Platform: Texas Instruments TI-99

Congo Bongo (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Congo Bongo: Sega’s Underrated Gem from the Golden Age of Arcade Games

Released in 1983 by Sega, Congo Bongo is an isometric platform arcade game that has often been overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries, such as Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. However, Congo Bongo is a charming and challenging game in its own right, and it deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers.

Gameplay

The player takes on the role of a red-nosed safari hunter who is tasked with catching an ape named Bongo. Bongo has apparently played a practical joke on the hunter by setting fire to his tent, and the hunter is seeking revenge.

The game is played from an isometric perspective, and the player must navigate the hunter through a series of jungle levels, avoiding obstacles and enemies while trying to catch Bongo. Bongo is constantly moving and jumping around the levels, and the player must use their wits and reflexes to keep up with him.

In addition to the main objective of catching Bongo, the player can also collect bananas and other items for bonus points. There are also a number of hidden areas in the game, which can be accessed by finding secret passages or using special items.

Development

Congo Bongo was developed by Sega AM2, the same team that created the classic arcade games Space Harrier and Out Run. The game was designed by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter and Shenmue series.

The game was originally titled “Safari Hunt,” but it was renamed to “Congo Bongo” by Peter W. Gorrie, who was the CFO of Sega at the time. Gorrie felt that the new name was more catchy and memorable.

Release

Congo Bongo was released in arcades in 1983. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to a number of home computers, including the Sega Master System and the Commodore 64.

Reception

Congo Bongo received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its catchy music. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, and they complained that the isometric perspective could be disorienting at times.

Legacy

Congo Bongo has been largely forgotten by gamers today, but it remains a cult classic among fans of classic arcade games. The game’s unique blend of platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay has inspired a number of other games, including Sega’s own Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Conclusion

Congo Bongo is a charming and challenging arcade game that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of gamers. The game’s innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you’re a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Congo Bongo.

Additional Information

  • Congo Bongo was one of the first arcade games to use an isometric perspective.
  • The game’s music was composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, who also composed the music for Space Harrier and Out Run.
  • Congo Bongo was ported to a number of home computers, including the Sega Master System, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.
  • The game was also released as part of the Sega Genesis Mini console in 2019.

Review Score

8/10

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Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator (1982)

Overview

Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is an arcade action game released in 1982 by Sega. The game is based on the popular Star Trek franchise, and puts the player in control of the Starship Enterprise on a mission to save the Federation from NOMAD, a powerful and deadly probe.

Gameplay

The game is played from two points of view. The top of the screen contains a third person view of the Enterprise, along with the ship’s gauges. On the bottom of the screen is a first person point of view from the perspective of the ship’s captain.

The player controls the Enterprise using a joystick and buttons. The joystick moves the ship left and right, and the buttons fire phasers and photon torpedoes. The player can also dock at starbases to replenish their supplies of energy and torpedoes.

The game consists of ten levels, each of which is made up of multiple rounds. In each round, the player must battle their way through waves of enemies, including Klingon fighters, deadly anti-matter saucers, asteroid fields, and deadly meteors. Each round also contains one or more starbases, which the player can dock at to replenish their supplies.

The game ends when the player’s energy supply has completely run out.

Enemies

The player will encounter a variety of enemies in Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator, including:

  • Klingon fighters: These are the most common enemy in the game. They are relatively weak, but can quickly overwhelm the player if they are not dealt with quickly.
  • Anti-matter saucers: These are more powerful than Klingon fighters, and can fire deadly anti-matter blasts.
  • Asteroid fields: These are fields of asteroids that can damage the Enterprise if it collides with them.
  • Deadly meteors: These are large meteors that can cause significant damage to the Enterprise if they hit it.

Weapons

The Enterprise is equipped with a variety of weapons to defend itself from its enemies. These weapons include:

  • Phasers: These are the Enterprise’s primary weapons. They are energy weapons that can be fired rapidly.
  • Photon torpedoes: These are powerful explosive weapons that can be used to destroy enemy ships.

Starbases

Starbases are scattered throughout the game levels. The player can dock at starbases to replenish their supplies of energy and torpedoes. Starbases also provide a safe haven from enemy fire.

