Games published by System Four
Select a publisher to browse its games.
We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Monkey Kong
Monkey Kong, released in 1993 for the VIC-20, is a game that captured the hearts of gamers all around the world with its simple yet addictive gameplay. Developed by game designer Max Frischli, Monkey Kong was a unique twist on the classic arcade game Donkey Kong.
The game follows the story of a mischievous monkey named Kong, who has stolen all the bananas from the local village. The player takes on the role of a brave explorer, determined to retrieve the stolen bananas and thwart Kong's plans. With 32 levels of challenging obstacles and enemies, the gameplay is guaranteed to keep players on their toes.
One of the key features that set Monkey Kong apart from other games of its time was its use of the VIC-20's advanced graphics capabilities. The game boasted vibrant and detailed graphics, with smooth animations that added to the overall immersive experience. The sound effects and background music also enhanced the gameplay, creating an atmosphere that drew players in and kept their attention.
Monkey Kong's gameplay was simple yet addictive, with players having to jump and avoid obstacles while collecting bananas to progress to the next level. The game also introduced power-ups, such as the Super Monkey Suit, which allowed players to move faster and jump higher. These power-ups added a new layer of strategy to the gameplay and kept players coming back for more.
As players progressed through the levels, they encountered various enemies, including fierce gorillas and tricky monkeys. Each enemy had its own unique movement patterns, adding a level of unpredictability to the game. Players had to master their timing and reflexes to evade these enemies and complete the levels.
Featuring three different difficulty levels, Monkey Kong was a game that could be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. Expert players could try their hand at the most challenging level, while beginners could start with the easy level and work their way up. This versatility ensured that the game remained engaging and accessible to all players.
In addition to its gameplay, Monkey Kong also had a captivating storyline that kept players invested in the game. With humorous cutscenes and clever dialogue, the game had a charming and light-hearted tone that added to its overall appeal. This, coupled with its intuitive controls and challenging gameplay, made Monkey Kong a must-play game on the VIC-20.
Pitfall!
Pitfall! is a classic game that was released for the VIC-20 in 1983. Developed by Activision, it quickly became one of the most popular games for the system, and remains a beloved game to this day. With its unique mix of adventure, action, and platforming, Pitfall! captivated players and set a new standard for video games.
The game revolves around the protagonist, Pitfall Harry, who must navigate through a treacherous jungle filled with obstacles and enemies in search of lost treasures. The game is played in a side-scrolling manner, with the goal being to reach the end of the level before time runs out. Along the way, players must overcome various challenges such as swinging over pits, jumping over alligators, and avoiding rolling logs.
What makes Pitfall! stand out from other games at the time is its impressive graphics and sound. The graphics were advanced for its time, with detailed and vibrant backgrounds that brought the jungle setting to life. The game also features smooth animation for Pitfall Harry and the various creatures he encounters, making the gameplay feel more immersive and exciting.
In addition to its impressive visuals, Pitfall! also had a catchy and immersive soundtrack that added to the overall experience. The music changes depending on the level, creating a sense of urgency and excitement as players progress through the game. The sound effects, such as the sound of Pitfall Harry swinging on vines or jumping onto platforms, are also well-designed and add to the overall immersion of the game.
One of the most exciting features of Pitfall! is the variety of challenges and obstacles that players must overcome. As the game progresses, the levels become more difficult, adding new enemies and hazards to the mix. From scorpions and snakes to fire pits and collapsing bridges, Pitfall! keeps players on their toes and tests their reflexes and skills.
Pitfall! also has a high level of replayability, as players can earn points for collecting treasures and completing the level quickly. The game rewards players with an extra life for every 20,000 points earned, which adds an element of competition among players to see who can achieve the highest score.
Realms of Quest
Released in 1992, Realms of Quest was a groundbreaking game for the VIC-20 system. Developed by Paul Kidd and published by Erican Wild Nettle Games, this role-playing game (RPG) was a breath of fresh air for gamers at the time. With its immersive storyline, intricate gameplay, and detailed graphics, Realms of Quest quickly became a fan favorite for VIC-20 users.
The game takes place in the land of Yendor, where players take on the role of a warrior tasked with defeating the evil wizard, Akhasteron. The journey starts in the village of Caveton, where players can create and customize their character by choosing their class, race, and weapons. With six different races and six classes to choose from, players had the freedom to create a unique character that suited their playstyle.
