Games developed by United Microware Industries, Inc.
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Motor Mania
Motor Mania is a top-down driving game in which the screen scrolls vertically upwards as you try to drive your race car for as many miles as you can. Starting at a gas station, you can control your speed up to 80 mph, brake and move left or right while avoiding other drivers and various obstacles. There are three types of roads to drive on and they are highway, b-road and dirt and you must avoid crashing into the sides and drivers or you will lose one of five lives. On the side of the play area there are several dials: the speedometer, the fuel, which decreases as you drive, and the generator, which shows the battery charge and decreases if you don't drive at full speed. You can also see the mileage traveled, the lives and if you have the spare tire.
The obstacles you encounter affect different aspects of your car, such as potholes, which make your steering erratic, road patches, which slow you down, avalanches, which cause you to hit a rock and lose a life, and you will also encounter intersections with vehicles that move across the screen and must be avoided. Broken glass causes you to stop and have to change the tire with only one spare wheel, and logs damage the radiator causing your car to overheat. Gas stations pop up from time to time and here you can refuel, fix your radiator and boost your battery power.
Simple Simon
Simple Simon was a revolutionary game released in 1981 for the VIC-20 computer. Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, it quickly became a fan favorite and is still remembered fondly by retro gaming enthusiasts today. Developed by Milton Bradley, Simple Simon was based on the popular electronic game of the same name and was one of the first computer games to use the concept of pattern recognition.
The game was straightforward yet challenging, making it a hit with players of all ages. The objective was to repeat a sequence of colors and sounds played by the computer-controlled Simon. As the game progressed, the sequences became longer and more complex, requiring players to have both quick reflexes and a good memory. With its addictive gameplay, Simple Simon kept players glued to their screens for hours on end, determined to beat their high score.
What set Simple Simon apart from other games of its time was its use of sound. The game utilized the VIC-20's advanced sound capabilities to create unique and distinct tones for each color, making it easier for players to remember the sequence. This added a whole new dimension to the game and made it stand out among other games of its era. The gameplay was also enhanced by the use of vibrant colors on the VIC-20's limited graphics, making the visual experience exciting and engaging.
Another interesting aspect of Simple Simon was its competition mode. Two players could go head-to-head in a battle of wits, trying to outmatch each other's memory and reaction time. This feature was a huge hit among friends and family, adding a fun and competitive element to the game. It also allowed for players to challenge themselves in a way that single-player mode couldn't.
Apart from being a popular game, Simple Simon was also credited with the development of important cognitive skills. Its focus on pattern recognition, memory, and reaction time helped players improve their brain functions and sharpen their minds. This made it a valuable tool for parents and educators who recognized the potential of educational gaming.
Simple Simon's success led to its release on multiple platforms, including the Commodore 64 and the Atari 2600. It was also the inspiration for many other similar games, solidifying its place in the history of video games. To this day, it remains a delight for nostalgic players, offering a glimpse into the early days of gaming and the innovative ideas that paved the way for modern games.
Star Wars
In 1981, a small but powerful home computer hit the shelves, capturing the hearts and imaginations of Star Wars fans everywhere. The VIC-20, created by Commodore, featured a game that would go on to become a cult classic - Star Wars.
Released during the height of the Star Wars craze, this game offered players a chance to immerse themselves in the beloved space saga. The game's graphics may seem simplistic by today's standards, but at the time, they were groundbreaking. The pixelated scenes and characters were a faithful representation of the iconic imagery from the films.
The gameplay itself was a mix of space combat and ground battles, allowing players to relive their favorite moments from the films. As a pilot of the X-Wing or a soldier on the ground, the player had to defeat enemy ships and troops, all while being accompanied by the iconic Star Wars soundtrack.
One unique aspect of the game was the option to choose between the light or dark side of the Force. This added a layer of complexity and strategy to the gameplay, as the player had to decide whether to fight against the Empire or join them. This feature was ahead of its time and added a level of replayability to the game.
The controls may have seemed clunky to modern gamers, but they were intuitive for the time. The joystick was used to maneuver the X-Wing or control the character on the ground, while the keyboard was used to fire weapons and activate special abilities. It may have taken some practice to master the controls, but once mastered, players felt like true Jedi or Sith.
Despite its limitations, Star Wars for the VIC-20 was a hit among gamers and fans of the franchise. It provided hours of entertainment, allowing players to escape to a galaxy far, far away. It also paved the way for future Star Wars games, setting a high standard for storytelling and gameplay within the franchise.
The lasting impact of Star Wars on the gaming industry cannot be understated. It showed that licensed games could be successful and capture the essence of their source material. It also proved that even with limited technology, a game could still be engaging and beloved by players.
