Tom

Tom is a video game in the action genre and published by Kingsoft GmbH originally released in 1986. It is currently playable on Commodore 64, Commodore 16, Plus/4, VIC-20.

The Commodore 16, Plus/4 was a home computer released in 1984 by Commodore International. It was marketed as a more affordable alternative to the popular Commodore 64, but it never gained the same level of success. Despite this, it still managed to have a cult following and a devoted fan base. One of the games that was released for this platform was Tom, which came out in 1986.

Created by independent developer Rene Damm, Tom was a side-scrolling action game that was heavily influenced by the popular arcade game Donkey Kong. The player takes control of a character named Tom, who must navigate through a series of levels to rescue his girlfriend who has been captured by an evil alien. In each level, Tom must jump over obstacles, avoid enemies, and collect items in order to progress.

What made Tom stand out in the crowded market of 1980s video games was its charming graphics and catchy soundtrack. The graphics, while not as advanced as other games of the time, had a certain charm and personality to them that made them endearing. The soundtrack, composed by Chris Winterrowd, perfectly captured the 80s vibe with its upbeat and catchy tunes.

In addition to its charming presentation, Tom also had challenging gameplay that kept players engaged and coming back for more. The levels were well-designed and required a combination of precision and strategy to complete. The difficulty increased as the player progressed, providing a satisfying level of challenge. Coupled with the limited lives and continues, Tom provided a sense of accomplishment when players finally rescued Tom's girlfriend.

Another interesting feature of Tom was its secret bonus levels. By finding hidden items within the game, players could access special levels that were more challenging and rewarding. These secret levels added an extra layer of depth to the game and kept players on their toes, searching for hidden items as they progressed.

Despite its cult following, Tom never gained widespread recognition and remained a hidden gem for Commodore 16, Plus/4 enthusiasts. However, it is still remembered fondly by those who grew up playing it and continues to be a popular game for retro gaming enthusiasts.

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