Once the character is created, the quest begins. Players must explore the vast world of Yendor, battling monsters and completing quests to earn experience points and gold. These points are crucial for leveling up the character and purchasing new equipment and items. The game also features a day and night cycle, which affects the gameplay and adds an element of strategy.
One of the most impressive features of Realms of Quest was its turn-based combat system. Unlike many other games of the time, this system allowed players to carefully plan their moves and strategize against enemies. Each character has a set of unique abilities and spells, making the combat both challenging and engaging. The game also features a magic system that requires players to collect spells and items to use them.
Realms of Quest also had a unique feature called the "Hall of Fame," where players could submit their high scores and compete with others. This added a competitive element to the game, making it even more addictive for players. With its detailed graphics and fantastic soundtrack, Realms of Quest was a truly immersive experience for VIC-20 users.
One of the most significant selling points of Realms of Quest was its replayability. With multiple races, classes, and quests, players could create different characters and have a completely different experience each time they played. The game also featured multiple endings, depending on the choices players made, adding to the excitement and unpredictability.
The game received rave reviews and was praised for its depth, engaging gameplay, and excellent sound and graphics. Realms of Quest set a high standard for role-playing games on the VIC-20 system and is still remembered fondly by fans today. Its influence can be seen in many later RPGs, making it a timeless classic in the world of gaming. With its vast world, immersive gameplay, and unique features, Realms of Quest will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers who were lucky enough to experience it on the VIC-20 system.
Realms of Quest II
In the early 1980s, home computer gaming was just starting to gain traction, and one of the most popular systems of the time was the Commodore VIC-20. This 8-bit system had a dedicated fan base, and developers were constantly pushing the boundaries of what the machine could do. One standout game from this era was Realms of Quest II, released in 2003 for the VIC-20.
Realms of Quest II was a sequel to the popular 1980s RPG game, Realms of Quest. Developed by Jeff Pritchard, this game continued the story of the first game and expanded on its gameplay and features. Pritchard's goal was to create an immersive and challenging RPG experience for VIC-20 players, and he certainly accomplished that with Realms of Quest II.
One of the most notable aspects of Realms of Quest II is its impressive graphics and sound for a game released on the VIC-20. Pritchard utilized every bit of the machine's capabilities, creating vibrant and detailed pixel art for the characters and environments. The game also featured an impressive soundtrack, using the VIC-20's sound chip to its full potential.
Players took on the role of a group of adventurers, each with their own unique class and abilities. The game featured a complex character creation system, allowing players to customize their characters to their liking. Once the party was formed, players were thrust into an open-world, where they could explore dungeons, battle monsters, and complete quests.
The combat system in Realms of Quest II was turn-based, with players commanding each character individually. Strategy and tactics were crucial to success in battles, as each enemy had its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The game also featured a wide variety of enemies, from goblins to dragons, each with their own unique abilities and behaviors.
One of the most impressive aspects of Realms of Quest II was its non-linear gameplay. Players were free to explore the game's world and take on quests in any order they chose. This added a level of depth and replayability to the game, as each playthrough would be unique.
Realms of Quest II was met with critical acclaim upon its release, earning praise for its graphics, gameplay, and depth. It was a testament to what could be achieved on the humble VIC-20 and is still considered one of the best RPG games on the platform. For those looking to relive the golden age of computer gaming, Realms of Quest II is a must-play.
Ringside Boxing
Ringside Boxing, released in 1996 for the VIC-20, was a game ahead of its time. Developed by MicroIllusions, it was one of the first boxing games to be released for the personal computer. The game was highly praised for its realistic graphics and intuitive gameplay, and it quickly became a fan favorite among boxing enthusiasts.
One of the most impressive features of Ringside Boxing was its ability to create a lifelike atmosphere for players. The game utilized motion capture technology to accurately depict the movements and actions of real-life boxers. This added a level of authenticity that was unparalleled at the time. The graphics were also highly detailed, from the boxing ring to the crowd and even the faces of the boxers themselves. This attention to detail made the game visually stunning and truly immersive.
The gameplay of Ringside Boxing was equally impressive. Players could choose from a variety of boxers, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The controls were easy to learn but challenging to master, making for a satisfying and competitive experience. The game also allowed players to customize their boxer's appearance and attributes, adding a personal touch to the gameplay. The fights were intense and fast-paced, with a variety of punches and defensive moves at the player's disposal. It truly felt like stepping into the ring and duking it out with a real opponent.
