[221 B Baker St.]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=IntelliCreations, Inc.|Pacific Softech Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure|Strategy
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/221-b-baker-st
Description=Based on the board game of the same name, 221 B Baker St. pits up to four players against each other in a race to solve mysteries set in Victorian London.  After picking a character (Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Irene Adler, or Inspector Lestrade), players select one of the thirty available mysteries and read its case file in the game's manual.  The case file presents the particulars of the case, mentions the people involved, and explains what the players need to deduce to win the game.<br><br>Solving the mysteries entails moving around London (the game board) via a roll of the dice, entering locales to collect clues, and then piecing the clues together.  Among the fifteen locations available are a pub, a park, and a bank, and each location is brought to life with voice synthesis.  Each location will have a clue, but not all clues will be useful.  <br><br>Before solving the case, players must visit Scotland Yard for a badge.  Players might also want to use a badge to lock a location with a useful clue, requiring other players to detour to the locksmith.  Once a player believes they have solved the case, they must return to Baker Street and answer a quiz.  If the player is incorrect, the other players can continue.

[3-D Tic-Tac-Toe]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=Atari 2600|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/3-d-tic-tac-toe
Description=3-D Tic-Tac-Toe is, as the name implies, a 3D version of Tic-Tac-Toe. The object of the game is to place four X's or four O's in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row on the 4x4 board.<br><br>There are nine games of which the first eight games are for<br>one human player against the computer. The numbers 1-8 represent the skill level. Game 9 is a two player game. In the DOS version there are only two difficulty settings and no two player game.

[50 Mission Crush]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)|Simulation
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/50-mission-crush
Description="50 Mission Crush" was the name given to the crushed service cap of the battle hardened veterans who flew the B-17 during WWII. It was a mark of distinction and honor. The game "50 Mission Crush" is a role playing game that puts you into the cockpit of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber during WWII. You are part of the 8th Air Force 306th Bomber Group and you must try to survive 50 missions (in real life the average life span of a crew member was 18.33 missions) in your B-17 (named The Impatient Virgin) over France and Germany. As pilot you will have full control of your bomber and 10 crew members, each of which plays a different role in your mission. After each mission providing you have survived you will be evaluated and awarded points based on mission difficulty, bombing accuracy and aircraft destroyed. The more points you receive the closer you get to being promoted. You start off as a Lieutenant and can make it all the way to Brigadier general. Also depending on how many points you earn in a mission you can receive a medal or if you are wounded a Purple Heart. Each mission lasts approximately 10 minutes.

[Ace of Aces]
Publisher=Accolade, Inc.
Developer=Artech
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|PC Booter|SEGA Master System|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ace-of-aces
Description=Ace of Aces is a 1st person, 2D flight simulation. You're onboard a British RAF Mosquito, maverick fighter bomber.<br>Your mission ... stop enemy trains, intercept the terrible german V-1 buzz bombs, sink the german U-boats and down the Nazi bombers. Are you ready for this challenge?

[Action Biker]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/action-biker
Description=Action Biker was commercially tied-in with the KP Skips potato snack range, and features its Clumsy Colin mascot prominently. The task is to rescue Marti, who is trapped in one of the 150 houses which make up the forced-perspective 3D world of roads and buildings in the game. <br><br>Colin is on his trusty bike, which must avoid oil slicks, other traffic and contact with walls, but can pick up Skips for an energy boost. Many of the buildings you can enter have nothing of interest, but many have upgrades for the bike. The most important of these are the headlamps you need so as to see into the darkest area of the game world.

[The Activision Decathlon]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/activision-decathlon
Description=The Activision Decathlon is a series of Olympic games similar to the Epyx games series. Up to four players can compete in the ten different events of a real-life decathlon, either in sequence or individually. Included are the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter race, 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500-meter race. <br><br>The flat running events involve simple joystick waggling, which must be balanced with accurately-timed button presses to clear the hurdles - hitting them or breaking stride causes a loss of momentum and thus time. For jumping and throwing events, you must build momentum by waggling and then press the button to throw or jump at what you feel is the appropriate moment.<br><br>For each event, points are earned based on how well you do (this can be based on your running time, or how far you throw the javelin or discus, etc...), and the player with the most points at the end of the decathlon wins the gold medal.

[Advanced Pinball Simulator]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1988
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/advanced-pinball-simulator
Description=Part of Codemasters' original budget-price range,  this pinball game aimed to put fast & furious action first.<br><br>The table design features extra flippers on both sides, which are at the bases of sections of features. The best scores can be achieved by repeatedly bashing away at sections of blocks.<br><br>The essential theme of the table is of magic and wizardry, with the targets to be lit including the word 'MAGIC' as well as a weather potion and a magic cottage. Trapdoors must be shot open to get their bonuses, then shot shut again to prevent the ball being lost in them. Extra balls are offered every 10,000 points.

[Adventure Creator]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Dale Disharoon, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-creator
Description=Adventure Creator is a fairly simple adventure game creator/editor. You can create rooms and hallways, with treasure chests, monsters, and traps that must be avoided. Games can be saved to disk, but you need the Adventure Creator cartridge to play them.  Adventures can also be automatically randomly generated.<br><br>The games you create are fairly limited, with only one monster allowed per screen, and three types of weapons to hobble the monster with.  The goal of the adventures is to find some named object.  However the object you seek is really only a name, and is not represented graphically.

[Adventure in the Fifth Dimension]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=May, 1983
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-in-the-fifth-dimension
Description=Mostly written in Atari BASIC (with a hint of 6502 assembly), this game was Brian Moriarty's first text adventure.  Its player controls a private investigator on the trail of extra-terrestrial burglars who have stolen the Declaration of Independence!  There are clues to be found in the "maze of streets" representing Washington D.C. and, of course, there is the upper dimension promised in its title to be traversed with the game's text parser interface.

[Adventureland]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|BBC Micro|Browser|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|PC-88|PC-98|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventureland
Description=Adventureland is the first of Scott Adams' text adventures.  Using simple two word commands you explore an enchanted world, solve puzzles and try to recover 13 lost treasures. <br><br>The game's display is different from other adventure games like Zork: The Great Underground Empire in that the screen is divided into two "windows":  the room description, exits, and items appear on the top part of the screen, and you enter commands on the bottom of the screen.

[Adventure Master]
Publisher=CBS Software
Developer=CBS Software
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-master
Description=Adventure Master is one in a series of adventure creation programs that were popular in the mid-80s and allows you to create text-adventures with some graphics.<br><br>The system uses a simple two-word parser, so you are limited to commands like "Go North" or "Get Thingamajig". The creation process is not overly complex: You can create rooms, objects and descriptions and add graphical illustrations and words to the parser. Graphics are limited to 160x96 4-color mode; there is also a limit of about ten pictures per created game  <br><br>It also included one complete and two unfinished sample adventures:<br><br>1. Becca in Outlaw Cave<br>2. Clever Catacombs (finished)<br>3. Wild Trails

[Adventure Series]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-series
Description=This value pack collects the twelve Scott Adams Classic Adventures in<br>their all-text format with the original IBM PC interpreter.  The following<br>games comprise the package:<br><br>1. Adventureland<br>2. Ghost Town<br>3. Golden Voyage<br>4. Mystery Fun House<br>5. Pirate Adventure<br>6. Pyramid of Doom<br>7. Savage Island Part One<br>8. Savage Island Part Two<br>9. Secret Mission (aka Mission Impossible)<br>10. Strange Odyssey<br>11. The Count<br>12. Voodoo Castle

[The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eighth Dimension]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventures-of-buckaroo-banzai-across-the-eighth-dimension
Description=A tie-in to the 1984 film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, you play the ineffably cool Dr. Banzai: radical neurosurgeon, cutting-edge physicist, nemesis of nefarious criminal mastermind Hanoi Xan and lead guitarist of new-wave sensation the Hong Kong Cavaliers.  (Unfortunately, you'll have to take our word for it, as the game doesn't make much use of these qualities.)<br><br>As in the wacky movie, your goal here is ultimately to overcome a potentially planet-destroying bomb set by the Black Lectroids, inhabitants of Planet 10.  Unlike the movie, you don't accomplish this by overcoming the Red Lectroids from the 8th Dimension with the assistance of Team Banzai and the Blue Blaze Irregulars  -- instead you wander an eerily depopulated town to procure the necessary components (gasoline, sand, bauxite and "a special catalyst") to power up your oscillation overthruster-sporting jet-car and transmit cancellation codes to the bomb. The game uses a simple VERB NOUN text parser and, on some platforms, illustrates the scene with static images.

[Adventure Value Pack #1]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-value-pack-1
Description=This is a compilation of the first three Scott Adams adventures.  It contains:<br><br>1. Adventureland<br>2. Pirate Adventure<br>3. Secret Mission

[Adventure Value Pack #3]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-value-pack-3
Description=This is a compilation of three Scott Adams adventures.  It contains:<br><br>1. Mystery Fun House<br>2. Pyramid of Doom<br>3. Ghost Town

[Adventure Value Pack #4]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/adventure-value-pack-4
Description=This is a compilation of the final three Scott Adams adventures.  It contains:<br><br>1. Savage Island Part One<br>2. Savage Island Part Two<br>3. Golden Voyage

[A.E.]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Programmers-3 Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|MSX|PC-88
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ae
Description=A.E. is a Space Invaders inspired game with a 3D view.<br>In A.E. the earth is under attack by swarms of aliens who drop bomb after bomb and it's your job to defend planet Earth.<br><br>You control a laser cannon that moves horizontally at the bottom of the screen. To earn point you should shoot all the alien forces before they shoot you!<br>The game becomes more challenging when you progress in the game as the alien swarm splits up and attack you from several sides.

[Agent USA]
Publisher=Scholastic, Inc.
Developer=Tom Snyder Productions, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/agent-usa
Description=Agent USA is a geography enhancement game that centers around a character that travels by train to different U.S. cities.  The object of the game is to find the "FuzzBomb" which turns ordinary people into "FuzzBodies".  You plant crystals which regenerate into newer crystals, and when you build up 100 of them and touch the FuzzBomb, the nation is saved!

[Age of Adventure]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/age-of-adventure
Description=Billed as "the greatest adventures in history," this game was actually two games in one: The Return of Heracles and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.<br><br>Both games are somewhat similarly constructed, as they were built on an engine that is a precursor to Stuart Smith's Adventure Construction Set. Control multiple characters via a top-down perspective on various quests throughout the mythological past. Find items, increase your stats, battle monsters, and explore the land in these turn-based RPGs.<br><br>Both games feature a cooperative component that lets any number of players play together, simply by dividing up the available characters.

[Airball]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=MicroDeal
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|DOS|Dragon 32/64
Genre=Adventure|Strategy
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/airball
Description=You have been turned into a ball of air with a slow leak by an evil wizard. You must find the Spellbook and the ingredients for the spell. Without these, you will never turn back into a human again.<br><br>These items have to be collected in the maze which consists of 150 isometric rooms. These can be explored freely but sometimes you need to have special objects to proceed, e.g. a candle in dark rooms. The dangers consist mostly of sharp objects which can cause your ball to burst. Additionally you are on a timer because your balloon loses air constantly. But it can be refilled by using pumps which can be found in the maze - but you have to leave them in time or you explode because of overpressure.

