Publisher: IBM

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

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Qbasic Gorillas (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

QBasic Gorillas: A Detailed Retrospective

Released in 1991 as part of MS-DOS 5, QBasic Gorillas is a turn-based artillery game that quickly became a classic. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and its addictive gameplay has kept players coming back for decades.

Gameplay

Gorillas is played by two players, each controlling a gorilla on opposite sides of a city skyline. The goal of the game is to be the first player to knock their opponent’s gorilla off the screen. Players take turns launching bananas at each other, using a slingshot-like mechanic to control the angle and velocity of each throw.

In addition to the standard gravity setting, Gorillas also allows players to adjust the gravitational pull of the planet. This can make the game more challenging, as players must account for the changing trajectory of their bananas.

Legacy

Gorillas was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The game has also been the inspiration for a number of other games, including the popular mobile game Angry Birds.

Critical Reception

Gorillas received positive reviews from critics upon its release. praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, and its challenging difficulty. The game was also praised for its innovative use of physics, which allowed players to experiment with different ways to launch their bananas.

Cultural Impact

Gorillas has had a significant cultural impact, and it is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. The game has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, and it has been parodied and referenced in popular culture.

Graphics

Gorillas’ graphics are simple but effective. The game’s characters and backgrounds are rendered in a blocky, pixelated style that is reminiscent of early arcade games. The game’s use of color is also limited, but it is effective in creating a sense of atmosphere.

Sound

Gorillas’ sound effects are simple but effective. The game’s most iconic sound is the “boing” sound that is made when a banana is launched. The game also features a variety of other sound effects, such as the sound of bananas exploding and the sound of gorillas grunting.

Music

Gorillas does not have any music, but the game’s sound effects are so catchy that they almost make up for it. The game’s “boing” sound is particularly memorable, and it has been used in a variety of other games and media.

Overall

QBasic Gorillas is a classic turn-based artillery game that is still a blast to play today. The game’s simple gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of physics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing Gorillas

Here are a few tips for playing Gorillas:

  • Use the gravitational pull to your advantage. By adjusting the gravitational pull, you can make your bananas fly higher, lower, or even curve around obstacles.
  • Experiment with different angles and velocities. The key to winning Gorillas is to find the right combination of angle and velocity to hit your opponent’s gorilla.
  • Don’t be afraid to use the wind. The wind can help you to launch your bananas higher or lower, or even change their direction.
  • Be patient. Gorillas is a game of skill and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Conclusion

QBasic Gorillas is a classic video game that is still enjoyed by people of all ages. The game’s simple gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of physics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then Gorillas is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

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Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold (1992)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold (1992)

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold is a first-person lightgun shooter arcade game developed and released by American Laser Games in 1992. It is the sequel to the 1990 game Mad Dog McCree, and features similar gameplay and motion capture graphics.

The game is set in the Wild West, and the player takes on the role of Mad Dog McCree, a bounty hunter who is tasked with tracking down and capturing the outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses a lightgun to shoot at enemies.

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold features three different levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies. The first level takes place in a saloon, where the player must shoot their way through a group of outlaws. The second level takes place in a forest, where the player must track down and capture Butch Cassidy. The third and final level takes place in a cave, where the player must defeat the Sundance Kid.

The game features a variety of enemies, including outlaws, Indians, and animals. The player must use their lightgun to shoot at enemies, and can also use cover to protect themselves from enemy fire. The game also features a variety of power-ups, which can help the player to defeat enemies more easily.

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative use of motion capture graphics, and for its exciting and challenging gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Gameplay

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold is a first-person lightgun shooter game. The player takes on the role of Mad Dog McCree, a bounty hunter who is tasked with tracking down and capturing the outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses a lightgun to shoot at enemies.

The game features three different levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies. The first level takes place in a saloon, where the player must shoot their way through a group of outlaws. The second level takes place in a forest, where the player must track down and capture Butch Cassidy. The third and final level takes place in a cave, where the player must defeat the Sundance Kid.

The game features a variety of enemies, including outlaws, Indians, and animals. The player must use their lightgun to shoot at enemies, and can also use cover to protect themselves from enemy fire. The game also features a variety of power-ups, which can help the player to defeat enemies more easily.

Development

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold was developed by American Laser Games, a company founded in 1988 by former Atari employees. The game was designed by Eugene Jarvis, who had previously designed the arcade games Defender and Robotron: 2084.

The game was developed using motion capture technology, which allowed the developers to create realistic animations for the characters. The game also features a variety of digitized backgrounds, which helped to create a more immersive experience for the player.

Release

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold was released in arcades in 1992. The game was a critical and commercial success, and was ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Sega CD, 3DO, and PC.

Reception

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold was praised for its innovative use of motion capture graphics, and for its exciting and challenging gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Legacy

Mad Dog II: The Lost Gold is considered to be one of the classic lightgun shooter games. The game’s innovative use of motion capture graphics and its exciting gameplay helped to set a new standard for the genre. The game also had a significant impact on the development of first-person shooter games, and helped to popularize the use of lightguns in arcades.

