Games published by CommaVid, Inc.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is a classic game that was released for the Atari 2600 in 1983. Developed by CommaVid, this game was a simple yet addicting addition to the Atari library. The concept of the game is fairly straightforward – players control a mouse who must navigate through various levels to reach the top of a cake while avoiding obstacles and enemies. However, the execution of this concept is what truly sets Cakewalk apart from other games of its time.
One of the first things that stands out about Cakewalk is its vibrant and colorful graphics. The game takes place in a whimsical world filled with cupcakes, lollipops, and other sugary treats. The attention to detail in the graphics is impressive, with each level having its own unique design and theme. The bright and cheery visuals make the game appealing to players of all ages, and it's easy to get lost in the sugary world of Cakewalk.
In addition to its pleasing aesthetics, Cakewalk also offers challenging gameplay. As you guide the mouse through each level, you must avoid obstacles such as rolling doughnuts, flying forks, and jumping jelly beans. At the same time, you must also collect ingredients for the cake, such as sugar cubes and cherries. These obstacles and ingredients are strategically placed throughout the level, creating a sense of progression and difficulty as you advance through the game. It takes quick reflexes and strategic thinking to successfully complete each level and reach the top of the cake.
The controls in Cakewalk are simple but responsive, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. You use the joystick to move the mouse left, right, or jump. The controls are intuitive and easy to grasp, allowing players to focus on the gameplay itself. However, don't be fooled by the simple controls – Cakewalk can be both challenging and addictive. It's the type of game that you can play for hours and still find yourself coming back for more.
Another noteworthy aspect of Cakewalk is its sound effects and music. The game features upbeat, catchy tunes that perfectly complement the bright and colorful visuals. The sound effects, such as the chimes when collecting ingredients or the thuds when running into obstacles, add to the overall charm of the game. They also help to immerse players in the world of Cakewalk and make the gameplay experience even more enjoyable.
Cosmic Swarm
Cosmic Swarm, released in 1982 for the iconic Atari 2600 console, is a game that takes players on an intergalactic journey through space. Developed by Zimag, this game is a classic example of the popular "shoot 'em up" genre that was all the rage during the early days of video gaming. But what sets Cosmic Swarm apart from other similar games is its unique gameplay and challenging levels.
The premise of Cosmic Swarm is simple yet captivating - players control a spaceship and must defend their planet from an onslaught of alien insects known as the "Cosmic Swarm". These insects come in various forms, ranging from small and quick to large and powerful, and they all pose a threat to the player's ship. With each level, the difficulty increases as the number and speed of these creatures also increase, putting players' skills and reflexes to the test.
One of the standout features of Cosmic Swarm is its colorful and vibrant graphics. While most of the game takes place in deep space, the alien insects and the player's ship are uniquely designed with their own eye-catching colors that truly pop on the screen. This attention to detail adds to the overall immersive experience of the game, making it visually appealing and engaging for players of all ages.
In addition to its graphics, Cosmic Swarm also boasts an impressive soundtrack. The game's music is a mix of futuristic techno beats and catchy tunes that perfectly match the fast-paced gameplay. The sound effects also add to the intensity of the game, with explosions and laser blasts making players feel like they are truly in the midst of an intergalactic battle.
As players advance through the levels, they can collect power-ups that provide additional weapons and shields for their ship. These power-ups are crucial for surviving the increasingly difficult levels and defeating the Cosmic Swarm. They also add an element of strategy to the game, as players must decide when to use these power-ups for maximum effectiveness.
Despite being released almost 40 years ago, Cosmic Swarm still holds up as a challenging and addictive game. With its simple yet compelling gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack, it's no wonder why this game has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Mines of Minos
You are the last robot miner in the Minos mine. The monsters have destroyed all your robots.
As the last robot, you must go through the different levels of the mine and collect spare parts to make more robots (extra lives). You must avoid the monsters or blow them up with bombs. After a few seconds, if the monster has not reached the bomb, it will detonate harmlessly. Only one bomb can be dropped at a time. If a monster dies, it will regenerate somewhere in the maze.
