyx is a role-playing game developed by Bullet Proof Software and published by Sega for the SG-1000 in 1987. It was the last SG-1000 game to be released in card form, and the last to be published by Sega, but it is currently unknown as to whether it was the last SG-1000 game overall. MSX and PC-8801 versions had been released in 1983 and 1984, respectively, meaning this version is unusually late. The game was followed by The Black Onyx II: Search For The Fire Crystal, which saw its original MSX release in 1984.

The Black Onyx is a dungeon crawler in which the player controls a party of up to four characters as they explore a series of dungeons, fighting monsters and solving puzzles. The game’s world is presented in a first-person perspective, and the player can move their party around the world map and enter dungeons at will. Dungeons are randomly generated, and the player must navigate through them, fighting monsters and avoiding traps.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, and the player can choose from a variety of attacks and spells to use against their enemies. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must use their abilities strategically to succeed in combat.

The Black Onyx was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era. The game’s innovative dungeon crawling gameplay, challenging combat, and deep story have all been praised by critics. The game has also been cited as an influence on later RPGs, such as the Final Fantasy series.

Gameplay

The Black Onyx is a dungeon crawler in which the player controls a party of up to four characters as they explore a series of dungeons, fighting monsters and solving puzzles. The game’s world is presented in a first-person perspective, and the player can move their party around the world map and enter dungeons at will. Dungeons are randomly generated, and the player must navigate through them, fighting monsters and avoiding traps.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, and the player can choose from a variety of attacks and spells to use against their enemies. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must use their abilities strategically to succeed in combat.

Plot

The Black Onyx tells the story of a group of adventurers who are tasked with retrieving the titular Black Onyx, a powerful artifact that has been stolen by the evil sorcerer Maldor. The adventurers must travel across the world, fighting monsters and solving puzzles, in order to reach Maldor’s castle and retrieve the Black Onyx.

Development

The Black Onyx was developed by Bullet Proof Software, a small Japanese video game development company. The game was directed by Masato Kato, who had previously worked on the MSX version of Dragon Slayer. The game’s music was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who would later go on to compose the music for the Streets of Rage series.

The Black Onyx was originally released for the MSX in 1983. The game was later ported to the PC-8801 in 1984, and the SG-1000 in 1987. The SG-1000 version of the game is the most well-known version, and it is the only version that was released in English.

Reception

The Black Onyx was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative dungeon crawling gameplay, challenging combat, and deep story. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

The Black Onyx has been cited as an influence on later RPGs, such as the Final Fantasy series. The game’s innovative dungeon crawling gameplay and challenging combat have been praised by critics, and it is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era.

Legacy

The Black Onyx is considered to be a classic RPG, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative dungeon crawling gameplay, challenging combat, and deep story have all been praised by critics. The game has also been cited as an influence on later RPGs, such as the Final Fantasy series.

The Black Onyx was followed by a sequel, The Black Onyx II: Search For The Fire Crystal, which was released for the MSX in 1984. The sequel was not as well-received as the original, but it is still considered to be a solid RPG.

The Black Onyx has been re-released several times over the years, including on the Virtual Console for the Wii and Wii U. The game is also available on Steam.

Conclusion

The Black Onyx is a classic RPG that still holds up today. It’s a great example of the genre, with challenging combat, a deep story, and a memorable cast of characters. If you’re a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Black Onyx.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Champion Baseball (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Champion Baseball (1983)

Champion Baseball is a baseball game released for the Atari 2600 in 1983. It was one of the first baseball games released for the console, and it remains one of the most popular and well-regarded baseball games for the Atari 2600 today.

The game is played from a behind-the-batter perspective. The player controls the batter and must try to hit the ball pitched by the computer-controlled pitcher. The player can swing the bat at any time, but the timing of the swing is crucial to making contact with the ball. If the player swings too early or too late, they will miss the ball and the batter will be called out.

If the player makes contact with the ball, the ball will go flying into the field. The player must then control one of their fielders to try to catch the ball or field it and throw it to a base to get the batter out.

The game can be played with one or two players. In one-player mode, the player plays against the computer. In two-player mode, the two players take turns batting and fielding.

Champion Baseball is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The computer-controlled pitcher is very good at throwing strikes, and the fielders are very good at catching the ball. This makes it challenging for the player to score runs.

However, the game is also very fair. The computer does not cheat, and the player can always win if they play well. This makes the game very rewarding to play, and it is one of the reasons why it remains so popular today.

Gameplay

Champion Baseball is played on a baseball field with four bases. The player controls the batter and must try to hit the ball pitched by the computer-controlled pitcher. The player can swing the bat at any time, but the timing of the swing is crucial to making contact with the ball. If the player swings too early or too late, they will miss the ball and the batter will be called out.