Legacy

Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator was a popular arcade game in the early 1980s. It was one of the first Star Trek games to be released, and it helped to popularize the franchise in the arcade market. The game was also notable for its innovative use of two different points of view, and for its challenging and addictive gameplay.

Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and PC. The game remains popular today among fans of classic arcade games and Star Trek fans alike.

Conclusion

Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is a classic arcade game that offers challenging and addictive gameplay. The game’s innovative use of two different points of view and its variety of enemies and weapons make it a unique and memorable experience. Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is a must-play for fans of classic arcade games and Star Trek fans alike.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Moonsweeper (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Moonsweeper (1983): A Retro Space Odyssey

Introduction

Moonsweeper is an arcade game released in 1983 by Bally Midway. It is a space-themed shooter game where the player controls a spaceship on a mission to rescue miners from the moons of Jupiter. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that flies through space and lands on moons to rescue miners. The spaceship is equipped with photon torpedoes and shields, which can be used to destroy obstacles and protect the ship from enemy fire. The player must avoid or destroy various obstacles on the moons’ surfaces, such as towers, lunar satellites, and alien surface destroyers.

To rescue a miner, the player must fly over it. The ship can carry a maximum of six miners at a time. Once the ship is full, the player must return to space and use the accelerator rings to take off from the moon.

There are several different types of moons in the game, each with a different level of difficulty. The moons are procedurally generated, so each playthrough is unique.

Graphics and Sound

Moonsweeper’s graphics are colorful and detailed for its time. The moons are rendered in 3D, and the spaceship and other objects are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also catchy and upbeat, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Legacy

Moonsweeper was a popular arcade game in the early 1980s. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game has been ported to several home computers and consoles over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Review

Moonsweeper is a challenging and rewarding space shooter game. The game’s procedurally generated levels ensure that each playthrough is unique, and the variety of obstacles and enemies keeps the player on their toes. The game’s graphics and sound are also top-notch for its time, and the catchy soundtrack adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Overall, Moonsweeper is a great choice for fans of retro gaming and space shooter games. The game’s challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a timeless classic.

Tips for Playing Moonsweeper

  • Use your shields wisely. Shields can protect your ship from enemy fire, but they will also drain your energy. Only use your shields when you absolutely need them.
  • Be careful when landing on moons. Some moons have treacherous surfaces that can damage your ship.
  • Destroy obstacles to clear a path for your ship. Obstacles can block your path and make it difficult to rescue miners.
  • Rescue as many miners as you can. The more miners you rescue, the more points you will earn.
  • Don’t be afraid to explore. There are many different types of moons in the game, each with its own unique challenges.

Conclusion

Moonsweeper is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of retro gaming or space shooter games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Moonsweeper.

Review Score

8/10

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Return to Pirate’s Isle (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Return to Pirate’s Isle (1983): Ahoy There, Matey!

Set sail for adventure on the treacherous waters of Pirate’s Isle in this thrilling graphical text adventure game for the TI-99/4A. Return to Pirate’s Isle (1983) is a swashbuckling tale of piracy, treasure, and high-seas hijinks.

Avast!

You begin your journey as a young pirate, eager to make your mark on the world. Your ship, the Sea Dog, is armed with cannons and a hearty crew, and you’re ready to set sail in search of adventure.

Yarrr, Land Ho!

As you explore the vast sea, you’ll encounter a variety of islands, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. You’ll battle enemy pirates, search for hidden treasure, and even solve puzzles to progress through the game.

Graphical Delights

Return to Pirate’s Isle is one of the first graphical text adventure games, and it features some impressive visuals for its time. The game’s world is rendered in black and white, with detailed graphics that bring the pirate world to life.

Avast, Ye Landlubbers!

The game’s text parser is relatively simple to use, and you’ll quickly learn the commands you need to navigate the world and interact with objects. The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and you’ll need to use your wits to solve them.

Pieces of Eight

One of the main goals of the game is to collect treasure. You’ll find gold, silver, and jewels scattered throughout the game world. You can use your treasure to purchase new weapons and supplies for your ship, or you can save it up to buy a larger ship.