[Air Rescue I]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/air-rescue-i
Description=The game is a remake of Chopper Rescue with the following changes:<br><br>1. Game is rewritten in machine language and doesn't require BASIC anymore;<br>2. Mobile drones are now patrolling all labyrinth instead of certain sectors;<br>3. Screens and fonts are slightly changed.

[Airstrike]
Publisher=English Software Company, The
Developer=English Software Company, The
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/airstrike
Description=Planet Cyclon's military force is centred in fortress Gemini. They are overpowering your people in an ongoing war - only one of your nimble and pacy Mark V fighters is intact. It seems like the only hope is for a skilled pilot such as yourself to make a solo attack on Gemini, using your laser cannon and Quark bomb to devastate their installations and ships.<br><br>Gameplay replicates Scramble, being viewed side on with gradual scrolling. You infiltrate the cavernous system, avoiding contact with the spiked walls and gun turrets, or with the many ships and bombs they scramble to block you. The final challenge is to shoot an airlock open, with an accurate central shot. You must pass through it several times, with more and more enemies each time.<br><br>You have limited ammunition and fuel, and use fuel more quickly when travelling faster. Fortunately, the cavern has many supply dumps, whose contents of either fuel (F) or ammo (A) can be stolen by shooting the surrounding shields centrally.

[Airstrike II]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/airstrike-ii
Description=Airstrike II takes you back to planet Cyclon, armed with an improved Mark X fighter ship, with the aim of clearing all 5 zones. These are full of tight Scramble-style crevices and tunnels, as well as heat-sensitive missiles, doors which must be blasted out, and enemy ships. You have a laser gun and missiles at your disposal. You have limited fuel and ammo, but this can be replenished by shooting the dumps which contain them (marked F and A respectively). The game is split into five zones (with identical layouts but an increasing amount of enemies, worth more and more points)

[Airwolf]
Publisher=Elite Systems Ltd.
Developer=Elite Systems Ltd.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/airwolf_
Description=The game of the TV show is viewed from the side and puts you in command of an attack helicopter. Your task is to rescue 5 scientists from an underground lair by destroying its layer of protection and then getting to the core.  Moving onto a screen at a time you must shoot out anything and everything in your path, including lots of regenerating static targets. Realistic gravity takes effect, so you can't simply hover in a set position.

[Aliants: The Desperate Battle For Earth!]
Publisher=Keypunch Software, Inc.
Developer=Starsoft Development Laboratories, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/aliants-the-desperate-battle-for-earth
Description=When Earthlings decided to stop wars and explore the outer space, another menace threaten them. The Aliants species, who came from far space to conquer all and to dominate in universe. And such goal was mostly achieved by them. They conquered Earth, but some human forces were left, and you are one of them.<br><br>The game represents the story about humankind savior, you, and is divided on Arcade and Strategical parts. In the start of the game, you should approach hidden Human base "Valley Forge" and land your cruiser. To achieve this, you should in arcade mode keep crosshair in the center of the screen, while it tries to move out of the center. <br><br>After landing you should choose your origin and prove yourself in the Simulator, where you in arcade mode should burn with laser gun specific parts of the enemy starship. Completing the goal in Simulator, you will take the rank of Admiral and is ready to the main strategy part of the game.<br><br>During strategy, you, sitting in the Lexington Starship, should command your Battle Carriers on the rectangular grid map 10x10, fight with enemy ships, defend your base, and free the base captured by Aliants. It is achieved by giving orders to your units and examining their positions. You should free all captured colonies to win!

[Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|PC-88
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ali-baba-and-the-forty-thieves
Description=Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is an RPG that sends you on a search for the Sultan's kidnapped daughter, Princess Buddir-al-Buddoor. You journey into the (often trapped) underworld to fight the nefarious thieves.<br><br>Your party is chosen from a range of 17 characters, and can feature humans, dwarves, elves, and halflings. As you look for the princess, you'll come across hoards of gold ducats, with which you can buy armor and weapons. There are also runes offering hints. Vicious Arabian-themed animals (such as tigers and scorpions) will gleefully chop you up if you're not careful.

[Alien Ambush]
Publisher=DANA
Developer=Micro D
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alien-ambush
Description=A rather simple, yet original, vertical space shooter. You control a small space fighter tasked with extermination of hordes of alien spaceships. At first, different slow moving motherships attack you in four separate waves. When hit they release two smaller but much faster moving shuttles. To progress to the next attack wave the player must shoot down both the mothership and the two shuttles capsules while evading getting hit by either. <br><br>In later stages two motherships will appear on the screen at the same time and their movement speed will gradually increase. The game loops endlessly until the player runs out of lives.

[Alien Garden]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alien-garden
Description=One of the earliest 'Software Toys', Alien Garden is set on a scrolling planet consisting mainly of 24 clusters of crystals, representing flowers. You control an embryonic life-form and must ensure its survival and reproduction through up to 20 generations.<br><br>Through trial and error, you must find which of the crystals are food, which of them grow when you sting them, and which of them are fatal to touch. Depending on this, you can use either your tail, stinger or wings to make contact with them. Every time you boot the game, the behaviour of the crystals changes, emphasising the need for experimentation.

[Alley Cat]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=PC-88|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=2.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alley-cat
Description=Alley Cat is an action game consisting of several mini games cleverly tied together. You're a little black cat who wants to make love to a pretty lady cat that lives in an apartment complex. Play all kinds of cat-themed mini games in order to reach her and score as many points as you can while doing so.<br><br>You start out in an alley and need to get inside the apartment by climbing on garbage cans and a fence. Next, jump on a clothesline and through several open windows while big dogs try to eat you and people throw garbage at you. Outside of the apartment complex you can score points by eating the mice that run across the clotheslines. Once you've jumped through a window you enter a room where you play a randomly assigned mini game.<br><br>These mini games include: eating all the fish in a fish bowl, stealing milk from a bunch of bulldogs, pushing a birdcage from a table and eating the bird, catching mice inside a big cheese, pushing vases from a cabinet. To make things harder there's always a broom inside every room that tries to knock you around. You score points by completing the mini games within a certain time (the faster the better).<br><br>After you've completed a mini game you're back in the alley. Make your way back inside the apartment complex and you get a chance to play the love-cat game: try to reach the lady cat on the top row of hearts while rival male cats and cupid's arrows knock you down. After you've mated, the difficulty gets cranked up a notch

[Alphabet Zoo]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=ColecoVision|Commodore 64|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Educational
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alphabet-zoo
Description=Alphabet Zoo is a top-view game where the player races around a maze, avoiding enemy creatures. The twist however is that each maze has a graphic representation of an object in the middle... and it is up to the player to collect the letters scattered around the maze, in the correct order, to spell the name of the object. Difficulty can be adjusted to focus on consonants, vowels or the entire alphabet.

[Alternate Reality: The City]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Paradise Programming
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alternate-reality-the-city
Description=In this old first-person RPG, you are one of many people who have been abducted from earth by aliens and transported to an alternate dimension where you are dumped in a strange, yet familiar city. Your quest is to explore the city, and find the clues that will lead you to your captors and help you get back home. <br><br>In addition to standard first-person RPG's of that era, like skills, stats, experience points and a repertoire of shops and places to visit, the game offered moral evaluation of your character, and depending on your actions you would be good or evil, and that affected how the environment reacted to you. Encounters were not necessarily just resolved with combat, but you could also try to trick, charm or bribe opponents, and the storyline was very non-linear, for example allowing you to take a job in order to enhance a particular skill or just to pass away time.<br><br>Alternate Reality: The City is the first part of an unfinished series of five planned RPG's.

[Alternate Reality: The Dungeon]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/alternate-reality-the-dungeon
Description=The second part in the Alternate Reality series.   You are abducted from Earth by alien beings and placed into a strange medieval dungeon on another planet.  Can you find a way to get out and get back at your captors?<br><br>This is a first-person RPG that was second in a planned series of games.  None of the sequels to Alternate Reality: The Dungeon ever saw the light of day.

[Amaurote]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Binary Design, Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/amaurote
Description=Your task in this isometrically viewed game is to clear the city of Amaurote of the many bugs and insects which have invaded it. You are supplied with an Arachnus 4 ship and 5 million units of cash. <br><br>There are 3 different types of ants - drones, queens and scouts, each representing their real function in the natural world, so queen bees are the most lethal opponents as they generate new ants. Money must be spend on buying improved weaponry (including that needed to destroy the Queen Bees) and repairing the ship throughout the 2500 screens Amaurote is depicted in. As your main weapons are bombs, you need to consider their bounce and distance before firing, to avoid being caught up in stray explosions yourself.

[Andromeda Conquest]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/andromeda-conquest
Description=A strategy / conquest game in which one to four players build galactic empires by establishing and defending space colonies, managing resources, and battling other players for control of star systems.<br><br>The layout is grid-based, and the package includes a pad of graph paper for keeping track of ship and colony locations.

[Apple Panic]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|PC Booter|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/apple-panic
Description=Apple Panic is a platform game based on the arcade game Space Panic (1980, Universal) and ported to the Apple II by Ben Serki. You control a digger, armed with his shovel, and you must kill your opponents - the evil legged apples.<br><br>Your character can only walk left/right and climb up/down the ladders - no jumping - and if the apples touch you, you'll lose.<br><br>To kill an apple you must dig a hole on the ground and wait for one of them to get stuck on it. Then you must hit it with your shovel to make it fall to the level bellow. The apples die if the fall is big enough. Depending on their color, they may require from 1 to 3-level falls, so you may have to dig several aligned holes. Besides, the higher the fall, the higher you score.<br><br>Each level is timed so you must take out all the apples quickly, or you'll lose. If you're successful, the next levels will feature more and more enemies than the previous one.

[Arcade Fruit Machine]
Publisher=Zeppelin Games Limited
Developer=Zeppelin Games Limited
Released=1990
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/arcade-fruit-machine
Description=Simulation of slot machine. Player throws several coins in the slot and begins his career. During the improvement of his skill player completes CASH'n'GRAB feature, where he must collect numbers chosen during gambling to complete all letters. Completing this feature, player is allowed to choose one from three bonuses (Pick a Win, Fruit Step, Win Spins) or three misses (Skill Stop, Cash Pot, Hudge Pot). Also he tries to complete CASH RUN feature. During every steps of gambling player can cancel gambling or collect feature. Finishing the career player updates his bank (in UK pounds).

[The Arcade Machine]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/arcade-machine
Description=Have you ever wanted to create your own arcade games, but didn't know how to program a computer? Your answer is The Arcade Machine by Brøderbund. Sacrificing range of game styles for depth and complexity, The Arcade Machine allows you to create alien blastfests à la Galaxian. The editor has a wide variety of options: designing and animating enemies, players and explosions, giving the enemies instructions on how to move and fire, drawing background or title screens, creating sound effects and music and setting a number of gameplay rules. Created games can be saved to a self-bootable disk so the will run without the main program. A sample game is included.