Additional Information

  • The game was originally released as a two-player game, but a single-player version was later released.
  • The game features a variety of hidden secrets, including a secret level that can be accessed by shooting a specific object in the first level.
  • The game was ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Sega CD, 3DO, and PC. The home versions of the game are generally considered to be inferior to the arcade version, due to their lower resolution graphics and lack of motion capture.
  • The game was followed by a sequel, Mad Dog McCree 3, which was released in 1994.

Review Score

7/10

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Shamus (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Shamus (1982): A Maze-Exploring, Enemy-Blasting Classic

Released in 1982, Shamus is a unique and challenging arcade game that combines elements of Berzerk and Adventure. Players control the titular Shamus, a lone adventurer exploring a maze-like environment filled with deadly enemies.

Gameplay

Shamus is a top-down shooter in which the player must navigate a series of increasingly complex mazes while battling a variety of enemies. The game’s controls are simple: use the joystick to move Shamus and the fire button to shoot. Shamus can shoot in eight directions, and he can also pick up power-ups that grant him temporary invincibility or increased firepower.

The enemies in Shamus are varied and deadly. Some enemies simply wander around the maze, while others chase after Shamus relentlessly. Some enemies can shoot, while others explode when they get too close. Shamus must use his wits and reflexes to avoid enemy attacks and defeat them all.

In addition to the standard enemies, Shamus must also contend with a variety of environmental hazards. These hazards include fire, water, and electricity. Shamus can avoid these hazards by jumping over them or shooting them.

Levels

Shamus is divided into 120 levels, each of which is a unique maze. The levels become increasingly difficult as the game progresses, and Shamus must face more and more powerful enemies.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in 1982, Shamus has impressive graphics and sound. The mazes are well-designed and detailed, and the enemies are all unique and visually interesting. The game’s sound effects are also excellent, and they help to create a tense and exciting atmosphere.

Legacy

Shamus was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound. Shamus has been ported to a variety of home computers and consoles, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Conclusion

Shamus is a classic arcade game that offers a unique and challenging experience. Its blend of Berzerk and Adventure gameplay, combined with its excellent graphics and sound, make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Here are some additional details about Shamus:

  • The game was developed by Atari, Inc. and released in arcades in 1982.
  • Shamus was ported to the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Commodore 64, and VIC-20 home computers.
  • The game was also released as part of the Atari Vault compilation for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
  • Shamus has been praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound.
  • The game remains a popular choice among retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Review Score

8/10

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King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

“King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown” stands as a monument to the adventure gaming genre, offering a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative that was groundbreaking at its release. As Sir Graham, players are invited into a world of fantasy and challenge, setting the stage for what would become one of the most beloved series in gaming history.

Introduction

Dive into the enchanting world of “King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown”, a pioneering adventure game that set the stage for interactive storytelling. Developed by Sierra On-Line and masterminded by Roberta Williams, this 1984 classic invites players to embody Sir Graham, the bravest of knights, on a quest to secure his future as the ruler of Daventry.

Synopsis

In “King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown”, players embark on a perilous journey across the Kingdom of Daventry to recover three lost treasures. Each artifact holds the key to proving Sir Graham’s worthiness to inherit the throne from the ailing King Edward. From exploring dark forests to solving cunning puzzles, players will face myriad challenges in their quest.

Characters

The game features Sir Graham, the protagonist and player character; King Edward, the dying king; and a cast of various mythical beings, helpful allies, and cunning adversaries.

Gameplay

“King’s Quest” introduced groundbreaking gameplay elements, including a 3D animated character that could walk behind objects and a typing interface for players to interact with the game world. This blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven quests offered an immersive experience unprecedented in its time.

Reception and Critiscism

Upon its release, “King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown” was lauded for its innovative use of graphics and interactive storytelling. However, its text parser interface and some obscure puzzles were points of criticism. Despite this, it remains a beloved classic, celebrated for laying the groundwork for future adventure games.

Conclusion

“King’s Quest: Quest for the Crown” is not just a game; it’s a piece of video game history that demonstrated the potential of the medium for rich storytelling and immersive experiences. Its legacy continues to influence the adventure genre, making it a must-play for enthusiasts of gaming history.

Review Score

8.5/10

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The Wizard and the Princess (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

In the magical land of Serenia, a brave wanderer faces off against an evil wizard to rescue Princess Priscilla. Will you unravel the mysteries and claim victory?

Introduction

Ahoy, adventurers! Prepare to step into the enchanted realm of The Wizard and the Princess. In this early gem of interactive storytelling, you’ll unravel mysteries, solve puzzles, and face off against a malevolent sorcerer.

Synopsis

The land of Serenia trembles under the tyranny of Harlin, who has imprisoned Princess Priscilla within his mountain castle. King George offers half his kingdom to anyone brave enough to confront the wizard and rescue his daughter. As a plucky wanderer, you heed the call and set forth on a perilous journey.

Characters

Meet iconic characters like the resourceful wanderer, the enigmatic Princess Priscilla, and the cunning wizard Harlin. Each encounter reveals new secrets and challenges.

Gameplay

Navigate through vividly illustrated scenes, make choices, and collect items. But beware—the wrong decision can lead to a dead end! The game’s puzzles demand wit and intuition.

Conclusion

So, don your adventurer’s cloak, wield your imagination, and embark on a quest that echoes through the annals of gaming history. May your wits be your compass and your courage your sword!

Review Score

7.5/10

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