One of the standout features of Ringside Boxing was its career mode. In this mode, players could create their own boxer and guide them through the ranks, with the ultimate goal of becoming a champion. The game simulated the ups and downs of a boxing career, with players having to manage their boxer's training, finances, and relationships with other fighters. It was a unique and engaging experience that added a depth to the game rarely seen in sports games at the time.
Ringside Boxing also received praise for its multiplayer mode. Players could go head-to-head with a friend or compete in a tournament against multiple opponents. The game also featured a hot seat mode, where players could take turns to fight against each other. This made for a fun and competitive experience with friends, adding to the replay value of the game.
Ringside Wrestling
In 1990, the VIC-20 game world was introduced to a unique and adrenaline-fueled game called Ringside Wrestling. Developed by Avalon Hill, this game was a part of the popular wrestling simulation genre that was gaining immense popularity among gamers. However, Ringside Wrestling stood out from the rest with its innovative gameplay and rich graphics.
One of the most striking features of Ringside Wrestling was its impressive roster. The game featured over 50 male and female wrestlers, each with their unique strengths, weaknesses, and signature moves. This allowed players to create their dream matches and rivalries, with the option to play as their favorite wrestlers. From the charismatic Hulk Hogan to the fierce Ultimate Warrior, Ringside Wrestling had all the big names from the world of professional wrestling.
Unlike other wrestling games of its time, Ringside Wrestling offered a challenging and strategic gameplay experience. Players had to carefully plan their moves and use a combination of attacks, holds, and grapples to defeat their opponent. The game also had a unique stamina system, where wrestlers would tire out after a series of intense moves, adding a realistic touch to the game. Moreover, the game had an option for two players, allowing friends to duke it out in the virtual wrestling ring.
Ringside Wrestling was also applauded for its graphics and sound effects, which were top-notch for a VIC-20 game. The game utilized a variety of bright and vibrant colors, making the characters and arenas come to life. Furthermore, the game had an entertaining commentary system, with amusing soundbites that would play during matches. This added an immersive element to the game, making players feel like they were watching a real wrestling match.
Apart from its single-player mode, Ringside Wrestling also had an extensive manager mode, where players could take on the role of a wrestling manager. In this mode, players had to negotiate contracts, manage schedules, and strategize for matches to lead their chosen wrestler to victory and fame. This mode added an extra layer of depth to the game and kept players engaged for hours on end.
In 1990, Ringside Wrestling was a game ahead of its time. Its unique gameplay, impressive graphics, and entertaining commentary set it apart from other wrestling games of its era. Even today, it remains a cult classic among wrestling and gaming enthusiasts, a testament to its lasting impact on the gaming world. With its rich features and exciting gameplay, Ringside Wrestling will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and wrestling fans alike.
The Meteor Zone
In 1996, the world was graced with a new addition to the VIC-20 game library - The Meteor Zone. Developed by Dieter Reinhardt and published by Atlantis Software, this space-themed game quickly became a fan favorite. With its immersive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and challenging levels, The Meteor Zone was a must-have for any gamer.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the planet is under constant attack from meteors. The player takes on the role of a lone spaceship pilot, tasked with defending the planet from these destructive celestial bodies. Armed with a powerful laser, the player must navigate through a series of levels, destroying meteors and other obstacles in their path.
One of the notable features of The Meteor Zone is its use of the VIC-20's limited color palette to create stunning visuals. The game's graphics, although simple, are incredibly effective in creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The bright and bold colors used in the game perfectly capture the chaotic and dangerous nature of a world under constant meteor attack.
But the game's appeal doesn't just lie in its graphics. The Meteor Zone's gameplay is both challenging and addictive. As the player progresses through the game's levels, the difficulty ramped up significantly, making it a true test of skill and strategy. Additionally, there are various power-ups scattered throughout the levels that provide temporary boosts and aid in taking down the meteors.
Apart from its single-player mode, The Meteor Zone also offers a two-player mode where friends can compete to see who can achieve the highest score. This added feature kept players coming back for more, adding to the replayability of the game.
The music and sound effects in The Meteor Zone are also worth mentioning. The game's soundtrack, composed by Jeroen Tel, perfectly complements the action on screen and adds to the overall immersive experience. The sound effects, although simple, are effective in creating a sense of urgency and danger, truly enhancing the gameplay.
The Meteor Zone received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and overall addictiveness. It was considered one of the best games for the VIC-20 and a testament to what could be achieved with limited resources.
