Bandit, released in 1983, was a popular game for the Dragon 32/64 computer. It was a text-based adventure game that offered players a unique experience filled with challenges, strategic thinking, and mysterious adventures.
The game was set in a fantasy world where the player takes on the role of a brave warrior who must save the kingdom from an evil king who has taken over the throne. The warrior, known as the Bandit, has to navigate through different levels of the game, battling enemies and solving puzzles to ultimately defeat the evil king and restore peace to the kingdom.
What made Bandit stand out from other games of its time was its immersive and interactive gameplay. The game featured a text-based interface with detailed descriptions and rich storytelling that allowed players to use their imagination and fully immerse themselves in the game's world. The game also had a vast map, which added to the sense of exploration and discovery.
Bandit also had a unique combat system that required players to strategically plan their attacks and defend against enemy attacks. The game featured a variety of weapons, armor, and items that players could acquire throughout their journey, making it essential to carefully manage their inventory and resources.
Moreover, Bandit was known for its challenging puzzles that required players to think outside the box and use their critical reasoning skills. These puzzles were integrated seamlessly into the game's storyline, adding an extra layer of complexity and making the overall experience more engaging.
The graphics and sound of Bandit were impressive for its time, bringing the game's fantasy world to life. The detailed and colorful illustrations, combined with a haunting and immersive soundtrack, enhanced the overall gameplay experience and added to the game's mysterious and adventurous feel.
Bandit was a success not only among players but also among critics, who praised its in-depth gameplay, storytelling, and overall design. The game's popularity also led to sequels being released, further expanding the Bandit universe and solidifying its place in gaming history.
Bandito is a simulation of a one-armed bandit, with some bells and whistles. Starting with £1, you pay 10 pence for each pull of the bandit's arm. Depending on what comes up, you can 'hold' some of the cylinders to increase the chances of a winning combination. On some occasions, or when you get three lemons, you can 'push' the cylinders to put together a winning line. Finally, it is possible to 'play' with your bonus, or simply collect it as is.
Burger Time clearly influenced this manic arcade action game, in which your task is to make burgers, collecting the 4 main components in sequence. While doing so, you are chased by two sausages and eggs, whose contact costs you a life. You are armed with a pepper spray, which paralyzes them for a few seconds, but is limited to five uses per level. When you touch the hamburger pieces, they fall, and can be used as weapons to stop the chasing food. The layout of the platforms features many ladders, which you must use to chase and dodge the respective ingredients.
Released in 1984, the Dragon 32/64 game Beam Rider was a highly anticipated addition to the world of gaming. Developed by Activision, this space-themed game was a hit amongst gamers of all ages. The game was compatible with both the Dragon 32 and the Dragon 64 Computer systems, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The premise of Beam Rider was simple yet addictive. Players took on the role of a pilot navigating through an endless series of beam-routines in outer space. The objective was to survive as long as possible while racking up points by blasting obstacles and enemy ships. The game featured 16 levels, each one progressively getting more challenging and incorporating new obstacles and enemies.
One of the most distinctive features of Beam Rider was its graphics. The game utilized the full color capabilities of the Dragon 32/64, creating vibrant and engaging visuals. The backgrounds of each level were intricately designed, adding depth and dimension to the gameplay. The animations of the player's ship and the enemies were smooth and fluid, adding to the overall immersive experience.
In addition to its graphics, Beam Rider also had an impressive soundtrack. The game's composer, David Whittaker, created a memorable and futuristic score that perfectly complemented the gameplay. The sound effects were also top-notch, adding to the intensity and excitement of the game. With its combination of stunning visuals and captivating audio, Beam Rider truly stood out from other games of its time.
One of the reasons for Beam Rider's success was its replay value. The game was highly addictive, with players constantly striving to beat their high score. The difficulty level increased with each passing level, ensuring that players were always challenged and engaged. This, coupled with the game's attractive graphics and sound, made it a popular choice amongst gamers and critics alike.
The game's success led to the development of ports for other gaming systems, such as the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. However, the Dragon 32/64 version remained the most beloved and widely played. Its cult following and lasting legacy speak to the impact and influence Beam Rider had on the gaming industry.
Roy Coates, who turned platforming classics Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy into Dragon, went on to form his own company, and this was his first solo release.
Beanstalker, which takes its backstory from the old tale of Jack and the Beanstalkers, is reduced to nothing more than a Loderunner clone, but still manages to carry with it some of the spirit of the programmer's early work in the form of the detailed animation of the tiny sprites, and the different screens are also much more varied than those of the original Loderunner.