Jolly Roger

As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter a variety of enemy pirates. These pirates will challenge you to duels, and you’ll need to use your swordsmanship and cunning to defeat them.

Shiver Me Timbers!

Return to Pirate’s Isle is a challenging and rewarding game that will keep you entertained for hours on end. With its engaging story, challenging puzzles, and beautiful graphics, it’s a must-play for fans of pirate adventures and text adventure games.

Tips for Sailing the Seven Seas

Here are a few tips to help you on your pirate adventure:

  • Talk to everyone you meet. You never know who might have information about hidden treasure or enemy pirates.
  • Explore every island thoroughly. There are often hidden treasures and secrets to be found off the beaten path.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. The game’s text parser is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to try different commands to see what happens.
  • Save your game often. This is especially important if you’re playing on a real TI-99/4A, as the game can be quite unforgiving.

Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum

Return to Pirate’s Isle is a classic text adventure game that still holds up today. With its challenging puzzles, engaging story, and beautiful graphics, it’s a must-play for fans of pirate adventures and text adventure games. So hoist the sails and set a course for adventure!

Additional Information

  • Developer: Adventure International
  • Publisher: Texas Instruments
  • Release Date: 1983
  • Platform: TI-99/4A
  • Genre: Graphical text adventure

Review Score

8/10

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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a classic interactive fiction game developed by Infocom and released in 1984. It is based on the popular science fiction comedy series of the same name by Douglas Adams. The game is a text adventure in which the player controls Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman who finds himself stranded on a distant planet after the Earth is destroyed by the Vogons.

The game follows Arthur as he travels through the galaxy with his newfound friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher who is disguised as a human. Together, they encounter a variety of strange and wonderful characters, including Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed Galactic President; Marvin the Paranoid Android; and Slartibartfast, the creator of the Norwegian fjords.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a challenging but rewarding game. The puzzles are clever and often require the player to think outside the box. The writing is witty and humorous, and the characters are memorable and endearing. The game is also notable for its innovative use of language, which includes the invention of new words and phrases such as “42” and “Don’t Panic.”

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was a critical and commercial success. It won numerous awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Adventure Game of the Year. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and IBM PC. It is still considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

Gameplay

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a text adventure game. The player controls Arthur Dent by typing commands. The game world is described in text, and the player must use their imagination to visualize the surroundings. The game is non-linear, and the player can explore the galaxy in any order they choose.

The game’s puzzles are varied and challenging. Some puzzles require the player to find objects, while others require the player to solve logic puzzles or engage in conversation with other characters. The game also features a number of timed puzzles, which add an element of urgency to the gameplay.

Characters

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy features a cast of memorable and endearing characters. The main character, Arthur Dent, is an ordinary Englishman who is thrust into a world of adventure and danger. Ford Prefect is an alien researcher who is disguised as a human. Zaphod Beeblebrox is the two-headed, three-armed Galactic President. Marvin the Paranoid Android is a depressed and pessimistic robot. Slartibartfast is the creator of the Norwegian fjords.

Setting

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is set in the fictional universe of Douglas Adams’s novels. The game takes place on a variety of planets, including Earth, Magrathea, and the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. The game’s world is full of strange and wonderful creatures, and the player will encounter a variety of challenges as they explore the galaxy.

Themes

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy explores a variety of themes, including the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and the importance of friendship. The game also satirizes bureaucracy, religion, and the human condition.

Legacy

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is considered one of the greatest video games of all time. The game has won numerous awards and has been ported to a variety of platforms. The game has also been adapted into a number of other media, including a film, a television series, and a radio series.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s clever puzzles, witty writing, and memorable characters make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of interactive fiction games, or if you are simply looking for a great game to play, I highly recommend checking out The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Tips for Playing

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. The game is non-linear, so you can explore the galaxy in any order you choose.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. The game world is described in text, so you must use your imagination to visualize the surroundings.
  • Talk to other characters. The game features a number of characters who can provide you with information and help.
  • Don’t give up! The game’s puzzles can be challenging, but they are all solvable.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Suspended (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Suspended (1983)

Suspended is a 1983 strategy game developed and published by Synapse Software for the Atari 8-bit family and Commodore 64. The player controls a group of robots and must use them to repair a complex space station before time runs out.