If the player makes contact with the ball, the ball will go flying into the field. The player must then control one of their fielders to try to catch the ball or field it and throw it to a base to get the batter out.

The game can be played with one or two players. In one-player mode, the player plays against the computer. In two-player mode, the two players take turns batting and fielding.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in Champion Baseball are simple, but they are effective. The game uses a behind-the-batter perspective, and the player can see the pitcher, the batter, and the field. The field is divided into squares, and the ball moves around the field in a realistic way.

The sound in Champion Baseball is also simple, but it is effective. The game uses a series of beeps and boops to represent the different actions in the game. For example, there is a beep when the ball is pitched, a boop when the ball is hit, and a different boop when the ball is caught.

Reception

Champion Baseball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but fun gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its fair play. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies.

Champion Baseball is still considered one of the best baseball games for the Atari 2600. It is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The game is also very fair, and the player can always win if they play well. This makes the game very rewarding to play, and it is one of the reasons why it remains so popular today.

Legacy

Champion Baseball has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first baseball games released for the Atari 2600, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game also helped to establish the behind-the-batter perspective as the standard perspective for baseball games.

Champion Baseball has been followed by a number of other popular baseball games, including Baseball (1984), RBI Baseball (1987), and MLB The Show (2006). These games have all built on the foundation laid by Champion Baseball, and they have helped to make baseball one of the most popular video game genres.

Review Score

7/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Champion Ice Hockey (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Champion Ice Hockey (1985): A No-Frills Classic

Champion Ice Hockey is a simplistic but fun ice hockey game that was released for the SG-1000 in 1985. It was only released in Japan, but it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts.

The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player controls the red team. The goal is to score more goals than the blue team by shooting the puck into their net. The player can control the puck by passing it to teammates or shooting it towards the net. The player can also control the goalie by moving them up and down the net.

Champion Ice Hockey is a very simple game, but it is surprisingly addictive. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, and the controls are easy to learn. The game also features a variety of different modes, including a single-player mode, a two-player mode, and a tournament mode.

Gameplay

Champion Ice Hockey is a very simple game to play. The player controls the red team, and the goal is to score more goals than the blue team. The player can control the puck by passing it to teammates or shooting it towards the net. The player can also control the goalie by moving them up and down the net.

The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player can see the entire rink. The player can move their players around the rink by using the D-pad, and they can shoot the puck by pressing the A button. The player can also pass the puck to a teammate by pressing the B button.

The goalie is controlled by the player, and they can move them up and down the net by using the D-pad. The goalie can also make saves by pressing the A button.

Modes

Champion Ice Hockey features a variety of different modes, including:

  • Single-player mode: In single-player mode, the player can play against the computer. The player can choose the difficulty level of the computer opponent.
  • Two-player mode: In two-player mode, two players can play against each other.
  • Tournament mode: In tournament mode, the player can compete against a series of computer opponents in a single-elimination tournament.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Champion Ice Hockey are very simple, but they are effective. The rink is depicted as a blue rectangle, and the players are represented by small red and blue squares. The puck is represented by a small black circle.

The sound in Champion Ice Hockey is also very simple. The game features a few different sound effects, such as the sound of the puck being shot, the sound of the puck hitting the boards, and the sound of the goalie making a save.

Overall

Champion Ice Hockey is a simple but fun ice hockey game. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, and the controls are easy to learn. The game also features a variety of different modes, including a single-player mode, a two-player mode, and a tournament mode.

If you are a fan of retro gaming or ice hockey games, then you should definitely check out Champion Ice Hockey. It is a classic game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you win at Champion Ice Hockey:

  • Control the puck: The key to winning at Champion Ice Hockey is to control the puck. Pass the puck to your teammates and shoot it towards the net whenever you have the opportunity.
  • Protect your goalie: The goalie is your last line of defense, so it is important to protect them. Move the goalie up and down the net to block shots from the opposing team.
  • Score goals: The goal of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. Shoot the puck towards the net whenever you have the opportunity, and try to get your players in good scoring positions.

Legacy

Champion Ice Hockey was a critical and commercial success in Japan. It was one of the most popular games for the SG-1000, and it helped to establish Sega as a major player in the video game industry.

Champion Ice Hockey has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Wii, the PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360. It has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.

Champion Ice Hockey is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple but fun game that is perfect for a quick game of hockey.

Review Score

6.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Girl’s Garden (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Girl’s Garden: A Charming and Challenging Adventure

Released in 1984 for the Sega SG-1000 and Sega Master System, Girl’s Garden is a unique and charming platformer that tasks players with collecting flowers and avoiding enemies in order to win back their boyfriend’s heart.