Still, it plays exactly the same as Loderunner, with a little guy running up ladders and platforms to collect various objects. Once all the objects have been collected, a ladder is entered to move to the next level. The screen is guarded by monsters such as mice, worms or spiders, which vary depending on the level. They can be stopped in their tracks by digging a hole in the ground for them to fall into.
The game has 60 screens, runs in high monochrome resolution and has a level editor (password protected).
Released in 1983, Blochead was a popular game for the Dragon 32/64 computer. Developed by Microsculptures Ltd, this game was a puzzle-based adventure that kept gamers on the edge of their seats. It was one of the early games to be released for the Dragon computer and quickly gained a dedicated fan base.
The game's premise was simple but captivating - players controlled a character named Blochead, who was on a mission to save his homeland from the tyrannical rule of the evil Malzak. The world of Blochead was filled with obstacles and challenges that required players to use their wits and strategic thinking to overcome. This made for an engaging and immersive gameplay experience.
One of the standout features of Blochead was its graphics. For a game released in the early 80s, the visuals were surprisingly advanced. The game used vibrant colors and detailed sprites, creating a visually appealing world for players to explore. The attention to detail in the game's design was impressive, with each level having its own unique look and feel.
In addition to its graphics, Blochead also boasted a unique soundtrack and sound effects. The game's music was created by renowned composer Rob Hubbard, known for his work on other popular games of the era such as Commando and Monty on the Run. The soundtrack added to the overall atmosphere of the game, giving players a sense of urgency and adventure as they navigated through the levels.
One of the challenges of Blochead was its steep difficulty curve. With each passing level, the obstacles became trickier and the enemies more formidable. This meant that players had to constantly adapt and come up with new strategies to progress through the game. It was this challenge that kept players coming back for more, as they were determined to see Blochead succeed in his mission.
In addition to the main game, Blochead also had a level editor feature, allowing players to create their own challenging levels and share them with others. This added to the game's replayability, as players could constantly try out new levels and compete with their friends to see who could complete them the fastest.
In the year 1985, a highly anticipated game called Blockbuster Quiz was released for the Dragon 32/64. Developed by British company Icon Design, this game was met with immense excitement and quickly became a fan favorite. This groundbreaking quiz game set itself apart from others on the market with its unique and challenging gameplay.
The premise of Blockbuster Quiz was simple yet gripping. Players were tasked with answering a series of questions from various categories such as science, history, and entertainment. The goal was to correctly answer as many questions as possible to accumulate points and claim victory. However, what made this game stand out was the concept of "blockbusting." If a player answered three consecutive questions correctly, they could choose one of their opponent's categories and block them from answering any further questions in that category, giving them a significant advantage in the game.
One of the most impressive features of Blockbuster Quiz was its extensive trivia database. With over 7,000 questions covering a wide range of topics, players were constantly challenged and never felt like they were repeating the same questions. This made the game highly replayable and kept players engaged for hours on end.
Another notable feature of this game was its multiplayer mode. Up to four players could compete against each other, making it an excellent choice for game nights with friends and family. The competitive nature of the game and the high stakes involved in blocking opponents made for an intense and exhilarating gaming experience.
In addition to its challenging gameplay and impressive trivia database, Blockbuster Quiz also had visually appealing graphics for its time. The colorful and detailed graphics were a refreshing change from other quiz games on the market, adding to the overall appeal of the game.
Blockbuster Quiz 2 was a popular trivia game that was released for the Dragon 32/64 computer in 1986. Developed by The Power House and published by Microdeal, it was the sequel to the original Blockbuster Quiz game that had been released a year earlier. This new version boasted over 5,000 questions covering a wide range of topics, promising hours of entertainment and challenge for players.
The premise of Blockbuster Quiz 2 was simple yet engaging. Players would take on the role of a game show contestant, competing against the computer or another player in a battle of general knowledge. The game was divided into three rounds, with each round consisting of multiple choice questions. The questions varied in difficulty, forcing players to use their memory, logic, and quick-thinking skills to emerge as the ultimate champion.
One of the standout features of Blockbuster Quiz 2 was its extensive database of questions. Covering a wide range of topics such as history, science, literature, and pop culture, it provided players with a diverse and challenging trivia experience. The questions were also randomly generated, meaning that each playthrough would be different, adding to the game's replay value. Additionally, the game had a built-in editor which allowed players to create their own custom questions and add them to the database, further increasing the game's variety.