The game is set in the year 2083. The player is in control of a group of robots that have been sent to repair a complex space station. The station has been damaged by a meteor storm, and it is up to the player to repair it before it is destroyed.

The player controls the robots by using a point-and-click interface. The robots can be ordered to move to a specific location, repair a damaged section of the station, or attack an enemy robot. The player must carefully manage their robots’ energy and time, as both are limited.

The game features a variety of different types of robots, each with its own unique abilities. Some robots are better at repairing, while others are better at attacking. The player must use the right robots for the job in order to succeed.

The game also features a variety of different types of enemies, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must learn how to defeat each type of enemy in order to progress through the game.

Suspended is a challenging and rewarding game that requires the player to use their brain and their reflexes. It is a classic game that still holds up today.

Gameplay

The player controls a group of robots and must use them to repair a complex space station before time runs out. The robots can be ordered to move to a specific location, repair a damaged section of the station, or attack an enemy robot.

The player must carefully manage their robots’ energy and time, as both are limited. Robots can only move or repair a certain number of times before they need to recharge. The player must also be careful not to let their robots get destroyed by enemy robots.

The game features a variety of different types of robots, each with its own unique abilities. Some robots are better at repairing, while others are better at attacking. The player must use the right robots for the job in order to succeed.

The game also features a variety of different types of enemies, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must learn how to defeat each type of enemy in order to progress through the game.

Development

Suspended was developed by Synapse Software, a company founded in 1980 by Chris Crawford and Richard Garriott. Crawford was the lead programmer on the game, while Garriott was the lead designer.

The game was inspired by the classic arcade game Defender. Crawford wanted to create a game that was similar to Defender, but with more strategy and depth.

Suspended was released in 1983 for the Atari 8-bit family and Commodore 64. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best strategy games of all time.

Reception

Suspended was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound. The game was also praised for its artificial intelligence, which was considered to be some of the best in the industry at the time.

Suspended was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies. The game was also ported to a number of other platforms, including the Apple II, IBM PC, and ZX Spectrum.

Suspended is still considered one of the best strategy games of all time. The game is a classic example of how to create a game that is both challenging and rewarding.

Legacy

Suspended has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging difficulty have inspired many other strategy games. The game’s artificial intelligence is also considered to be a major breakthrough in the field of AI.

Suspended is a classic game that still holds up today. The game is a must-play for any fan of strategy games.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Pole Position (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Pole Position (1982): The Arcade Racing Game That Revolutionized the Genre

Introduction

Pole Position is a groundbreaking arcade racing game released in 1982 by Namco. It was developed by a team led by Toru Iwatani, who is also known for creating the iconic Pac-Man. Pole Position revolutionized the racing game genre with its rear perspective camera view, realistic track designs, and intense gameplay.

Gameplay

Pole Position is a Formula One racing game where players compete against seven other cars on a single track. The objective is to qualify for the pole position, which gives the player the advantage of starting the race in first place. To qualify, players must complete a qualifying lap within a certain time limit.

The game features a unique rear perspective camera view, which gives players a realistic sense of speed and immersion. The track is also designed based on the real-life Fuji Speedway in Japan, which adds to the realism of the game.

Pole Position’s gameplay is simple but addictive. Players control their car using a steering wheel and two pedals (accelerator and brake). The game features realistic physics, which makes it challenging to control the car at high speeds. Players must carefully manage their speed and braking to avoid crashing.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Pole Position’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game features detailed sprites and smooth scrolling, which creates a sense of speed and realism. The track is also well-designed, with various curves, straightaways, and obstacles.

The game’s sound effects are also impressive. The roar of the engines and the screech of the tires add to the excitement of the gameplay.

Legacy

Pole Position was a huge success in arcades around the world. It was one of the first racing games to feature a rear perspective camera view and realistic track designs, which set a new standard for the genre. The game also popularized the use of qualifying laps and time limits, which became staples of future racing games.

