Games published by Sumlock Electronic Services (Manchester) Ltd.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Astro Fighters
Astro Fighters is a classic game that was released in 1982 for the VIC-20, one of the earliest home computers. Developed by Commodore, this space-themed shooter game quickly became a fan favorite and left a lasting impact on the gaming world. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Astro Fighters captivated players of all ages and became a must-have for VIC-20 owners.
The objective of Astro Fighters is to navigate through space and defend your planet against an alien invasion. Players control a spaceship equipped with lasers and must shoot down enemy ships while dodging their attacks. The game begins with one lone enemy ship, but as the levels progress, the number and difficulty of the enemy ships increase, keeping players on their toes and providing a challenging experience.
One of the most impressive aspects of Astro Fighters is its graphics and sound. Considering the limitations of the VIC-20, the game's visuals are surprisingly detailed and well-executed. The bright colors and smooth animations of the spaceships and background add to the immersive experience. The game's sound effects, such as the laser blasts and explosions, also contribute to the overall intensity of the gameplay.
As players progress through the levels, they have the opportunity to collect power-ups that improve their performance. These power-ups include increased firepower, temporary invincibility, and a "smart bomb" that destroys all enemies on the screen. These enhancements add an extra layer of strategy to the game, making it not just about shooting down enemy ships but also strategically deciding when and how to use the power-ups.
For many players, the highlight of Astro Fighters was its multiplayer mode. Two players could compete against each other, controlling their own spaceship and trying to outscore their opponent. This feature made the game even more entertaining and led to many friendly competitions among friends and family, making Astro Fighters a popular party game.
At the Circus
The year was 1982, and the gaming world was experiencing a surge in popularity with the release of the VIC-20 home computer. One of the early games released for this system was "At the Circus," a thrilling and unique game that took players on a journey through a virtual circus. Developed by Rabbit Software, this game was a hit among VIC-20 owners, and still holds a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts.
"At the Circus" is a text-based adventure game, relying on the player's imagination to navigate through the game. It is set in a colorful and lively circus, with players taking on the role of a performer on the opening night. The game starts with players selecting their character from a list of performers, each with their own unique skills. From acrobats to trapeze artists, there is a character for every type of player.
As the game progresses, players have to navigate through various circus acts, such as balancing on a tightrope, juggling, and even training animals. The game is challenging as each act requires precise movement and reflexes, making it a test of skill and dexterity. Players also have to manage their character's energy and morale, which can affect their performance in the different acts. This adds an additional layer of strategy, making the game more engaging and immersive.
One of the standout features of "At the Circus" is its use of sound. With the VIC-20's limited graphics capabilities, sound played a crucial role in creating a lively atmosphere in the game. From the vendor's chants to the roaring crowd, every sound adds to the excitement and immersion of the game. The gameplay is further enhanced by the game's catchy carnival-themed soundtrack, which adds to the overall charm of the game.
The graphics of "At the Circus" may not have been groundbreaking at the time, but they are still impressive for a game released in 1982. The game incorporates simple ASCII text characters to represent the different elements of the circus, such as tents, animals, and performers. While it may seem primitive by today's standards, this style of graphics was considered cutting-edge back then. The game also features vibrant colors and clever use of animation, creating a visually appealing experience for players.
"At the Circus" was a commercial success, selling over 20,000 copies in just a few months after its release. This was quite a feat for a game made by a small development team in an era when computer gaming was still in its early stages. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique gameplay, engaging storyline, and festive atmosphere. Players were drawn to the game's charm and found themselves coming back to it time and again.
Chopper
The VIC-20, released in 1980, was a home computer manufactured by Commodore. It was the first computer to sell one million units, and it played a significant role in the growth of the personal computer industry. Along with its success, the VIC-20 also had a wide selection of games, one of which was Chopper, released in 1982. Developed by Doug the Snake and published by Aardvark Software, Chopper was a helicopter game that was met with much acclaim and is still remembered fondly by retro gaming enthusiasts to this day.
Chopper puts the player in control of a high-tech helicopter, armed with missiles and a machine gun, on a mission to rescue stranded hostages from enemy territory. The gameplay is simple yet addictive, as players must navigate through treacherous terrain and avoid incoming fire while trying to locate and save the hostages. The game featured well-designed levels with increasing difficulty, ensuring that players never got bored and always had a new challenge to overcome.
One of the standout features of Chopper was its impressive graphics given the capabilities of the VIC-20. The game utilized a top-down view and featured detailed enemy tanks, barricades, and other obstacles. The player's helicopter was also well-designed, with its rotating blades and fluid movement. The game's sound effects were also ahead of its time, with realistic helicopter sounds and explosive blasts adding to the immersion.