[The Archers]
Publisher=Mosaic Publishing
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/archers
Description=Events in the rural village of Ambridge have enthralled BBC Radio 4 listeners since 1950. The computer game re-creation casts you as one of the scriptwriters. The game is split into four parts, in which you control Jack Woolley, Elizabeth Archer, Eddie Grundy and Nelson Gabriel in turn. Guide each character through their decisions (from 3 multiple-choices), with the aim of choosing the most listener-friendly choices. Your choices affect the show's rating directly, as well as changing the forthcoming plot much more than in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. <br><br>Characters can be removed from the show depending on how you develop certain storylines, but make sure not to axe the popular ones. Avoid offending special-interest groups, as the BBC comes down hard on writers who generate complaints.<br><br>In some versions you can play the four parts individually; in others, progressing onto controlling a character is conditional on increasing the ratings while controlling the previous one.

[Archon II: Adept]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Free Fall Associates
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/archon-ii-adept
Description=The sequel to the classic Archon, Archon II: Adept features a more complex board and enhanced gameplay.<br><br>Each side plays as an Adept - a powerful wizard with the ability to cast spells against other Adepts and his summonings - and must defeat the other side, either Chaos or Order, by attacking him/her with summoned Elementals or Demons. Each side can summon 4 unique elementals at a time or choose from 4 demons, common to both.<br><br>Gameplay is similar to the original, reminiscent of a chess-like board game, requiring strategy, but with arcade elements, especially when two adepts confront each other face-to-face. The board also shifts from time to time, making the strategy less predictable.

[Archon: The Light and the Dark]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Free Fall Associates
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|Macintosh|NES|PC-88|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/archon-the-light-and-the-dark
Description=Archon: The Light and the Dark is a strategic board game with some similarities to chess. Two sides, a light one and a dark one, consisting of 18 pieces each compete on a board divided into (9 by 9) squares. You win the game by having one of your units on each of the five powerpoint squares or by removing all opposing pieces from the board. <br><br>However, you can't just remove a piece from the board by landing on it. When two pieces clash, the outcome is decided in the battle arena during one-on-one real-time combat (just like in Star Control, also by Paul Reiche III). If the real-time combat takes place on a dark square, the dark monster gets a health bonus (longer life bar). On a light square the light side gains an advantage. There are also some squares whose color changes over time (from afternoon, to dusk, to night, to dawn etc.), which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.<br><br>Unlike chess the two sides are not identical. Both sides consist of mythological creatures. For example the light side has among others unicorns, valkyries and a djinni while the dark side features basilisks, banshees and manticores. The differences are not just cosmetic. Two special pieces are the light wizard & the dark sorceress, they can both cast magical spells like: imprison a unit on the board, shift the flow of time (change day/night cycle to your advantage), bring one unit back from the dead etc.<br><br>The different pieces have their own movement restrictions regarding the number of squares they're allowed to travel on the board and whether or not they can jump over other units (like the knight in chess). Units also behave different in combat; some units are faster than others, some use melee attacks while others fire projectiles.<br><br>Archon can be played with either one or two players.<br>The NES version, which was released a few years after the other versions, has improved graphics for the real-time combat part. Each type of square has it's own colored background and the unit sprites are larger.

[Arkanoid]
Publisher=Imagine Software
Developer=Taito Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC-98|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/arkanoid
Description=The original Breakout concept involves controlling a bat at the bottom of the screen and using it to catch and direct a ball so as to hit all the bricks which are arranged at the top of the screen. It was unpopular for over a decade, before Taito revived it with some new ideas in this arcade game.<br><br>The game's plot redefines the bat as a Vaus spaceship, the ball as an energy bolt, and the bricks form a mysterious wall stopping the ship from progressing to safety.<br><br>By the mid-80s, power-ups were popular in most types of arcade games, and Arkanoid features them. They are caught by positioning the bat below them as they fall (meaning that you risk missing the ball if you go for them at the wrong time). The power-ups include lasers (which are mounted to each side of the ship and allow you to shoot out the blocks), a catching device (so as to be able to fire the ball off at a different angle every time you hit it) and one that slows the ball.... sorry, bolt.... down. Needless to say, the game inspired tonnes of clones, few of which added anything else.

[Arrow of Death Part I]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/arrow-of-death-part-i
Description=Brian Howarth's second Mysterious Adventure follows on from your success in retrieving the Golden Baton. Peace was initially ensured, but the baton has subsequently become tarnished, and now radiates evil. Crop failures and illness are now rampant throughout the land. <br><br>The only solution is to find the Arrow of Death (in this game) and assemble it. Armour, an orb and an eagle are among the helpful objects in completing your quest. The game is largely one of exploration and object manipulation, with little combat.<br><br>These games used the Scott Adams adventure engine, and thus also have the same features - a basic 2-word parser, small vocabulary, and brief descriptions. They were similar to other adventures of the time.

[Arrow of Death Part II]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|TRS-80|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/arrow-of-death-part-ii
Description=Arrow of Death Part II is the third game in the Mysterious Adventure series of illustrated text adventures by Brian Howarth.This is the continuation of the previous game, Arrow of Death. Following the events of that game, the player now has all of the pieces of the Arrow of Death, which can destroy his enemy. However, the Fletcher who knows how to assemble it correctly has been kidnapped by Xerdon. The player will have to Travel through unfamiliar lands with exotic plant-life and many threatening creatures in order to rescue the Fletcher and safeguard your people.<br><br>These games used the Scott Adams adventure engine, and thus also have the same features - a basic 2-word parser, small vocabulary, and brief descriptions. They were similar to other adventures of the time.

[Asteroids]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/asteroids_
Description=Asteroids is a conversion of the arcade game of the same name.<br><br>Play the role of a spaceship pilot trapped in a gigantic asteroid cloud and pulverize incoming asteroids with the ship's photon cannon.  When all asteroids are destroyed, the play can them move to the next round. In addition to asteroid, the player will also face an Alien Robot Saucer which shoots randomly across the screen.<br><br>The player using the controller may rotate the ship (left or right) to any direction or move the ship forward. Shots will be fired according to the ship direction. The player has three reserved ships available to replace a destroyed spaceship. The spaceship is destroyed if an asteroid collides with the spaceship or is shot by an Alien Robot Saucer. Additionally, the player may opt to use the hyperspace warp to avoid collision. The warp however, may also destroy the spaceship in the process.<br><br>Asteroids when shot will break-up into smaller pieces or be destroyed.. There are three types of asteroids: large asteroids, medium asteroids, and small asteroids. Large asteroids and medium asteroids when shot, will break-up into two smaller sized asteroids. Small asteroids when shot will be destroyed. <br><br>Alien Robot Saucers come in two sizes: small and large. Both use photon lasers to shoot and will explode when destroyed. Alien Robot Saucers will not appear at the Novice Level.<br><br>Game Difficulty and Variations<br>There are 4 available difficulty settings: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. <br><br>The game also offers three different game variations:<br><br>1. Standard Play - For one or two players, taking turns when a player's ship is destroyed.<br><br>2. Competition Asteroids - Two players appear on the screen at the same time. Friendly fire is in affect, which means shots fired from one player's spaceship will destroy the other player's spaceship. Each player has separate ship reserves.<br><br>3. Team Asteroids - Two players on the screen at the same time. Friendly fire is disabled, which means shots fired from one player's spaceship will not destroy the other player's spaceship and just pass through. Ship reserves for both players are combined.<br><br>Scoring<br>The score of the Player 1 is viewable on the upper left side of the screen, while Player 2 on the opposite upper right side. A player will be awarded a new reserve ship for every 10,000 points.<br><br>1. Small saucer - 1,000 points<br>2. Other player's ship - 500 points<br>3. Large saucer - 200 points<br>4. Small asteroid - 100 points<br>5. Medium asteroid  - 50 points<br>6. Large asteroid - 20 points

[Astro Chase]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 5200|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/astro-chase
Description=As pilot of a spaceship, your job is to save the planet Earth! Eight mega mines are slowly homing in, and you need to destroy them all before they reach Earth. Trying to stop you are a variety of flying saucers which will constantly be chasing you around the planet. Your ship is equipped with lasers which can be used to destroy enemy saucers and the mega mines. Located throughout the space around Earth are eight shield depots; if you fly through one of these, you will temporarily become invincible. Your spaceship also has a limited energy supply; if you get too low on energy, it can be resupplied at one of the generators located in the four corners of the play area. When all of the mega mines have been destroyed, you will move on to the next, faster chase!

[Atari Smash Hits Volume 7]
Publisher=English Software Company, The
Developer=English Software Company, The|Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/atari-smash-hits-volume-7
Description=This is a greatest hits compilation for the Atari 8-bit computer that features:<br><br>1. Elektraglide<br>2. Colossus Chess 3.0<br>3. Blue Max<br>4. Alley Cat

[Atlantis]
Publisher=Imagic
Developer=Imagic
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Intellivision|Odyssey 2|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/atlantis
Description=The lost city of Atlantis is under attack! Wave after wave of Gorgon vessels are approaching, each armed with weapons capable of destroying a part of the city. You are in charge of the command posts at the edges of the city and need to defend it from the invaders. The various gorgon craft will keep flying by on the screen in varying numbers and in different flight patterns. At first they fly high in the sky but then progressively lower. If an enemy makes it low enough before you destroy it, it will use it's weapons and destroy one of the buildings in Atlantis. As you progress in the game, the enemy craft will keep increasing in speed. The game ends when all remaining buildings in the city have been destroyed.

[Autoduel]
Publisher=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Developer=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=Racing / Driving|Role-Playing (RPG)|Simulation
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/autoduel
Description=A unique RPG based on Steve Jackson Games board game "Car Wars."  You are an average joe starting off in New York, and the object is to maximize money and maximize prestige, while doing story-based missions.  Side quests are also available for pay, as well as being able to compete in the arena for more money and prestige.

[Axis Assassin]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/axis-assassin
Description=A mix of Tempest and Asteroids, Axis Assassin has you piloting a space ship across a series of grids, blasting away at the Master Arachnid and his army. Armed with only lasers and a single "Pulse Bomb" per level (which wipes out all enemies on the screen), your ship can travel up, down, left, and right across the grid, avoiding enemies and the webs they weave. Destroy all the enemies and you'll be sucked down the grid and onto the next level. Release a Pulse Bomb when the Master Arachnid appears and you'll be transported to The Nest, where you have a chance to earn an extra ship.