In terms of graphics and sound, Blockbuster Quiz 2 was ahead of its time. The game featured colorful and detailed graphics, with a host resembling a popular TV game show host at the time. The upbeat soundtrack and sound effects added to the game's overall atmosphere, making players feel like they were truly participating in a game show.
Blockbuster Quiz 2 was not only a game for entertainment but also a learning tool. With its vast knowledge base and challenging questions, it provided players with an opportunity to expand their knowledge on various subjects while having fun. It was also a game that could be enjoyed by players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights.
Despite being released over three decades ago, Blockbuster Quiz 2 still holds a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. It remains a beloved classic for many Dragon 32/64 players and a testament to the innovation and creativity of the developers at The Power House and Microdeal. Today, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in the gaming industry and a testament to the enduring appeal of trivia games.
Released in 1983, Bonka quickly became a cult classic among Commodore 64 gamers. Developed by First Star Software, this 2D side-scrolling action game was set in a fantasy world filled with challenging levels and formidable enemies. Bonka follows the adventures of a brave hero, tasked with defeating the evil sorcerer, which had cursed the land and its inhabitants.
The game's graphics were considered top-notch for its time, with vibrant and colorful landscapes that captured the player's imagination. The attention to detail in the character designs was also noteworthy. The hero, Bonka, was portrayed as a strong and fearless warrior, armed with a sword and shield, ready to take on any obstacles that stood in his way.
One of the most impressive aspects of Bonka was its gameplay. The controls were simple and responsive, making the gameplay smooth and enjoyable. The game featured a variety of enemies to battle, each with its unique set of attacks and weaknesses. To defeat the sorcerer, players had to navigate through challenging levels, dodging traps and overcoming obstacles while collecting power-ups and weapons along the way.
The soundtrack of Bonka was another highlight of the game. The catchy and upbeat tunes added to the overall immersive experience and kept players engaged throughout their quest. From the ominous music in the sorcerer's castle to the heroic fanfare when Bonka defeated a boss, the sound effects and music were a perfect complement to the gameplay.
Like many classic games, Bonka also had its share of secrets and Easter eggs. Players could discover hidden passages and power-ups by exploring and interacting with the environment. This added an element of discovery and excitement to the gameplay, making it even more challenging and rewarding.
Despite its age, Bonka remains a beloved game among retro gamers. Its engaging storyline, stunning graphics, and seamless gameplay have stood the test of time and continue to captivate players even after decades since its release. In fact, Bonka has been re-released on various other gaming platforms, proving its enduring popularity.
Bopswizzle is a classic video game that was originally released for the Dragon 32/64 home computer in 1983. It was developed and published by Microdeal, a British software company known for its popular games during the 80s and 90s. Bopswizzle may have a funny name, but don't let that fool you - this game is a challenging and addictive experience that has stood the test of time.
The premise of Bopswizzle is simple yet entertaining. The player takes on the role of a space creature known as a "Bopswizzle" who must navigate through various levels and collect a set number of orbs in order to advance. However, it's not as easy as it sounds. The game is filled with obstacles such as moving walls, laser beams, and enemy creatures that will try to hinder your progress. The player must use quick reflexes and strategic planning to overcome these challenges and reach the end of each level.
What sets Bopswizzle apart from other games of its time is its impressive graphics and sound effects. For a game released in 1983, the visuals are quite impressive and add to the overall immersive experience. The colors are vibrant and the game has a distinct sci-fi aesthetic that is sure to appeal to players of all ages. The sound effects are also top-notch, with each action having a corresponding sound that adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.
One of the unique aspects of Bopswizzle is its difficulty level. While the game starts off relatively easy, it becomes progressively harder as the player advances through the levels. This makes it a game that can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The challenge of Bopswizzle is what keeps players coming back for more, even decades after its initial release.
Another aspect of the game that adds to its replay value is its random level generation. This means that each time a player starts a new game, the levels will be different, providing a fresh and unpredictable experience every time. This feature ensures that players will not get bored with the game easily and will always have a new challenge to conquer.
Bopswizzle was a commercial success upon its release, receiving positive reviews and earning a loyal fanbase. Its popularity even led to a sequel, appropriately titled Bopswizzle II, which was released in 1984. Both games are now considered cult classics among retro gaming enthusiasts and are still enjoyed by players today through emulators and online platforms.
