Taxman

Taxman is a video game in the action genre developed by H.A.L. Labs and published by H.A.L. Labs originally released in 1981. It is currently playable on Apple II.

In the early 1980s, Apple II dominated the world of personal computers with its advanced technology and user-friendly design. During this time, a game called Taxman was released for the Apple II, revolutionizing the world of video games and becoming a favorite among players.

Taxman, released in 1981, was a single-player game developed by Clarence Johnson. The objective of the game was to collect money from Income Contacts while avoiding Tax Inspectors. The player controlled a character portrayed as a silhouette wearing a top hat and carrying a briefcase. The game had a simple yet addictive gameplay, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

One of the unique features of Taxman was its scoring system. Instead of gaining points, the player would lose points for every contact that they missed or got caught by a Tax Inspector. This added a level of challenge and complexity to the game, making it not just about collecting money but also strategizing to avoid losses.

Furthermore, the game also had a time limit, making it even more challenging and exciting to play. The player had to collect a specific amount of money within the given time to progress to the next level. The levels became increasingly difficult as the game progressed, with more Tax Inspectors and faster Income Contacts.

Taxman gained popularity for its simple yet addictive gameplay, and its popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the Apple II game bundle, which was a set of games packaged with the purchase of an Apple II computer. This gave the game even more exposure, making it a household name among Apple II users.

The graphics of Taxman may seem primitive by today's standards, but at the time of its release, it was a major achievement. The game had colorful graphics and smooth animations, which was quite impressive for a game released in 1981. It also had a catchy soundtrack that added to the overall experience of playing the game.

In addition to its technical aspects, Taxman was also praised for its unique concept and gameplay. At a time when most games were focused on blowing things up or defeating enemies, Taxman stood out as a refreshing and different experience. The game required quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck, making it a well-rounded and engaging game.

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