[Aztec]
Publisher=Datamost, Inc.
Developer=Datamost, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/aztec
Description=Aztec is an Indiana Jones type adventure game featuring our hero's quest to recover a valuable Jade Idol from a maze. Armed with only three sticks of dynamite and a pistol, our hero must get by traps, animals (lots of snakes and panthers), and natives, and find a way to make it out alive.<br><br>The value of the Idol is set on the level of difficulty and declines as the game progresses. Thus, the player is awarded with the speed of which a successful recovery can be made. Multiple commands allow for freedom of movement, and expand the adventuring side of the game. The animation used several frames for each creature.<br><br>Although the game is somewhat easy on the lower levels of difficulty, the game appears impossible on the highest of the 8 skill levels. The creatures in the maze increase in number and speed, and tend to want to follow you around more. This is difficult however if you want to go to the lower level and there's a hungry jaguar waiting for you.<br><br>You walk around exploring boxes and "trash piles". Sometimes a box contains something useful such as a machete, pistol, bullets, dynamite, a health potion, or the idol. Sometimes it contains skulls or bones, or even nothing at all. <br><br>The game features some unusual traps. You can walk into a room and the walls start moving in on you, or the ceiling starts dropping on your head. If you don't make it out in time, your toast.<br><br>When you die, you have the option of restarting using the maze you just died in. That way, all of your exploring is not wasted.

[Aztec Challenge]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=1.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/aztec-challenge
Description=The player must reach and explore an Aztec temple while avoiding a variety of dangerous obstacles.  Each level is like a whole different game, with different challenges and different types of scrolling and exploration.  The game starts with an over-the-shoulder view of the player running a gauntlet of spear-throwing natives towards a pyramid which rises on the horizon.  Once this is reached, a vertically-scrolling staircase with falling rocks must be traversed, and then there are rooms to explore and deadly aquatic wildlife to avoid (among other dangers) before the game is through.  Players looking for the adventuring equivalent of an Epyx sports game should enjoy this one.

[B-1 Nuclear Bomber]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/b-1-nuclear-bomber
Description=In B-1, you have to "fly" a B-1 bomber to it's destination, and destroy the target of the mission. <br><br>You input text commands to control your bomber's altitude, course, radar, weapons, and so on. And, of course, the USSR will try to stop you from bombing their targets, with an arsenal of MiGs and SAMs, and they are dealt with by the use of electronic counter-measures, evasive actions, or by shooting them down.<br><br>The game ends when it reaches a logical conclusion, either by deploying your bombs and getting far enough away, returning to base, or being destroyed. After this, you get a short summary, and an option to play again.

[Baja Buggies]
Publisher=Gamestar
Developer=Gamestar
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/baja-buggies
Description=A simple race game simulating off-road buggy racing in the Baja California desert. The game uses pseudo-3D perspective and behind-the-car view. As opposed to most of the racing games of the period, collisions with other buggies cause slowdowns rather than crashes. Other notable features include a speedometer and a race progress indicator. <br><br>From the technical perspective, the game uses Display List Interrupts (DLIs) to create multicolor horizon and 3D-road effects.

[Ballblazer]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Lucasfilm Games LLC
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Sports
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ballblazer
Description=In the year 3037, the most competitive sport in the known universe is Ballblazer. For the first time ever, humans from the planet Earth have won the right to compete in the final round of the Ballblazer Championship, to fight for Earth's honor and the title Masterblazer!<br><br>Ballblazer is a 3D futuristic soccer-like game, where the player (inside a Rotofoil) is set on a one-on-one 1,155 square playing field (the Grid). The objective of the player to kick a floating ball (Plasmorb) inside the opponent's goal (Goalbeams). A player may compete against a human or computer opponent.<br><br>The Rotofoil is equipped with a multi-purpose forcefield. This forcefield when in short distance of the Plasmorb will act as a pull field, automatically pulling the Plasmorb towards to player. When a player in possession of the Plasmorb shoots, the forcefield will act as push field and launches the ball. When the match starts, the player must move down field and attempt to gain possession of the Plasmorb using the joystick and blast the Plasmorb to an intended direction. <br><br>The player should also be aware that the Goldbeams move slightly every second and the distance between them will shrink. The highest scoring goals are goals made when Goldbeams have disappeared across the horizon (Over The Horizon/OTH shots). A player may also attempt to steal possession of a Plasmorb by rushing beside the opponent and blast the Plasmorb away. The game ends when time runs out or a player wins 10 consecutive goals. If the game ends in a draw, over-time will apply and the first player to score will win the game.<br><br>Scoring<br><br>Close-in goals - 1 point<br>Goals near Goldbeams - 2 points<br>OTH shots - 3 points<br>Players may steal points from each other by making goals. <br>The total combined score of both players cannot accede more than 10 points.<br>A player winning 10 consecutive points automatically wins the game.

[Ballyhoo]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ballyhoo
Description=Mystery text adventure in which you play a disillusioned circus goer who decides to help find the owner's kidnapped daughter.<br><br>"Standard" difficulty level.<br><br>Original C=64 Grey Box Contents:<br>The Traveling Circus That Time Forgot Inc. Official Souvenir Program, Circus Ticket (Sec.24 Row AA Seat 4), Purple Circus Balloon, Advertising Card for Dr. Nostrum's Wondrous Curative.

[Bandits]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bandits
Description=Your job is to guard the supplies at the lunar base. Bandits of various sorts arrive in waves and descend, trying to get the goods. Armed with  a mobile laser gun and some shielding, you score points by blasting the bandits.<br><br>Bandits has 28 levels of play. You begin with 5 ships and acquire a bonus ship for every 5,000 points. The game is similar to Space Invaders.

[Barge]
Publisher=K-Tek Software
Developer=General Masters Corp.
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/barge
Description=Mississippi has been hit by a deadly storm, leaving many boaters stranded. You control the more powerful SS Commodore, and must boat through these hazardous waters and rescue as many of these as possible. This involves travelling up a succession of screens, each of which has one person to rescue, while avoiding static rocks and debris. The screen layouts each time are random, so it is not always possible or safe to rescue the boater. You start a screen in the horizontal position you exited the previous one, so a central exit maximises your chances on the next screen. Other boats travel horizontally across the screen - contact with these results in losing a life. A tap of the fire button gives you a quick boost of speed, useful for avoiding hazards.

[Barnyard Blaster]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=K-Byte
Released=1987
Systems=Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/barnyard-blaster
Description=You and your grandpa just put your life savings into buying a small farm a few acres for growing vegetables and raising horses, a place to get away from the battle of city life. But you discover that the entire farm is full of things that are determined to drive you away.<br><br>Barnyard Blaster is a shooting gallery type game for use with the Atari XG-1 light gun or the joystick. There are three levels plus one bonus level.Your goal is to rid your farm of vermin by shooting targets in each of three levels. Between each level you'll play Gramps' bonus screen where you can brush up on your shooting. But in order to proceed through each level, you must achieve a certain percentage of shooting accuracy. At the end of the game you're given a ranking depending on how well you did.

[BASIC Fun - Computer Games, Puzzles, And Problems Children Can Write]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|DOS|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/basic-fun-computer-games-puzzles-and-problems-children-can-write
Description=Amongst many non-interactive introductory type-in BASIC programs intended to get young programmers started, this book includes a few simple games:<br><br>1. Spelling (as described, TRY TO FIGURE OUT THE MISSING LETTERS IN THIS WORD);<br>2. You Are A Detective, a very short choose-your-own-adventure mystery;<br>3. Shell Game ("needless to say, the computer's 'hand' is definitely quicker than your eye!");<br>4. Dice Game;<br>5. Number Guessing Game (which of two players guesses closest to the number the computer picked?);<br>6. Number Sequences (what should the next number in this sequence be?);<br>7. How Warm Is Your Heart (a re-skinned number guessing game filling in temperature for proximity to the number);<br>8. War (the card game);<br>9. Pinball (a highly abstract representation);<br>10. Paper, Rock, Scissors;<br>11. Ring the Bell (simulating the carnival sideshow game);<br>12. Lifeguard (pick a number and maybe the life preserver you throw reaches the drowning swimmer);<br>13. Sea Battle (aka Battleship);<br>14. Math Quiz;<br>15. Tennis (again, highly abstracted);<br>16. Ski Weekend (choose the right jobs to earn the money needed to go on vacation in six weeks!;<br>17. and Backpack (attempt to win a cross-country hiking race without running out of food and water)<br><br>In addition to the platforms mentioned here, the BASIC programs included were intended to run, with minimal amendment, on the BASIC versions found on the HP-2000 and Osborne lines of computers.

[Basil the Great Mouse Detective]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/basil-the-great-mouse-detective
Description=Based on the 1986 Walt Disney animated movie, the story revolves around a mouse named Basil who lives in the basement of the famous Sherlock Holmes residence 221B Baker Street.  Basil's friend Dr. Dawson has been kidnapped by the villainous Professor Ratigan and he must search through London for clues that will lead him to the fiend's lair.<br><br>The game is a colorful platform adventure through 3 locales:  London's shops and docks, the sewers and finally the den of Ratigan.  In each area, 5 clues must be found by exploring objects such bags and sacks, cans, jars and chests found in each screen with Basil's magnifying glass.  He must pick up clues to fill 5 pockets in his coat and then he will be able to determine if some are fake (as Ratigan has scattered 8 fake clues among each locale).  Fake ones must be dropped until all 5 real clues are found then you get a clue to the level exit to go to the next locale.  If you can't find the exit, each clue can give a hint as to what direction you should go in.  <br><br>Your energy runs down as you go through the multi-level platform screens and encounter Rattigan's goons but some objects will contain cheese which restores energy or mousetraps which when laid in path of the goons will make them harmless (though they take up a pocket until used).

[Basketball]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=1.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/basketball
Description=Basketball allows you to play a game of one-on-one against either the computer or another player. The court is viewed from the side with a basket at each end of the screen.  Using the joystick you can move your player around the court, dribble/shoot the ball, and attempt to block your opponent. The game is played in two 4 minute halves, and the player who scores the most points wins. There are two different skill levels available which can be set individually for each player.

[Battle Cruiser]
Publisher=SSI
Developer=SSI
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battle-cruiser
Description=Battle Cruiser (the followup to SSI's Warship) gives you the opportunity  to either relive the naval engagements of WWI between Great Britain and Germany or simulate WWII naval battles between Britain/France and Germany/Italy. Practically every warship belonging to these powers is included. There are 79 classes of battleship, battle cruiser, heavy and light cruisers, destroyers and transports included with an additional 3 classes of old battleships, armored cruisers and torpedo boats included for WWI. You command up to 20 ships at a time for either side. During combat the computer keeps track of every single shell hit and calculates damage based on various factors. The game allows you to modify ship data, create your own maps, ships or scenarios.

[Battle for Normandy]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Tactical Design Group
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battle-for-normandy
Description=June 6, 1941 The start of D-Day. Depending on your choice you will either lead or face the largest amphibious force ever assembled. As the Supreme Allied Commander your job is to establish beachheads on Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword, consolidate them, then move out to capture the strategic towns of Cherbourg and Caen, the roadnet at St. Lo, penetrate as deeply as possible into the continent and destroy and disrupt enemy formations. As the German Commander your hope for victory is to deploy your land forces and powerful panzers and contain the enemy and drive him back to the beaches. Either way you have until noon on June 30th (25 days) to accomplish your mission at which time your position will be evaluated. This game provides for solitaire play as the Americans and provides the player with several levels of difficulty.