Story

The game’s protagonist is Papri, a young girl who is desperately in love with Minto, a boy who lives in a nearby village. However, Minto has recently started to show interest in another girl named Cocco, and Papri is determined to win him back.

To do this, Papri must collect ten different flowers and return them to Minto’s house. However, the flowers are scattered throughout a dangerous garden, and Papri must avoid being caught by bears and other enemies.

Gameplay

Girl’s Garden is a side-scrolling platformer with simple but addictive gameplay. Papri can run, jump, and climb ladders, and she must use these skills to navigate the garden and collect the flowers.

The flowers are located in different parts of the garden, and Papri must time her jumps carefully to catch them in full bloom. Catching flowers too early will consider the flowers to be wasted and flowers caught too late will be wilted. Wilted flowers will ruin the bouquet, causing the player to lose half of the flowers.

Bears are the main enemies in Girl’s Garden, and they will attack Papri if they come into contact with her. Papri can avoid the bears by running away or by dropping honey to distract them.

Bees are Papri’s allies, and they will occasionally give her bonus items, such as extra honey or invincibility. Papri can also catch bees on flowers to receive extra honey.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Girl’s Garden are colorful and charming, and the game’s world is full of lush vegetation and cute animals. The sound effects are simple but effective, and the music is catchy and upbeat.

Challenge

Girl’s Garden is a challenging game, and players will need to be patient and skilled in order to complete it. The bears are relentless in their pursuit of Papri, and the flowers can be difficult to catch in full bloom. However, the game’s charming visuals and addictive gameplay make it well worth the effort.

Legacy

Girl’s Garden was a commercial success, and it was ported to several other platforms, including the Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear, and Nintendo Game Boy. The game has also been re-released on several compilation discs and online stores.

Girl’s Garden is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s charming visuals, addictive gameplay, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Girl’s Garden

  • Be patient and don’t rush through the levels. Take your time to learn the layout of each level and the locations of the flowers.
  • Use the bees to your advantage. Bees can give you bonus items and extra honey, which can be very helpful in completing the game.
  • Drop honey to distract the bears. This will give you a chance to escape or catch a flower.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are multiple ways to complete each level, so don’t be afraid to try different strategies.

Conclusion

Girl’s Garden is a charming and challenging platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, cute graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Review Score

7.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

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

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Choplifter (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Choplifter (1982): A Classic Military-Themed Scrolling Shooter

Choplifter is a military-themed scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Dan Gorlin and Broderbund in 1982. The player takes control of a helicopter pilot who must rescue hostages from enemy territory. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to numerous home computers and consoles.

Gameplay

Choplifter is a horizontally-scrolling shooter game. The player controls a helicopter pilot who must rescue hostages from enemy territory. The hostages are located in a series of buildings, and the player must land the helicopter in each building to rescue them.

The player’s helicopter is armed with a machine gun and missiles. The player can use the machine gun to destroy enemy troops and vehicles, and the missiles can be used to destroy enemy buildings. The player must also avoid enemy fire and obstacles, such as trees and rocks.

The game is divided into a series of levels, each with its own unique layout and objectives. The player must complete each level in order to progress to the next one. The game becomes more difficult as the player progresses, with more enemies and obstacles to contend with.

Development

Choplifter was developed by Dan Gorlin, who was inspired by the 1981 arcade game Scramble. Gorlin wanted to create a game that was more challenging and strategic than Scramble, and he added a number of new features to Choplifter, such as the ability to rescue hostages and the use of missiles.

Gorlin also paid close attention to the game’s graphics and sound. The game’s colorful graphics and catchy music helped to make it a standout among other arcade games of the time.

Release

Choplifter was released in arcades in 1982. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it was soon ported to numerous home computers and consoles. The home versions of the game were generally well-received, although some critics found them to be too difficult.

Legacy

Choplifter is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and catchy music have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. Choplifter has also been influential on the development of other video games, such as the Grand Theft Auto series.

Tips for Playing Choplifter

Here are a few tips for playing Choplifter:

  • Use the machine gun to destroy enemy troops and vehicles.
  • Use the missiles to destroy enemy buildings.
  • Avoid enemy fire and obstacles.
  • Land the helicopter carefully in each building to rescue the hostages.
  • Don’t be afraid to use the helicopter’s hover mode to stay in the air and avoid enemy fire.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Choplifter, the better you will become at it.

Conclusion

Choplifter is a classic military-themed scrolling shooter that still holds up today. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging arcade game to play, then Choplifter is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More