To deposit spare parts, you must go to the top or bottom center of any level. To move to another level, hold down the joystick button and move left or right through the tunnels. You can also use the tunnels on both sides of the maze to move quickly and avoid the monsters, even if you keep the joystick button pressed.
To win the game, you must reach level 5 and defeat each of the three stationary monsters by rushing over them. You will need at least two spare robots, because both you and the monsters will be destroyed if you ram them.
In a two-player game, player 1 is the robot and player 2 is the monster. If the robot collides with the monster it is controlling, the monster is destroyed instead of the robot. However, by pressing a button on the joystick, player 2 can switch monsters and ram the robot into an uncontrolled (i. e. deadly) monster.
Difficulty switch
Left switch for robots, right for monsters.
Set to A for half speed, set to B for normal speed.
Game variations
1P = for 1 person
2P=for 2 players
S= spare parts are needed for the robot
F = Mine level is flooded and speed is reduced when in water.
-T=You cannot drop bombs in submerged areas.
+T=You can drop bombs in flooded areas.
Mines are invisible except when the monster is detonating a time bomb.
Game 1 1P; S=3; F-T
Game 2 2P; S=3; F-T
Game 3 1P; S=6; F-T
Game 4 2P; S=6; F-T
Game 5 1P; S=3
Game 6 2P; S=3
Game 7 1P; S=2; F-T
Game 8 2P; S=2; F-T
Game 9 1P; S=3; F+T Game 10 1P; S=3; F+T
Game 10 1P; S=3; F+T
Match 11 1P; S=3; F+T; I
Game 12 2P; S=3; F+T; I
Score
Destroy the monster = 20 points
Collect robot parts = 70 points
Deposit parts of the robot = 70 points deduction
The power level increases by one unit for every 1000 points up to 4000 points.
Room of Doom
You are trapped in a room with a monster. Also, outside the room, when a portal opens, you will be shot by their guns. To move on, you have to shoot the gunman when the portal is open. You can shoot the monsters, but only to stun them, and if you stay in the same room long enough, the monsters will become immune to your guns.
There are 64 variations of the game. Some gunslingers only shoot straight ahead, some aim at where you are, some are slow, some are fast, some have portals that all open at the same time and stay that way, some have multiple portals that open and close, etc.
Stronghold
Atari 2600, released in the early 1980s, was a pioneer in the video gaming industry and produced some of the most iconic games of its time. One such game was Stronghold, released in 1983. Stronghold was a challenging and immersive game, that left players on the edge of their seats with its engaging gameplay and captivating storyline.
The game was originally called Dungeon Master and was created by Steve Montero for the Atari 800. However, it was later renamed to Stronghold and released for the Atari 2600, earning positive reviews from critics and players alike. The game's objective was simple yet complex - players must defend their fortress from invading forces of orcs and other mythical creatures.
What set Stronghold apart from other games of its time was its unique mix of strategy and action gameplay. The game required players to think strategically and plan their defense against the invaders, while also engaging in intense combat to prevent their fortress from being overrun. This combination of gameplay elements was a significant departure from the traditional arcade-style games of the era and was well-received by players.
One of the most remarkable features of Stronghold was its advanced graphics and sound for a game of its time. The game's visuals were a significant leap forward from the blocky and pixelated graphics of previous Atari games. The sound effects were also top-notch, with each sword swing and arrow being accompanied by satisfying sound effects that added to the game's immersive experience.
Another notable aspect of Stronghold was its replayability. The game featured multiple levels of increasing difficulty, with new challenges and enemies being introduced at each stage. This kept players glued to their screens, trying to find the best strategies to overcome the ever-growing threats to their stronghold. The game's replay value was further enhanced by the ability to customize the levels and create unique scenarios, providing endless hours of gameplay.
