Publisher: A&F Software

Chuckie Egg (1983)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Chuckie Egg: A Yolk-y Good Time

Released in 1983 for the ZX Spectrum, Chuckie Egg is an action platformer that quickly became a classic. Its simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode made it a hit with gamers of all ages.

Gameplay

Chuckie Egg is a single-screen platformer in which the player controls Hen-House Harry, a farmer tasked with collecting twelve eggs from each level. Harry must navigate through a variety of obstacles, including ladders, platforms, and enemies, to reach the eggs.

The game features two main modes: single-player and multiplayer. In single-player mode, the player must collect all twelve eggs before a countdown timer reaches zero. In multiplayer mode, two players take turns playing as Harry, competing to see who can collect the most eggs.

Features

Chuckie Egg is notable for its innovative multiplayer mode, which was one of the first of its kind. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help Harry on his quest, such as speed boosts and invincibility.

The game’s graphics are simple but charming, with bright colors and detailed sprites. The music is also catchy and memorable.

Critical Reception

Chuckie Egg was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode. The game was also a financial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Legacy

Chuckie Egg is considered to be one of the greatest ZX Spectrum games of all time. It has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and MSX. The game has also been re-released on modern platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

Chuckie Egg has inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Chuckie Egg 2 (1984), Chuckie Egg: The Search for the Golden Eggs (1985), and Chuckie Egg: The Movie (2017).

Conclusion

Chuckie Egg is a classic platformer that still holds up today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and innovative multiplayer mode make it a must-play for retro gaming fans. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Chuckie Egg is sure to provide hours of yolk-y good fun.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Chuckie Egg

  1. The game was originally going to be called “Hen-House Harry”, but the name was changed to Chuckie Egg to make it more appealing to children.
  2. The game’s protagonist, Hen-House Harry, is based on the British comedian Harry Enfield.
  3. The game’s music was composed by David Whittaker, who also composed the music for the classic ZX Spectrum game Manic Miner.
  4. Chuckie Egg was one of the first games to feature a two-player competitive mode.
  5. The game was banned in Italy because of its depiction of eggs being cracked open.
  6. Chuckie Egg has been ported to over 20 different platforms.
  7. The game was featured in the 2015 documentary film “The Rise and Fall of the British Video Game Industry”.
  8. Chuckie Egg is considered to be one of the greatest ZX Spectrum games of all time.
  9. The game has inspired a number of sequels and spin-offs.
  10. Chuckie Egg is still being played and enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Agent Orange (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Agent Orange: A Retro Sci-Fi Farming Adventure

Released in 1986, Agent Orange is a unique and challenging space farming simulator that tasks players with cultivating crops on distant planets while battling against the ever-present threat of weeds. Set in a vibrant and imaginative sci-fi universe, Agent Orange offers a blend of農業management, exploration, and combat that has captivated retro gaming enthusiasts for decades.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of a “Flying Farmer” for the Intergalactic Agricultural Research Establishment (IARE), a prestigious organization dedicated to colonizing other planets through advanced farming techniques. The ultimate goal is to discover and capture the legendary weedkiller known as “Agent Orange,” which holds the key to controlling the rampant weed growth that threatens the IARE’s operations.

The gameplay consists of traveling to different planets, planting and harvesting crops, and managing resources. Players must carefully select which crops to grow based on the planet’s climate and soil conditions. Different crops have varying growth rates, yields, and market values, so strategic planning is essential for maximizing profits.

However, farming in space is not without its challenges. Players must contend with a variety of obstacles, including:

  • Weeds: The primary antagonist in Agent Orange is the relentless spread of weeds, which can quickly overrun crops and deplete resources. Players must use a variety of tools and techniques to control weed growth, including herbicides, flamethrowers, and even genetically modified crops.
  • Pests: In addition to weeds, players must also deal with various pests that can damage crops and reduce yields. These pests include insects, rodents, and even alien creatures. Players must use traps, pesticides, and other methods to keep pests under control.
  • Pirates: As players become more successful, they may attract the attention of space pirates who seek to steal their valuable cargo. Players must defend their ships and cargo from these marauders using laser cannons and other weapons.

Exploration

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Agent Orange is the exploration element. Players can travel to a variety of different planets, each with its unique environment, climate, and resources. As players progress, they will unlock new planets and discover new challenges and opportunities.

The planets are procedurally generated, which means that each playthrough offers a fresh and unique experience. Players may encounter lush forests, barren deserts, icy wastelands, and even alien ruins. Each planet presents its own set of challenges and rewards, encouraging players to adapt their farming strategies accordingly.

Spaceship Customization

Another key feature of Agent Orange is the ability to customize the player’s spaceship. Players can upgrade their ship’s engines, weapons, cargo capacity, and other systems to better suit their individual playstyle.

Different upgrades provide different advantages. For example, upgrading the engines allows players to travel to distant planets more quickly, while upgrading the cargo capacity allows players to transport more crops and resources. Players must carefully consider which upgrades to purchase based on their current needs and goals.