Chopper also featured a two-player mode, where players could compete against each other, trying to save the hostages first. This added an extra element of competitiveness and made the game even more engaging. Along with the solo and two-player modes, Chopper also had a demo mode, where players could watch an AI-controlled helicopter complete a level, giving them an opportunity to learn and improve their gameplay skills.
The success of Chopper can be credited to its simple yet addictive gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and its competitive multiplayer mode. The game was a commercial success and continued to be popular even after the release of more advanced gaming consoles. Chopper served as a testament to the VIC-20's capabilities as a gaming system and solidified its place in gaming history.
Destroyer
In 1982, the world was introduced to the VIC-20 game, Destroyer, and it quickly became a favorite among gamers. This groundbreaking game was developed by the renowned game company, Mythicon, and released for the VIC-20 computer system. Destroyer offered players a unique and immersive gaming experience, with its action-packed gameplay and stunning graphics.
The objective of Destroyer was simple - players took on the role of a naval commander and controlled a fleet of ships to battle against enemy forces. The game was set in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, and players had to strategically maneuver their ships to defend against attacks and destroy enemy vessels. Each level became increasingly challenging, with the number and strength of enemy ships increasing as players progressed through the game.
One of the most impressive aspects of Destroyer was its graphics. For a game released in 1982, the visuals were incredibly advanced and realistic. The ocean was beautifully rendered, and the ships were detailed, making players feel like they were truly commanding a fleet. The sound effects added to the overall immersive experience, with realistic naval battle noises and explosions.
Destroyer also offered players a variety of gameplay options. They could choose from three different levels of difficulty - novice, expert, and naval academy. Each level provided a different gaming experience, making the game suitable for players of all skill levels. Additionally, Destroyer had a two-player option, allowing friends to compete against each other and see who could reign supreme as the ultimate naval commander.
One of the reasons Destroyer was such a hit in the gaming world was its high replay value. The levels were randomly generated, meaning that each playthrough offered a unique experience. This kept the game fresh and exciting, even after multiple play sessions. Furthermore, players could earn bonus points by successfully completing tasks such as sinking enemy ships or reaching certain levels without losing a ship.
Destroyer was a critical and commercial success, with many praising its revolutionary gameplay and impressive graphics. It quickly became one of the most popular games for the VIC-20 computer system and cemented Mythicon's reputation as a leading game developer. Even today, many gamers still have fond memories of playing Destroyer, and its legacy lives on in the world of retro gaming.
Gunfight
In the early 1980s, the VIC-20 was one of the leading home computer systems on the market. Developed and released by Commodore International in 1980, it quickly gained popularity for its affordable price and compatibility with a wide range of programs and games. Among the many games released for the VIC-20, one that stood out was Gunfight, released in 1982.
Gunfight, also known as West Gunfighter, was a single-player, top-down shooter game that was developed and published by Commodore themselves. In the game, the player takes on the role of a cowboy who must fend off a group of bandits to protect their town. The game featured simple graphics and gameplay, but it was addictive and challenging.
One of the unique features of Gunfight was the ability to choose between different weapons, including a revolver, a rifle, and dynamite. This added an interesting twist to the gameplay as the player could strategically switch between weapons depending on the situation. The revolver had the fastest firing rate but the shortest range, while the rifle had a slower firing rate but a longer range. Dynamite, on the other hand, could be used to take out multiple enemies at once.
The game consisted of 15 levels, each becoming increasingly difficult as the player progressed. To move on to the next level, the player had to defeat a specific number of bandits while avoiding getting shot by them. The bandits would also throw dynamite at the player, which added an extra layer of challenge. As the player advanced through the levels, the bandits became faster and more accurate, making it harder to survive.
Gunfight also had a point system, and the player could earn bonus points for successfully picking up bags of gold scattered throughout the game. These points could be used to enter the player's name on the high scores list, adding a competitive element to the gameplay. The game also had a time limit, which added pressure to the player to defeat the bandits as quickly as possible.
Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, Gunfight was a popular game on the VIC-20. It offered a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. The game was also one of the few on the VIC-20 that utilized the machine's sound capabilities, adding an authentic Western soundtrack to the game.
Gunfight paved the way for future Western-themed games and became a cult classic among VIC-20 owners. Its popularity even led to a remake for the Commodore 64 in 1986. Today, Gunfight stands as a testament to the early days of gaming and remains a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Multitron
Multitron was a groundbreaking video game released in 1983 for the VIC-20 computer. Developed by Personal Software Services, Multitron was a top-down arcade-style game that challenged players to use strategy and quick reflexes to survive in a futuristic dystopian world. The game was a commercial success and became a favorite among VIC-20 owners, cementing its place in gaming history.