[Battle of Antietam]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battle-of-antietam
Description=Battle of Antietam is a grand tactical simulation of the bloodiest day of the Civil War at the little town of Sharpsburg, Maryland along Antietam Creek.<br><br>The game is played in 11 turns each representing 1 hour of real time. Players are awarded points based on casualties and territorial objectives. At the end of each turn and the end of the game points are calculated and compared to a chart which determines your level of victory.<br><br>The game can be played under 3 different sets of rules (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) with 5 levels of difficulty for each and can be played against another person or the computer can play either side.

[The Battle of Shiloh]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Tactical Design Group
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|TRS-80
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battle-of-shiloh
Description=A turn-based strategy wargame set at the dawn of the US civil war, recreating the first major clash between the Confederate army and Grant's forces.<br><br>The game is played from an hexagonal grid and divided on turns of movement and attack phases, with pre-defined units divided in regiments of different sizes and abilities. You can choose whether to lead the Confederate or Union forces and the game allows for single or "hot-seat" 2P-multiplayer modes.

[The Battle of the Bulge: Tigers in the Snow]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Tactical Design Group
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battle-of-the-bulge-tigers-in-the-snow
Description=On December 16, 1944 in the twilight of the Third Reich, Hitler played his last desperate gamble and launched a massive surprise assault against the thin allied lines in the Ardennes forest of Belgium and Luxemborg. As the German Commander your goal is to cross the Ardennes forest and get to the other side of the Meuse River. With division/regiment sized forces you must storm thru the allied forces taking as many towns as possible. If you choose to command the allied forces your goal is the same as the American commander in 1944. Hold out against the attacking germans until reinforcements arrive while keeping the enemy from taking towns and exiting from the map. The game lasts 15 turns. Each turn historically representing one day. The game can be played solitaire or against another individual.

[Battlezone]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Games Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC Booter|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/battlezone_
Description=Atari Games' 3D tank game was ground-breaking when released to the arcades, and as such was converted officially to many systems. Earth has been invaded, and you and your tank lead the defensive effort. You drive around the battlefield from a first-person view, targeting and firing at tanks, planes and UFOs. You have a radar to help you see where the enemies are in direction and distance. Objects can be used as strategic cover. Controls simulate the tracks of a tank realistically, so the direction and speed settings are varied - combining forward right and backward left movements (as you can on keyboard versions) sees you change direction more quickly.

[BC's Quest for Tires]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sydney Development Corp.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=1.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bcs-quest-for-tires
Description=Cute Chick is in trouble! She is being held captive by the dinosaur, and it is up to Thor to ride his trusty wheel to the rescue. There are many obstacles in the way which Thor will need to jump and duck, including rocks, trees, rivers, lava pits, cliffs, and of course Fat Broad. When you duck, the character bounces up and down, so don't duck too soon. BC's Quest For Tires is a side scrolling action game resembling Moon Patrol in some ways, featuring characters from the comic strip BC.

[Beach-Head]
Publisher=Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Access Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beach-head
Description=A dictator took the control of a fortress on the island of Kuhn-Lin.<br><br>Your mission is to storm the island and recapture it. This takes place over the course of 6 different sequences. The first sequence is Aerial Reconnissance where the fleet must be moved directly past the enemy or into a hidden passage. Optional is this Hidden Passage sequence, where the player will have to manuever around mines and torpedos. Once encountering the enemy, the General Quaters sequence starts, where the player controls anti-aircraft guns shooting down enemy aircraft. The next sequence is named Battle Stations and the player must aim and fire heavy guns to aim at the enemy ships before they get too close. Following this fleet battle, the player's fleet must be manuvered to the beach. Upon reaching the Beach-head, tanks roll out and the player must keep these safe from enemy fire. In the Final Battle sequence, the Dictator is holed up in the fortress of Kuhn-Lin and 10 different targets on the fortress must be fired upon to destroy it.

[Beach-Head II: The Dictator Strikes Back!]
Publisher=Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Access Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beach-head-ii-the-dictator-strikes-back
Description=The Dictator from the first Beach Head game is back, but World War 2 is over. Giving himself a new name, "The Dragon", he seeks revenge against the victorious allied forces. To further these ends, he kidnaps hostages and brings them to his island fortress...<br><br>Controlling either the forces of the Allied Commander (J.P. Stryler) or the Dictator (The Dragon), you will have to perform objectives across four different sequences, each with different perspective and controls.<br><br>In Sequence 1 "Attack", the allies invade the dictators base with soldiers dropped from a helicopter. The allied forces must land their soldiers and then march them forwards taking cover at different walls. The dictator only has to shoot them down with a machine gun.<br><br>In Sequence 2 "Rescue", the hostages are being rescued. The player who controls the allies will use the machine gun to defend hostages as they cross the open courtyard. The dictator can deploy between four different weapons: Man on top of wall, Tank, Truck and Trap Door, only one of which is on the screen at any time.<br><br>In Sequence 3 "Escape", hostages are loaded onto the helicopters. The allied player will select how to place hostages on helicopters and then man the controls, avoiding attack. The dictator chooses the level of the automated defense and then aims his tanks at the helicopter. <br><br>In the final sequence, "Battle", the allied commander and the dragon finally encounter one another deep underground. They will toss poontas (throwing knives) at each other until only one is left standing.

[Beamrider]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beamrider
Description=Beamrider is a 3-D arcade action game. You control a beam riding spaceship on a mission to clear 99 sectors of space from hostile aliens. The spaceship is located at the bottom of the screen and it can only stop on one of five beams. You are armed with both lasers and torpedoes; torpedoes are more powerful and can destroy more enemies compared to lasers, however you only get three per level. To complete a sector, you need to destroy fifteen white flying saucers. After all saucers are destroyed, the sector sentinel passes by which can be destroyed for extra points. Each even number sector up until sector 16 will add a new type of enemy to deal with. These additional enemies will just try to slow your mission, though, only the saucers need to be destroyed to advance. Occassionally a rejeuvinator will appear; if this is collected, you can earn an extra life. But be careful, because if you accidentally shoot the rejeuvinator it will turn into an enemy!

[Beef Drop]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Feb 21, 2005
Systems=Atari 5200|Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beef-drop
Description=This game is an attempt to bring a better version of the coin-op game BurgerTime to the Atari 8-bit computer and any version to the Atari 5200 and Atari 7800. The game play is the same as the coin-op game. You, the chef, must make burgers by walking on the parts so they drop down to plates below. You are pursued by Mr. Yolk (a fried egg), Mr. Dill (a pickle slice) and Frank (a hot dog). If you are cornered, you can throw pepper on the food to stop it for a short time. If you can catch them in some burger parts, you get bonus points. Occasionally, a bonus item, like an ice cream cone, will appear and you can collect it for points.

[Beneath Apple Manor]
Publisher=Quality Software
Developer=Quality Software
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|PC Booter
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beneath-apple-manor
Description=An early graphical rogue-like dungeon crawl.  Slay some monsters, build up some experience, explore deeper levels.<br><br>The goal is to find the Golden Apple, buried somewhere deep in the basement beneath the manor.<br><br>This game can be configured for either graphics or text, 10 different skill levels, and configurable room layouts.  Each level is created randomly at the beginning of the game.<br><br>Besides of monsters which you have to fight, you can also find treasures, secret doors and hidden traps in the dungeons.

[Berzerk]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Stern Electronics, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Vectrex
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/berzerk
Description=You have been sent into a building infested with robots, and must do your best to clear it out. Each rooms has a number of walls through the middle, which restrict your movement. There will be a number of bad guys in the room - on early screens they may be immobile and not shoot at you, but after a few levels they become capable of shooting in multiple directions. You can shoot at them in 8 directions, but can't shoot diagonally while moving. There are gaps at the side of each room, through which you exit, before or after clearing the room (there is a bonus for clearance). You get an extra life every 2000 points.

[Beyond Castle Wolfenstein]
Publisher=Muse Software
Developer=Muse Software
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/beyond-castle-wolfenstein
Description=Your mission is to infiltrate Nazi headquarters in disguise, find the bomb agents have hidden there, and plant it outside the door to Hitler's bunker.  If you go in shooting everything in sight, a guard is bound to raise the alarm and it's unlikely you'll complete the mission.  Use stealth and the occassional bribe to work your way to Hitler.  You might have to kill a few guards, but think before you do.  Oh, and did we mention you have to escape the way you came before the bomb explodes?

[Blackjack]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/blackjack_
Description=Blackjack is based on the casino card game of the same name. You can play alone or with up to 2 other players against the computer that takes the role of the dealer. <br><br>The game follows the same basic rules as its casino counterpart. Each player starts the game with 200 chips and each can bet from 1 to 25 chips to get a hand. A player breaks the bank when he reaches 1000 chips and loses when he has no more chips to bet. In both cases, he is removed from the game. At any time, a player may quit or resume the game by using the game select switch. A player who went broke or who reached 1000 chips may also stay on the game using the same switch. He will then start with 200 chips.

[Black Lamp]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1989
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=1.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/black-lamp
Description=Black Lamp is a platform game in which you have to find and collect several colored lamps and bring them back, one by one, to a case located in the first room. There are also several types of bonuses to collect along the way, and many enemies and creatures (some flying) to fight off. The ultimate goal is to bring all the colored lamps back to the case, including the elusive Black Lamp.<br><br>The Black Lamp world is presented as a collection of rooms, all connected with ladders and/or doors, as well as outside areas where you must defend yourself by shooting or avoiding the attacking creatures.<br><br>The graphics are very sharp and colorful, and all fireplaces, candles and torches are animated.

[Blinky's Scary School]
Publisher=Zeppelin Games Limited
Developer=Zeppelin Games Limited
Released=1990
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/blinkys-scary-school
Description=The first of Blinky the ghost's three outings, the ghost with the most has to progress through a series of levels and remove the hazards left by ghost-busters (who aren't called Peter, Egon, Winston or Ray for licensing reasons). He does this by collecting the right objects to cast the all important spells.<br><br>The levels themselves scroll sideways and are layered with platforms. Making the task difficult are spiders, mice and the like - watch out in particular for the jumping frogs. Once the appropriate spells have been cast (involving lots of back-tracking to collect objects and bring them to the cauldron) the objects to make an underwater diving suit must be obtained.

[Blue Max]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/blue-max
Description=For those who know nothing of World War I or it's heroes, this game is named after Max Chatsworth, one of Britain's Flying Aces.  Chatsworth's fame began in battle, when he was out on a reconnaissance mission, and his squadron was decimated by enemy planes.  The pilot survived, and in the process shot down seven enemy fighters.  He shot down thirteen more the next month.  For these actions, Germany offered their Blue Max medal to anyone who could shoot Chatsworth downand Chatsworth got a new nicknameBlue Max.<br><br>As Blue Max, you go out on sortiesflying missionsattacking assigned targets.  Targets include bridges, buildings, enemy planes, tanks, bridges, anti-aircraft batteries, vehicles and ships.  You progress to new missions as you take out your targets.<br><br>You must drop bombs to take out the ground targets, and this action also represents a key danger for you.  Unlike the modern bombers that drop bombs on targets far below, early aircraft engaged in semi-suicidal bombing runs.  The pilots started at high altitude, then tipped the planes nose downward towards their ground-based target, and pulled up before they hit the ground.  In the middle of the dive and pull up process, they released the bomb.  There were problems of coordination, found in the game as wellif you time it wrong, or start too low, you will crash.<br><br>This game has aroused some controversy too, which supposedly caused it to be banned in Germany.  In the course of your missions, you end up bombing houses.