Pole Position has been ported to numerous home consoles and computers over the years. It has also been included in several retro game compilations. The game remains popular today, and it is considered one of the greatest racing games of all time.

Cultural Impact

Pole Position had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s iconic rear perspective camera view and realistic track designs became the standard for future racing games. The game also helped to popularize Formula One racing around the world.

Pole Position has been featured in numerous films and television shows. It has also been referenced in popular music and other forms of media.

Conclusion

Pole Position is a landmark racing game that revolutionized the genre. Its rear perspective camera view, realistic track designs, and intense gameplay set a new standard for racing games. The game remains popular today, and it is considered one of the greatest racing games of all time.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Protector II (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Protector II (1982): A Challenging and Rewarding Arcade-Style Shooter

Protector II is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game released in 1982 by Bally Midway. It is a sequel to the 1981 game Protector, and like its predecessor, it is loosely based on the arcade hit Defender. However, Protector II features a number of new gameplay elements and improvements that make it a unique and challenging experience in its own right.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that must rescue humans from aliens and other hazards. The game is played in a continuous side-scrolling environment, with the player’s ship moving automatically from left to right. The player can control the ship’s speed and altitude, as well as fire weapons in eight directions.

The player must rescue humans from two different types of locations: alien ships and cities. To rescue a human from an alien ship, the player must first destroy the ship’s defenses and then land on the ship to pick up the human. To rescue a human from a city, the player must first clear the city of aliens and then land to pick up the human.

Once the player has rescued a human, they must then transport the human to a teleporter tube. The teleporter tube will then transport the human off the planet. The player can only carry one human at a time, so they must make multiple trips to rescue all of the humans.

The game is divided into several sub-missions, each with its own unique objectives. The player must complete each sub-mission in order to progress to the next one. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more aliens and other hazards to contend with.

Graphics and Sound

Protector II’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s characters and environments are all rendered in a blocky, pixelated style, but they are still easily recognizable and expressive. The game’s colors are bright and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid.

The game’s sound effects are also simple but effective. The sound of the player’s ship’s weapons firing is particularly satisfying, and the music is catchy and upbeat.

Difficulty

Protector II is a challenging game, even for experienced arcade gamers. The game’s fast-paced action and precise flying controls can be difficult to master, and the game’s later levels are particularly difficult. However, the game is also fair, and the player is always given a chance to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills.

Legacy

Protector II was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade shooters of all time. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it has been included in several arcade game compilations. Protector II has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its challenging difficulty.

Conclusion

Protector II is a challenging and rewarding arcade-style shooter that offers a unique mix of action and strategy. The game’s simple but effective graphics and sound, combined with its fast-paced gameplay and precise flying controls, make it a timeless classic. Protector II is a must-play for fans of arcade shooters and retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Protector II

  • Use the game’s practice mode to get a feel for the controls and the different types of enemies.
  • Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you die a lot. The game is difficult, but it is possible to beat with practice.
  • Focus on rescuing the humans first. The aliens can be killed later.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your bombs. They can be very effective against large groups of enemies.
  • Be careful when landing on alien ships and cities. The aliens will often try to trap you and kill you.
  • If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to restart the level. The game is designed to be difficult, and there is no shame in starting over.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Secret Mission (1979)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Secret Mission (1979): A Text-Based Adventure Classic

Secret Mission is a text-based adventure game released in 1979 for the TRS-80 and Apple II computers. It was one of the first adventure games to use a two-word command parser, and it is still considered one of the best examples of the genre.

The game takes place in a nuclear power plant, and the player must prevent a reactor meltdown. To do this, the player must explore the plant, solve puzzles, and interact with the other characters in the game.

Secret Mission is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The puzzles are clever and the atmosphere is immersive. The game is also notable for its realistic graphics, which were groundbreaking at the time.

Gameplay

Secret Mission is played using a two-word command parser. The player types in a verb and a noun, and the game responds with a description of the results. For example, the player could type “GET KEY” to pick up a key, or “USE KEY” to use a key to open a door.