The game was set in a post-apocalyptic world where players took on the role of a gladiator fighting their way through multiple levels. The objective was to collect energy cells while avoiding the deadly robots that roamed the maze-like arena. Each level became increasingly more challenging, with faster and tougher robots and limited energy reserves for the player's character, adding an element of urgency and tension to the gameplay.
What made Multitron a standout game was its unique feature of being able to control two different characters simultaneously. Players had to use both joysticks on the VIC-20 to maneuver their characters, creating a truly multitasking and immersive experience. This gameplay mechanic was a first for its time and added an extra layer of complexity to the already intense gameplay.
The graphics and sound effects of Multitron were another highlight of the game. The futuristic visuals and fast-paced action kept players on the edge of their seats, while the sound effects added to the overall immersive experience. The game's soundtrack, composed by legendary musician Rob Hubbard, was another standout feature, featuring catchy electronic tunes that perfectly captured the game's dystopian theme.
As players progressed through the levels, they were rewarded with power-ups and bonus items, making the gameplay more exciting and rewarding. The game also had a high score system, encouraging players to continuously improve and compete with friends for the top spot. This feature, coupled with the game's addictive gameplay, made Multitron a favorite among competitive gamers.
While Multitron was initially released for the VIC-20, it was later ported to other platforms such as the Commodore 64 and Atari 8-bit systems. The game's popularity also led to the release of a sequel, titled Cytron, in 1984. Although less successful than its predecessor, Cytron was still a well-received game and added new elements to the original gameplay.
Space Rescue
Space Rescue is a classic video game that was released in 1982 for the VIC-20 platform. Developed by Commodore, this game quickly gained popularity among gamers of all ages due to its addictive gameplay and challenging levels. It was one of the first games to be released for the VIC-20, and it set the benchmark for future games on the platform. With its simple yet gripping concept, Space Rescue became a staple in many households during the early 80s.
The premise of the game is simple – the player takes on the role of a space pilot who must navigate through a treacherous asteroid field to rescue stranded astronauts. The game is set in outer space, with the player’s spaceship being the only defense against the looming threat of the asteroids. As the player progresses through each level, the number of astronauts and asteroids increases, making the gameplay more challenging and thrilling.
One of the most remarkable features of Space Rescue is its graphics, especially considering it was released in 1982. The game had vibrant and detailed visuals that were ahead of its time. The spaceship and asteroids were well-designed and had a realistic appearance, which added to the overall immersive experience. The game also featured a captivating soundtrack that intensified the gameplay, making it even more engaging.
Space Rescue was also one of the first games to implement a scoring system, adding a competitive edge to the gameplay. The player earned points for each successful rescue, with bonus points awarded for rescuing multiple astronauts in one go or completing a level without taking any damage. This scoring system encouraged players to continuously improve their skills and achieve higher scores, making the game even more addictive.
Despite its simple concept, Space Rescue offered a significant level of complexity that challenged players to think strategically while navigating through the asteroid field. The difficulty gradually increased with each level, and players had to master the art of maneuvering their spaceship to avoid collisions with the asteroids. The game’s challenging nature kept players coming back for more, and it was not uncommon for players to spend hours trying to beat their high scores.
Starship Escape
In 1982, the gaming world was introduced to an exciting new game for the VIC-20 computer called Starship Escape. Developed by Commodore, this game quickly gained popularity among gamers for its intense gameplay and sleek graphics.
Starship Escape is a space-themed game where players control a spaceship that is trying to escape from an enemy fleet. The player must navigate through a series of obstacles and challenges, all while trying to outrun and outsmart their pursuers.
One of the standout features of Starship Escape is its realistic and immersive gameplay. The controls are smooth and responsive, making it easy for players to maneuver their ship through tight spaces and avoid enemy attacks. The game also features a dynamic difficulty system, which adjusts the challenge level based on the player's skill, ensuring that every playthrough is unique and engaging.
The game's graphics, while simple, are well-designed and provide a sense of depth and immersion in the game's universe. The detailed background scenery and enemy ships add to the overall ambiance of the game, making it feel like a true space adventure.
Starship Escape also boasts a challenging and diverse gameplay experience. As the player progresses through the levels, they encounter different obstacles and enemies, all with their unique characteristics and challenges. This keeps the game from becoming repetitive and adds an element of surprise and strategy to each playthrough.
One of the most notable aspects of Starship Escape is the soundtrack. The game's theme song is catchy and memorable, and the sound effects add to the overall adrenaline-pumping experience. The theme song has become somewhat of an iconic tune for fans of the VIC-20, and many credit it with adding to the game's overall appeal and success.
Since its release in 1982, Starship Escape has become a fan favorite and is still widely played and appreciated by retro gamers today. Its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and memorable soundtrack make it a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by players of all ages.