[Blue Max 2001]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/blue-max-2001
Description=In this sequel to Synapse's Blue Max, it is the year 2001 and you are flying a flying saucer. You're trying to bomb enemy targets while not getting shot (or rammed) by enemy saucers or shot by ground cannon. If the screen border starts flashing yellow, you are dangerously close to the ground. If the border is red, you are hitting the ground. If the border is gray, you are flying low but not TOO low. If the border is light blue, then the enemy ship is a the same altitude as you.

[Blue Thunder]
Publisher=Richard Wilcox Software
Developer=Richard Wilcox Software
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/blue-thunder
Description=Blue Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter and tie-in with the short-lived TV series of the same name which has you piloting a new 'jetcopter' as the only survivor of an alien assault.<br>As it turns out, you're not alone after all, so you depart from your ship and fly across a sea full of heavily defended islands to reach the enemy stronghold, disable its defenses and rescue your comrades.<br><br>Should you succeed, you get to try it again at a higher difficulty level, where you'll face enemies with higher firing rates, planes, barrage balloons and missile-armed submarines. All the while you'll have to keep an eye on your dwindling fuel supply. Your jetcopter can fire at any angle it's flying, even straight down.

[BMX Simulator]
Publisher=Codemasters
Developer=Codemasters
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Racing / Driving|Sports
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bmx-simulator
Description=This is an overhead-viewed racing game similar in style to Super Sprint. There are 7 courses of increasing difficulty, incorporating ramps and bumps which significantly affect the bike's handling. Each course has a time limit you must complete 3 laps of the course within, or it's game over. The further inside the time limit you are, the more points you score.<br><br>There's a computer opponent, but the scoring isn't affected by whether you beat him just so long as you qualify. There is a two-player mode. A unique feature at the time is the action replay, which can be viewed in slow motion.

[Bomber Attack]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bomber-attack
Description=Bomber Attack is a classic side scroll type game.  You pilot a bomber flying from right to left of the screen dropping bombs on enemy defenses below.  You must drop 25 bombs without hitting any hospitals.  The bomb run must be completed under fire from ground defenses and scrambled fighters sent to intercept you.  Supports keyboard and joystick input.

[Bop'N Wrestle]
Publisher=Mindscape, Inc.
Developer=Beam Software Pty., Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bopn-wrestle
Description=The company behind Way of the Exploding Fist and Fighting Warrior also tried its hand at wrestling, with this game claiming to be the first 3D combat sports game, in which you can avoid the opponent by moving up or down the screen as well as left or right.<br><br>Like any fighting game worth its salt, the game can be played with one or two players. In one-player mode there are 10 opponents to take on in sequence.<br><br>The moves on offer include almost everything you'd find in real wrestling (and I don't mean WWE) - piledrivers, arm twists, body slams and turnbuckle flies, all of which are fully animated. The whole experience includes detailed multi-colour graphics and a full rock soundtrack.

[Boulder Dash]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|BBC Micro|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Electron|Game Boy|iPhone|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC Booter|Wii|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/boulder-dash
Description=You're Rockford and have to dig through monster infested caves in search of diamonds. In each level you must collect a certain number of these diamonds, in order to open a portal to the next stage. Enemies can be squashed by falling boulders, which are released when the ground below them is removed or they are pushed onto empty ground, but be careful because these can also squash you. In later levels, difficulty is increased by many puzzle elements and shorter time limits.

[Boulder Dash Construction Kit]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/boulder-dash-construction-kit
Description=Rockford the Ant returns in another Boulder Dash adventure contains 15 new levels, in addition to the easy-to-use game editor. Players can build, save, and play their own levels. The software includes a feature to sequence your levels on a separate game disk.<br><br>All of the elements and hazards from the previous Boulder Dash outings are back: The fireflies, butterflies, growing amoebas, enchanted walls, and of course, the boulders. New features include titanium (indestructible) walls, growing walls, and slime that allows boulders and diamonds to drop through it at a varying rate.

[Boulder Dash II: Rockford's Revenge]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari 5200|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/boulder-dash-ii-rockfords-revenge
Description=In part two of the "Boulder Dash" series, game design hasn't changed compared to part one, so you still have to mine diamonds while avoiding falling rocks and cave monsters of all sorts. As in part one, later levels become more difficult because many puzzle elements are added.

[Bounty Bob Strikes Back!]
Publisher=Big Five Software
Developer=Big Five Software
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 5200|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bounty-bob-strikes-back
Description=Bounty Bob Strikes Back! is the sequel to Miner 2049er and features similar gameplay. As Bounty Bob, your goal is to claim every inch of 25 challenging mines. To do this, you must walk over each segment of the framework in the mines. To reach each segment of framework, you will need to figure out a way to jump, climb, or use one of the many devices occasionally available to get there. To you help you get around (or sometimes hinder progress) are ladders, slides, suction tubes, cannons, transporters, and other devices. Wandering about the mines are many dangerous mutants. If you come in contact with one of these, you will lose a life. Scattered throughout each mine are special food items; collect one of these, and you will temporarily be able to eliminate the mutants by walking into them. You will need to figure out a unique strategy for each level in order to complete it, plus there is a time limit so claim all the territory quickly!

[Breakthrough in the Ardennes]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Tactical Design Group
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/breakthrough-in-the-ardennes
Description=Breakthrough in the Ardennes is a detailed regimental/brigade level simulation of the Battle of the Bulge. As the German Commander you win victory points by taking towns, exiting units, destroying American units and controlling specified road hexes and lose victory points for losing units and having a greater percentage of units destroyed than the Americans. When the game ends the German score is calculated and the level of German victory or American victory is displayed. The game covers 12 turns each covering a full day of operation. The game can be played solitaire as the American forces.

[Brian Clough's Football Fortunes]
Publisher=CDS Software Ltd
Developer=CDS Software Ltd
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/brian-cloughs-football-fortunes
Description=Brian Clough's Football Fortunes is a football management computer board game suitable for two to five players. <br><br>Each player takes on the role of a club manager. The object of the game is for each manager to successfully steer his team through the season using his skill to make his team stronger as the game proceeds. Each manager competes with human and computer controlled teams in a ten strong league and the F.A. Cup. From the second season onwards, each team will also enter a European competition (League Champions to the European Cup, F.A. Cup Winners to the Cup-Winners Cup, and the remaining clubs will go to the UEFA Cup). <br><br>The winner of Brian Clough's Football Fortunes is the manager who survives to the end of the game and has the highest number of game points. Game points are points awarded by the computer program, based on each managers performance in League and Cup competitions and on the amount of cash the player has left at the end of the game.

[Brimstone]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1985
Systems=Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/brimstone
Description=This real time all-text tale puts you in the role of Sir Gawain, a knight of the Round Table. It takes place in a dream that traps you in the underworld of Ulro, where you must learn five magic words in order to escape. The most unusual aspect of this game is probably the perspective: the story is described in the third person, with Gawain referred to by name, unlike most other text adventures that use the second person, referring to your character as 'he'.<br><br>The hardbound book that comes with the game includes a novella-length introduction to the plot, which is identified as the first chapters of the story, into which you jump when you commence game play.

[Bristles]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 5200|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bristles
Description=The object of this game is to paint all the rooms of a building without losing your paint brushes (lives) and before time runs out. You and up to three friends can select from any of eight player sprites, male or female. There are six skill levels with eight buildings per level. After you finish a building, you will be given part of a special message. There are six messages, one per skill level. <br><br>You get from floor to floor by way of elevators. Be sure the elevator is at your floor when you board or you will fall down the elevator shaft. There are also three ladders out of the basement. Watch out for Flying Half-Pints. They will appear on one side of the building at any floor except the basement and will move horizontally across. You must jump or duck to avoid them. <br><br>Starting at building number two, you must also avoid Dumb Buckets. These will walk around and ride the elevators but they always move in a set pattern. Starting on building three and continuing every other building, you have to contend with Brenda, the superintendent's brat. She will put hand prints on your freshly painted walls, which will cost you forty points and require repainting to finish that building. You can grab the candy cane in these buildings and give it to her. This will stop her for fifteen seconds so you can repaint.<br><br>Starting with building four, you must beware of the Bucket Chucker. Unlike the Dumb Bucket, he does not follow a set pattern, he follows you. You cannot destroy the Bucket Chucker but there are two ways he can be trapped. One way is to use the paint mixer, a square within a square. You touch it to turn it on for four seconds and if the Bucket Chucker touches it while it is on, he will shake for four seconds. You can turn the paint mixer on over and over while the Bucket Chucker is in it, unlimited times. Another way to trap the Bucket Chucker is to go to the basement, lead the Bucket Chucker to the ladders, go up a ladder, avoiding the elevator, then go left or right. The Bucket Chucker will then be stuck in the basement until you lose a brush.<br><br>Starting on building five, you must jump over steam pipes or they will trip you, losing you a brush. In buildings six, seven and eight, your brush will run dry after eight, seven or six rooms, respectively. To refill, simply touch the large paint brushes in some rooms.

[Broadsides]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/broadsides
Description=Broadsides is a tactical simulation of ship to ship combat between sailing ships of the Napoleonic era (late 18th and early 19th century) The game can actually be played as two different games. The first game is arcade where you can sail right into the action, set your course, maneuver and fire your guns as fast as your crew can load. For authenticity and historical detail the tactical game puts you on the quarterdeck where you will make all the decisions real captains had to make. If you wish to depart from the historical ships provided you can design your own frigates and ships of the line from the keel up rigging, arming and manning them. The game ends when either ship wins or at 6pm whichever comes first. You will win if you sink the enemy ship or accumulate enough points to force the enemy ship to surrender. You will lose if your crew size goes below 1/4th of its original size or if 11 enemy crew members manage to board your ship and you have no standing friendly crew members occupying any of the first 10 boarding positions on your ship. if both ships sink or no one wins by 6 pm the game is a draw.The game can be played by 2 people or against the computer.

[Bruce Lee]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|PC-88|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bruce-lee
Description=The late martial arts hero features in this platform game, with the aim of reaching a wizard in an underground lair, defeat of whom can offer him untold wealth. <br><br>In each area you must collect the many strategically-placed lanterns before exiting through the newly-revealed passageway. Some rooms also have escalator-type sections to run along, and the standard (although slightly illogical in this context) ladders. <br><br>On the way, you'll fight two enemies - a ninja and a green sumo warrior named Yamo. You can defeat them by punching, kicking, dropping on their heads or luring them into hazardous terrain, or even by making them accidentally hit each other. Even after they are killed, however, they keep coming back for more after a few seconds. Since they can move pretty intelligently (they even climb ladders), you should watch out for them. <br><br>There are lots of hazards to avoid by either walking round or jumping - walls of electrical charge and exploding bushes for example.

[Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/buck-rogers-planet-of-zoom
Description=Fast and furious racing game taking place on a futuristic racetrack.  Guide your spaceship between the pylons and shoot down other enemy racers.<br><br>Based on the arcade game (which is even more loosely based on the Buck Rogers comic strips).

[Bug Hunt]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/bug-hunt
Description=Fixing bugs in a new computer circuit board late at night is hard, but it gets even worse when suddenly, real bugs appear out of nowhere. It's time to grab a gun and shoot at those little pests.<br><br>Bug Hunt is a game designed for the Atari XG-1 light gun, and came bundled with the Atari XEGS and the stand-alone XG-1.<br><br>The game consists of seven waves. Each wave features more of the little critters (flies, spiders, butterflies, ticks, etc.) on the sections of the PCB, waiting to be shot. Some are large and stationary and easy to hit, others are small and move rapidly and net more points. To progress into the next wave, a certain accuracy percentage must be met (from 25% to reach wave 2 to 80% to reach the final wave). The final score is converted into a performance rating - CEOs, directors and managers at the lower end, programmers, hackers and engineers at the higher end.

[Buried Buck$]
Publisher=A.N.A.L.O.G. Software
Developer=A.N.A.L.O.G. Software
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/buried-buck
Description=You are a helicopter trying to get to buried golden dollar signs. You must bomb the ground to dig a hole to reach the dollar signs but beware of the plane as it is dropping giant clods of dirt to fill in the hole, and maybe bury you. Even if you avoid the dirt clod, you will need to bomb to uncover the treasure again. When you gather a treasure, you must land on your base to claim it. If you are destroyed before you return to base, you drop the treasure. You can only carry one treasure at a time. After you collect all the buried dollar signs, you move on to the next level.

[Canyon Climber]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/canyon-climber
Description=Obviously Donkey Kong-inspired, in Canyon Climber you try to climb to the top of the Grand Canyon, while avoiding various obstacles.<br><br>There are three levels, each a single screen:<br><br>In Level 1 you set bombs on each side of three bridges and then push the plunger at the top to blow them up, all while jumping or outrunning charging sheep.<br><br>In Level 2 you climb ladders and run up long paths to reach the top of the screen while jumping over arrows shot by indians.<br><br>In Level 3 you jump pits and climb ladders to reach the top while avoiding birds that drop bricks.

[Carrier Force]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/carrier-force
Description=Carrier Force is an operational level game featuring combat between American and Japanese forces in 1942. The game was later updated as Carrier Strike. There are 4 scenarios covered in this game, Midway, Coral Sea, The Battle of the Eastern Solomons and The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. Every major warship and plane is accounted for and accurately detailed.<br><br>Each game turn represents one hour of action. The computer handles all the administrative chores while you give the orders and plot strategy. The game can be played by up to two people or in solitaire where the computer plays the Japanese. At the end of the game victory points are determined and the Japanese points are subtracted from the US points and compared to a table to determine the victory level. The game is advanced level and the playing time is 3 to 10 hours.

[Cassette 50]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving|Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cassette-50
Description=Fifty previously-unreleased games make up this cheap compilation, making for 270K of data on the cassette, perhaps the highest tally ever. All written in BASIC, most are versions of simple arcade games, including Breakout, Pacman (Muncher) and Frogger. Sports are also well represented, with basketball, motor racing and bowls amongst others included. There's also a strategic Star Trek game, Pinball, and Tanks, and Motorway is perhaps the first game in which running over pedestrians is the objective.

[Castle Crisis]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=2003
Systems=Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/castle-crisis
Description=This is a version of the Atari coin-op game Warlords, designed to look and play as much like the coin-op version as possible. Use your shield to deflect fireballs away from your castle and towards your opponents. You can also capture fireballs and launch them at your opponents with even greater force.

[Castle Wolfenstein]
Publisher=Muse Software
Developer=Muse Software
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action|Adventure|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/castle-wolfenstein
Description=The first in the classic and influential Castle Wolfenstein series.<br><br>Your mission is to infiltrate Nazi headquarters in disguise, find the secret war plans hidden in a chest somewhere in the castle, and get out alive.  Use stolen passes, money, and ultimately ammunition to accomplish your goal.

[Cat Nap]
Publisher=ZiMAG
Developer=Syncro, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cat-nap
Description=In the middle of the night, inside a bedroom in a nondescript building, dwells a frustrated man. He lay awake, unable to fall asleep, his restlessness growing exponentially each passing minute. Something is keeping him up.<br><br>It's those damn cats again.<br><br>In ZiMAG's "Cat Nap", the player controls a person bent on revenge against three noisy alley cats -- Puff, Pearl, and Brutus. The cats walk back and forth across the top of a picket fence, meowing constantly and loudly. The player starts with an inventory of six objects which he must hurl out the windows in hopes of knocking one of the felines off the fence, effectively silencing them for a brief period. The protagonist is never actually shown, but is represented by a hand that can be moved left and right between three windows. After selecting an object, the player then positions his hand in front of one of the windows and uses the fire button to chuck the object at one of the unsuspecting kittycats. If the player is able to continuously strike each of the cats within the 5 minute time limit, he wins the game and is finally able to catch some Z's.<br><br>But watch out for Scruffy! This lazy dog, who normally sleeps peacefully in the grass in front of the fence, will awaken in a fury of barks if one of the cats happen to fall on him, adding even more noise to the cacophony of meows.

[Caverns of Callisto]
Publisher=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Developer=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/caverns-of-callisto
Description=You are an astronaut on the moon of Callisto and mutants have stolen the panels from your spaceship along with its ion drive. You must explore the caverns of Callisto, recover all the panels, find the ion drive and escape alive.<br><br>This is a fast paced arcade shooter, in which you fly on your jet-pack through the maze-like caverns, avoiding all the aliens and attempting to find your missing ship parts. Your jet-pack has a limited amount of fuel which must also be collected on your way around. You are equipped with a unlimited ammo gun which kills all aliens in one hit, but this overheats if used too much, leaving you temporarily defenceless. <br><br>The game is divided into 5 sections each of which contains 8 missing panels, and either a key to get to the next level or the missing ion drive.

[Caverns of Khafka]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/caverns-of-khafka
Description=In the days of 8 bit gaming, developers would often rely on a single print of cartridge artwork for direction on a given project. You don't even have to turn it on to see the influence behind Caverns of Khafka, Indiana Jones. The cover features gold, pharaohs and a tan pants clad protagonist missing only the trademark hat. The plot is familiar; facing the treacherous caverns of rolling boulders and deadly insects, you set out on a search for the five seals to unlock and raid the king's chambers. Be prepared for a trying time as the tools at your disposal include only your trusty grapple-action whip and gravity defying jump. <br><br>Version differences<br>While the original C-64 version boasted large sprites, 8-way scrolling and an atmospheric soundtrack, the Atari XL version was completely different; Levels that fit on one screen, a tiny player sprite reminding of Loderunner and a score that was not notable at best.

[Caverns of Mars]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/caverns-of-mars
Description=Martian galactic fleets surround the planet and are demanding its surrender! The Terra IV High Command knows that your space fighter, the HELICON VII, is he only craft equipped to invade the Martian Headquarters deep within the Caverns of Mars. Your mission: Sabotage the Martian defense system by activating their deadly fusion bomb.<br><br>Make your way down two to five caverns, depending on the difficulty level. Do not hit the walls of the cavern or any Martian items. You will need to shoot fuel tanks as you go because you use fuel constantly. You must make your way through all the caverns to the fusion bomb, which you then touch to activate. Once activated, you must return to the surface before the bomb explodes.

[Centipede]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|BBC Micro|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Boy Color|Intellivision|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/centipede_
Description=In Centipede, the player is trapped in the Enchanted Forest. Armed with only a magic wand to ward off the forest's insect denizens, all of which apparently are attacking in the player in continuous waves. <br><br>The player must use the magic wand to shoot sparks at approaching insects to score points by pressing the controller button. Holding down the controller button will set the wand to rapid fire shots. If the player is bitten by an insect, the player will be temporarily paralyzed and lose one of the three starting magic wands. <br><br>Insect Opponents and Mushrooms<br>All enemy insects have a distinctive sound before attacking, which may help the player identify which insect is attacking. Enemies and objects in the game are as the following:<br><br>1. The Centipede<br>The Centipede will attack in 12 waves. In the first wave, the Centipede will have a head attached to 11 body segments. In the second wave, the Centipede will have a head attached to 10 body segments, in addition to a detached head. The third wave will have the Centipede with an attached head, 9 body segments, plus two detached heads. These body segments will transform into heads and continue to do so until Wave 12. In the last wave, the Centipede will have 12 detached heads, independently attacking the player. Centipede heads are worth more points than body segments.<br><br>Attacks from the Centipede will come from the top of the screen, moving downward. If a spark hits any part of the Centipede, that particular body segment will transform into a mushroom, while the body segment behind it will become the new Centipede head. When the Centipede is destroyed, it will briefly disappear and re-appear from the top of the screen again.<br><br>The Spider<br>The Spider will attempt to distract the player from attacking the Centipede. It will destroy any mushroom it touches. Spiders will score more points if it is hit in closer distances.<br><br>The Flea<br>The Flea will appear if the player has destroyed most of the existing mushrooms. It will drop down creating a new batch of mushrooms where it falls. The Flea will disappear after two hits. After the first hit, the Flea will drop down much faster.<br><br>The Scorpion<br>The Scorpion will appear in the third wave. It moves slowly but will pick up speed, moving faster. While doing so, it will poison any mushroom it touches.<br><br>Mushrooms<br>Mushrooms fill the Enchanted Forest and may act as obstacles or cover for the player, with added effects to enemy insects. It takes for shots to complete destroy a mushroom. There are two type of mushrooms: Magic Mushrooms and Poisonous mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are the default mushrooms in the game and are also the the result of the player destroying an insect or Centipede body segment. Poisonous Mushrooms are the result of the Scorpion touching a mushroom. Poisonous Mushrooms will prompt the Centipede near it to move straight towards the player through any mushroom. Losing a wand will restore any partially damaged mushroom.<br><br>Game Difficulty and Variations<br>The game offers four difficulty levels: Novice, Standard, Advanced, and Expert. Game Variations are as the following:<br><br>1. One Player<br>Two Player Alternating<br>Two players will take turns when the active player is bitten.<br>Dual Player Competition<br>Two players will appear on the screen at the same time. Scoring is separate. Shots fired from one player will paralyze the other player.<br>Team Play<br>Two players will appear on the screen at the same time. Scoring is combined. Shots fired from one player will not paralyze the other player.<br><br>Scoring<br>The player will win a bonus magic wand for every 12,000 points to a maximum of six wands. The game will end when all wands are lost. Scoring are as the following:<br><br>Centipede Head - 100 points<br>Centipede Body Segment - 10 points<br>Spider at close range - 900 points<br>Spider at medium range - 600 points<br>Flea - 200 points<br>Scorpion - 1,000 points<br>Flea - 200 points<br>Restored mushroom - 5 points<br>Destroyed mushroom - 1 points

[C'est La Vie]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Eastman Computing
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cest-la-vie
Description=Jacques needs to gather ten, twenty, and fifty dollar bills scattered around the streets of New York before time runs out. He must also be on the lookout for muggers and tax collectors that prowl the streets in search of victims. If one of them catches Jacques, they will pursue him relentlessly until he is caught. Once Jacques is caught, a tax collector will steal 50% of his earnings, and a mugger will steal all of it. Crashing into walls will cause Jacques to end up in hospital for treatment and get slapped with a $200 bill. <br><br>After he makes enough money, he can deposit his cash safely into the bank. Alternatively, Jacques can buy or sell shares at Wall Street, but how much stock he gets depends on the current state of the stock market. If Jacques runs out of money, he can get a loan of up to $10,000, and he is given two months to pay back the loan. If Jacques fails to pay back the loan within two months, then Ed will send one of his goons to seek Jacques out and relieve him of his cash, as well as put him in hospital.<br><br>The idea is for Jacques to get as rich as he can

[Championship Lode Runner]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC Booter|Wii
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/championship-lode-runner
Description=A follow-up to the original Lode Runner, with identical gameplay.  This package contained 50 of the most challenging levels ever designed, and was intended for expert players only.  It did not include the level editor, you had to play through the levels in order, but a save-game option was provided (although you lost one life every time you restored).