The game world is divided into a series of rooms, each of which is described in detail. The player can move between rooms by typing “GO” followed by the direction they want to go.

The player can also interact with the objects in the game world. To do this, the player types “USE” followed by the object they want to use. For example, the player could type “USE KEY” to use a key to open a door, or “USE COMPUTER” to use a computer.

The player can also interact with the other characters in the game. To do this, the player types “TALK” followed by the character’s name. For example, the player could type “TALK TO SCIENTIST” to talk to the scientist in the game.

Puzzles

Secret Mission is full of clever puzzles. The puzzles are often based on logic and observation, and they require the player to think carefully about their surroundings.

One of the most famous puzzles in the game is the “water puzzle.” In this puzzle, the player must find a way to get a bucket of water from one room to another. The player can use a variety of objects in the game world to solve this puzzle, such as a rope, a pulley, and a bucket.

Characters

Secret Mission features a cast of memorable characters. The player interacts with these characters throughout the game, and they can provide the player with valuable information and assistance.

One of the most important characters in the game is the scientist. The scientist is the one who is responsible for preventing the reactor meltdown. The player must work with the scientist to find a way to stop the meltdown.

Another important character in the game is the security guard. The security guard is responsible for keeping the power plant safe. The player must interact with the security guard to gain access to different areas of the plant.

Atmosphere

Secret Mission has a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The player is constantly aware of the danger of the reactor meltdown, and they must race against time to prevent it.

The game’s graphics also contribute to the atmosphere. The graphics are simple, but they are effective in creating a sense of realism. The player feels like they are actually inside a nuclear power plant, and they can feel the tension and suspense as they try to prevent the meltdown.

Legacy

Secret Mission is considered one of the greatest text-based adventure games ever made. The game was praised for its challenging puzzles, immersive atmosphere, and realistic graphics.

Secret Mission has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, the Atari 8-bit family, and the PC. The game is still available for purchase today, and it remains a popular choice for fans of classic adventure games.

Conclusion

Secret Mission is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, immersive atmosphere, and realistic graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

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Fathom (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Fathom (1983): A Timeless Underwater Adventure

In the realm of classic video games, Fathom (1983) stands as a shining gem, captivating players with its enchanting underwater world, challenging gameplay, and memorable protagonist. Developed by Irem and released in arcades, Fathom quickly gained a loyal following and has since become a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Story: A Quest to Save Neptina

Fathom’s story unfolds in the depths of the ocean, where the evil Titans have imprisoned Neptina, the daughter of Neptune. They have also shattered Neptune’s magical Trident, rendering him powerless. Proteus, a brave member of Neptune’s Court, takes it upon himself to find the missing pieces of the Trident and free Neptina.

Gameplay: A Fluid Transformation Between Land and Sea

Fathom’s gameplay is as unique as it is engaging. Proteus can transform between three distinct forms: a dolphin, a seagull, and a human. Each form has its own unique abilities and advantages. As a dolphin, Proteus can swim quickly and gracefully through the water, dodging obstacles and enemies. As a seagull, he can fly over land and sea, reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. As a human, he can walk on land and use weapons to defeat enemies.

The game is divided into eight stages, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Proteus must navigate through treacherous underwater caves, avoid deadly jellyfish and octopuses, and even battle erupting volcanoes. Along the way, he collects pieces of Neptune’s Trident, which grant him special powers and abilities.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

For its time, Fathom’s graphics were nothing short of stunning. The underwater environments are vibrant and detailed, with colorful coral reefs, swaying seaweed, and schools of fish. The character sprites are also well-animated, with Proteus’ transformations being particularly impressive.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, with catchy and atmospheric tunes that perfectly complement the underwater setting. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic dolphin clicks, seagull cries, and the roar of erupting volcanoes.

Legacy: A Timeless Classic

Fathom has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. Its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and memorable soundtrack have made it a timeless classic. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Conclusion

Fathom (1983) is a true masterpiece of the golden age of arcade gaming. Its enchanting underwater world, challenging gameplay, and memorable protagonist have captivated players for decades. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or simply looking for a classic adventure, Fathom is a game that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Review Score

8/10

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