Legacy and Impact

Agent Orange was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1986. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming retro graphics. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC.

Agent Orange has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is considered one of the pioneers of the space farming genre, and its unique blend of農業management, exploration, and combat has inspired many subsequent games.

Conclusion

Agent Orange is a classic retro game that offers a unique and engaging space farming experience. With its challenging gameplay, procedurally generated planets, and customizable spaceship, Agent Orange provides hours of entertainment for both retro gaming enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Agent Orange is a game that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Core (1986)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Core (1986)

Core is an action game developed by A&F Software and published by Argus Press Software. It was released in 1986 for the Commodore 64. The game is set in a nuclear power plant that has been taken over by terrorists. The player takes control of a lone commando who must fight his way through the plant and rescue the hostages.

Core is a fast-paced and challenging shooter. The player must use a variety of weapons to defeat the terrorists, including guns, grenades, and rockets. The game also features a number of environmental hazards, such as radioactive waste and electrical traps.

Core was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware. The game has been cited as one of the best Commodore 64 games of all time.

Gameplay

Core is a side-scrolling shooter. The player controls a lone commando who must fight his way through a nuclear power plant that has been taken over by terrorists. The game is divided into a number of levels, each of which has a different objective. The player must complete each objective in order to progress to the next level.

The player’s commando is armed with a variety of weapons, including guns, grenades, and rockets. The player can also use the environment to his advantage, such as by using cover to avoid enemy fire or by using explosive barrels to damage enemies.

Core is a challenging game. The terrorists are tough and the levels are full of environmental hazards. The player must use all of his skills and resources to survive and complete the game.

Development

Core was developed by A&F Software, a small British software company. The game was programmed by Andrew Fletcher and the graphics were designed by Simon Brattel. Core was one of the first games to use the Commodore 64’s hardware to its full potential. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and detailed graphics were groundbreaking at the time.

Core was released in 1986 to critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware. Core has been cited as one of the best Commodore 64 games of all time.

Legacy

Core is a classic Commodore 64 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware make it a timeless classic. Core is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Core

  • Use cover to avoid enemy fire.
  • Use explosive barrels to damage enemies.
  • Be careful of environmental hazards, such as radioactive waste and electrical traps.
  • Upgrade your weapons and armor as soon as possible.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.

Review

Core is a classic Commodore 64 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware make it a timeless classic. Core is a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.

Score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

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Haunted Abbey (1984)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Haunted Abbey: A Spine-Tingling Adventure in the Realm of the Supernatural

Prepare to embark on a haunting adventure in the realm of the supernatural with Haunted Abbey, a classic text-based adventure game that will send chills down your spine. Released in 1984, this atmospheric game transports you to a dilapidated abbey shrouded in mystery and malevolent spirits.

A Journey into the Unknown

Haunted Abbey begins with your arrival at the gates of a crumbling abbey, once a sanctuary for pious monks but now a haven for restless spirits. As you step through the creaking wooden doors, a cold shiver runs down your spine, and the air thickens with an oppressive sense of dread.

Your mission is to uncover the dark secrets that haunt the abbey and lay the restless spirits to eternal rest. Armed with nothing more than your wits and a flickering torch, you venture into the shadowy corridors, each step echoing through the eerie silence.

An Eerie and Atmospheric Masterpiece

Haunted Abbey masterfully crafts an immersive and atmospheric experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The game’s text-based descriptions are rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the abbey’s crumbling walls, flickering candlelight, and ghostly apparitions that lurk in the darkness.

The sound design is equally haunting, with creaking floorboards, howling winds, and disembodied whispers adding to the unsettling ambiance. Every creak and groan of the old abbey becomes a potential harbinger of the supernatural, heightening the sense of tension and suspense.

Cryptic Puzzles and Spine-Tingling Encounters

As you explore the abbey, you’ll encounter a series of cryptic puzzles that will test your wits and challenge your understanding of the supernatural. From deciphering ancient runes to navigating treacherous mazes, each puzzle brings you closer to unraveling the abbey’s dark history.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a cast of ghostly characters, each with their own tragic tale to tell. Some spirits are benevolent, seeking your help to find peace, while others are malevolent, eager to ensnare you in their ethereal grasp.

A Haunting Legacy

Haunted Abbey is not just a game; it’s an experience that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished playing. The game’s atmospheric storytelling, challenging puzzles, and spine-tingling encounters have earned it a cult following among adventure game enthusiasts.

Over the years, Haunted Abbey has been ported to various platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and PC, ensuring that its legacy continues to haunt new generations of gamers.

Conclusion

Haunted Abbey (1984) is a timeless classic that transcends the boundaries of gaming, offering a truly immersive and atmospheric adventure that will send chills down your spine. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Haunted Abbey is a must-play experience that will leave an unforgettable mark on your gaming journey.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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