Shifty

Shifty is a video game in the action genre developed by Kavan Software and published by Audiogenic Ltd. originally released in 1983. It is currently playable on VIC-20.

Shifty was an innovative and exciting game released in 1983 for the Commodore VIC-20. It was the brainchild of designer Mark Turmell and programmer Chris Oberth, and it quickly became a fan favorite for its addictive gameplay and challenging levels.

The premise of Shifty was simple yet captivating. The player controlled a character named Shifty, who was working as a janitor at a research facility. One day, while cleaning the lab, Shifty accidentally stumbles upon a secret potion that gives him the ability to phase through walls. With this newfound power, Shifty must navigate through the facility and collect all the scattered documents and floppy disks while avoiding the security guards and traps.

What made Shifty stand out from other games of its time was its use of the VIC-20's graphics and sound capabilities. The game featured colorful and detailed graphics, which were quite impressive for a system that was originally marketed as a household computer. The sound effects were also top-notch, adding to the overall immersive experience of the game.

One of the most challenging aspects of Shifty was its level design. The levels were designed in such a way that required the player to strategically plan their movements to avoid detection by the security guards. As the levels progressed, the difficulty level increased, with more guards and obstacles to navigate through. This kept players on their toes and added to the thrill of the game.

Shifty also had a unique scoring system that rewarded players for using their phasing powers efficiently. The quicker and more efficient the player was in completing a level, the higher their score would be. This added an element of competition among players, as everyone wanted to top the leaderboards.

One interesting aspect of Shifty was the inclusion of secret levels. These levels could only be accessed by finding hidden warp zones within the main levels. These secret levels provided unique challenges and added even more depth to the gameplay.

Despite its popularity, Shifty unfortunately did not receive a sequel. However, it left a lasting impact on the gaming community. Its creative concept, challenging gameplay, and impressive technical aspects make it a standout game even to this day. Shifty may have been released over three decades ago, but it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.