Page 25 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #3

Montezuma’s Revenge

Created by: Parker Brothers
Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 5200, ColecoVision Atari 2600
Released: 1984

Help “Panama Joe” explore ancient Pyramids in search of long lost
treasures. “Panama Joe”…”Pitfall Harry”… sorry, just thinking out loud.
Not a bad game for a “Pitfall” rip-off, and all three versions are equally
impressive. Even the Atari 2600 Version is huge in scope, spanning over
60 rooms in three immense pyramids. All versions feature colorful rooms
with clever animations. The controls can be a bit frustrating at times and
will certainly cause you to screw up multiple times.

Memorable moments: Dig those rolling skulls! ColecoVision

Game Notes: Montezuma’s Revenge is a difficult to find cartridge.

Overall Rating: B

Tutankham
Created by: Parker Brothers
Platforms: Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Intellivision

Delve into King Tut’s Tomb in search of a wealth of treasures while
avoiding the crypt’s aggressive monsters.
Some people swear by the Atari 2600 version of Tutankham. I say don’t
bother with it as the controls will drive you absolutely daffy. Instead, find a
copy of the ColecoVision version for more enjoyment.
ColecoVision’s Tutankham is sort of like “Lady Bug” on acid. While you
wander through the maze of catacombs, odd looking creatures will appear
out of warp portals and hunt you down. Shoot them down, find the treas-
ures, and continue on to the next level. Sorry, no vegetable bonus here.

Game Notes: The Intellivision version is an extremely difficult find.

Overall Rating: C
Tutankham (ColecoVision)

Dark Chambers

Produced by: Atari
Designed by: John Palevich
Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 7800
Released: 1988 (yeah, that late. Programmed in 1983)

Atari was definitely trying to cash in on the success of Gauntlet with this
poor excuse for a game. Explore many levels of dungeons in search of
treasures. Roaming evil wizards, skeletons, and grim reapers will zap you
of your strength, but it can be replenished by finding potions.
Dark Chambers is about as exciting as an old shoe horn. While the 7800
version offers a bit more variety, it’s still lacking the “fun factor.” The two
player version allows you to bring a companion along, which does help re-
lieve some of the boredom, but not by much.
Bland graphics, bland sound, and unoriginal gameplay combine for a
game you probably won’t play very often.

Memorable moments: Noticing the huge number of levels they crammed Dark Chambers (2600)
onto a 2600 cartridge. But that’s about it.

Overall Rating: D
Classic Gamer Magazine Spring 2000 25