[The Chessmaster 2000]
Publisher=Software Toolworks, Inc., The
Developer=Software Toolworks, Inc., The
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chessmaster-2000
Description=This iteration of the Chessmaster series offers a  strong chess opponent at 12 skill levels, catering for novices to Grandmasters. Its many features include an opening library built around 71,000 moves, and the ability to print out the move history. To help novices there is a teach mode showing all legal moves, a hint move offering what the computer feels is a strong move, and the chance for the Chessmaster to analyse all previous moves in a game. Famous real-life game positions and pre-set challenges offer individual challenges.

[Chicken Chase]
Publisher=Bug-Byte Software Ltd.
Developer=Jawx
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chicken-chase_
Description=Players control a cock who is making sure that his wife delivers at least one of her children into the world. The cock automatically goes into the back room to mate with his wife, who lays an egg shortly afterwards. After this, it is up to the player to make sure that there is at least one egg among the two rows of nests, and that the egg is not destroyed by snakes, rats, raccoons, porcupines, and the like that are smart enough to climb the ladders leading up to the nests. <br><br>The creatures enter the henhouse from either side, and must be moved along by pecking at them. As the cock walks around the henhouse, its energy will decrease. It must be replenished by eating chicken feed at both sides of the henhouse. Only then will the cock move faster.<br><br>Upon entering the back room, the player must wait until one or more hearts appear at the top of the screen, as they indicate the number of eggs the mother will lay. Since there are ten nests, up to ten hearts can only appear at a give time.<br><br>When an egg sits in the nest long enough, a egg will hatch out, and the resulting chick will make its way toward the back room, ring the bell outside the door, then go on in. If one of the creatures destroy an egg, or the only egg in the nest hatches out, the player loses a life, and the game is over when all lives are lost.

[Choplifter!]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|PC-88|SEGA Master System|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=3.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/choplifter
Description=Choplifter is a side-scrolling action/arcade game that puts you in command of an attack chopper.  Your mission: Go behind enemy lines and rescue up to 16 hostages per level.  Be careful, though, because tanks and enemy aircraft will try to stop you -- and they won't stop shooting while you are rescuing those hostages!<br><br>Originally released for Apple II home computers, Choplifter was later ported to the arcades and a number of video game consoles.  Many imitators and homages would follow.

[Chopper Hunt]
Publisher=Imagic
Developer=A.N.A.L.O.G. Software
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chopper-hunt
Description=This is a redoing of A.N.A.L.O.G. Software's Buried Buck$, with some changes.<br><br>You are still a helicopter but now the treasure you are after looks different for each level. For example, level one you are after barrels of oil, level two is green money bags, level three is nuclear symbols (uranium, I suppose), etc. You must still bomb the ground to dig a hole to reach the treasures and the plane is still dropping giant clods of dirt to fill in the hole, and maybe bury you. When you gather a treasure, you must still land on your base to claim it. If you are destroyed before you return to base, you drop the treasure. You can only carry one treasure at a time. After you collect all the buried treasures, you move on to the next level.<br><br>There background has also been spruced up. There are mountains, a cloud and a sun. The plane has been altered from a bomber to a fighter jet. Chopper Hunt, unlike Buried Buck$, was also ported to the Commodore 64.

[Chopper Rescue]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chopper-rescue
Description=The first game of design icon Sid Meier within MicroProse Software puts you in the seat of helicopter to rescue captives trapped in the series of underground labyrinths.<br><br>The game is 2D shooter, where you are controlling the chopper from 3rd-person view. You may turn it left/right, move it up/down,  shoot the missile, and drop the bomb. Mobile patrol drone defenders and fixed missile launchers are shooting at you, so avoid them and their bullets. People are standing in certain places and crying for help, so you should pick them up positioning the chopper over them. The chopper will crash if it will run out of fuel, or collide with the wall. There are ten captives in each labyrinth. Points are accumulated for captives rescued, enemy installations destroyed, and speed.<br><br>Three difficulty levels differ by points awarded. The game may be played by 1-4 persons in turns in Solo and Team mode. While in Solo mode each player controls all functions of his helicopter, in Team mode two persons are involved - while one person is controlling the chopper, another is shooting and throwing the bombs.

[Chronicles of Osgorth: The Shattered Alliance]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chronicles-of-osgorth-the-shattered-alliance
Description=The Shattered Alliance is a tactical simulation of the first battles of the planet Osgorth. The game is designed for 2 players or can be played against the computer. Osgorth is in the Andromeda Galaxy and is much like earth but unlike earth Osgorth has bred other sentient races.In ancient times Osgorth was divided into 2 kingdoms which held the allegiance of all the tribes of the planet. Then came the interstellar interference of the Moonriders and their wizard Ormolu which led to the downfall of the 2 kingdoms. Now Osgorth has become a land of scattered tribes and fallen realms each vying for power. Take command of elves, dwarves, human kind, unicorns,lizardmen and other wondrous beings to seek glory and conquest.

[Chuckie Egg]
Publisher=A&F&nbsp;Software&nbsp;Ltd.
Developer=A&F&nbsp;Software&nbsp;Ltd.
Released=1985
Systems=Android|Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Dragon 32/64|J2ME|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/chuckie-egg
Description=In the game you play Hen House Harry who has to collect 12 (a dozen) eggs from each level, while avoiding the ducklings.  The levels each occupy a single screen, and are made up of platforms, ladders and lifts (or elevators), and are thus similar to those in classic platform game Donkey Kong.  Corn can also be collected, which stops the time limit from ticking down and also stops the bonus, collected when the level is completed, from decreasing.  The ducklings also eat the corn, however.<br><br>There are only 8 distinct levels.  The ninth level is a copy of level 1, the tenth is a copy of level 2, and so on.  However, on the second time around the ducklings that can use the platforms and ladders are replaced by the Mother Duck, who can fly around the level going through the platforms and ladders.  On the third time around, you have to face both the Mother Duck and the ducklings, and similarly on subsequent goes round, when there are more ducklings.

[Claim Jumper]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/claim-jumper
Description=Two players each control a "cowboy". A gold bar appears randomly<br>on the screen, and if either cowboy takes it to the assay office at the top of the screen, the goal vanishes and a ten dollar bill appears nearby. Each player has his own bank in which to deposit the money, and after ten bills have been deposited, the player receives a house worth 20,000 points. A second house is worth 30,000 additional points. The two cowboys can shoot each other, the victim going to one of two hospitals in the upper corners of the screen. Following the two cowboys are snakes and tumbleweeds; the snakes follow one cowboy, the tumbleweeds the other. If caught, a cowboy will be paralyzed for a few seconds. However, if he shoots whatever is chasing him, it is converted into whatever chases his opponent: snakes into tumbleweeds;<br>tumbleweeds into snakes.

[Clear for Action]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/clear-for-action
Description=Ship-to-ship combat in the days of sail. You play against the computer, with your ship at the bottom of the screen. The enemy ship soon appears at or around the top of the screen. Once sited, the computer announces 'Clear for Action!' in large text. You maneuver your ship, as does the computer, to acquire the best angle for a broadside, using the wind to best advantage. You have a choice of solid, grape or chain shot, depending if you want to damage the sails, the hull, or the men. After some exchange of cannon fire, the ships then grapple and attempt to board the enemy ship for combat with the crew, with the winner typically having the most crew to begin with, taking into account experience.

[Climber 5]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Aug, 1987
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari 2600|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/climber-5
Description=HOMERUN! NUTS! That's not that great a thing for you as you are the batboy and must climb the structure to retrieve the homerun ball. Be careful not to hit any moving items. This plays out rather like Donkey Kong<br><br>You begin in the bottom right or bottom center and must make your way, via ladders, to the top left to retrieve a ball. Avoid moving obstacles however you can. Be careful you do not touch an obstacle or you will lose a life and be returned to your starting point. When you get the ball, you move on to the next level.

[Clowns & Balloons]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/clowns-balloons
Description=Clowns & Balloons is a clone of the 1978 Bally/Midway arcade game CLOWNS, which itself was a clone of the 1977 Exidy arcade game CIRCUS. Your mission is to bounce your clown off of a moving trampoline and try to burst all of the balloons. The longer you keep him jumping, the higher (and faster) he will go, which you need to do in order to burst the highest balloons.<br>   You get bonus points for completing each row of balloons as well.

[Collapse]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/collapse
Description=Collapse is a simple puzzle game where players control Zen the Mole who is presented with a network of sticks that he must turn blue. Zen does this by simply walking over them while he is yellow. To get to the network, he must turn himself red so that he can build bridges that lead to it. Zen's redness disappears after a few seconds and he turns back to his default state. Once Zen has managed to turn the sticks blue, he can unleash the Rotox, a white line that moves around adjacent blue sticks, destroying them once the Rotox makes contact. When all the sticks have been destroyed, Zen proceeds to the next screen.<br><br>The blue sticks must be destroyed within a time limit. While the player navigates Zen around the screen, two creatures walk around the screen, trying to make Zen's task difficult. Contact with either of these creatures result in Zen losing 100 units of time. To deal with them, Zen is equipped with some magic dust that he can sprinkle on them to make them disappear and resurrect in their same position that they appear. Extra time is awarded to Zen by collecting jewels that occasionally appear on screen.

[Colonial Conquest]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC-98
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/colonial-conquest
Description=Colonial Conquest is a grand strategy simulation during the late 1800's and early 1900's that puts you in charge of one of the 6 Imperialistic powers of the time (Great Britain, France,  Germany, U.S., Russia and Japan). Using diplomacy, espionage, armies and fleets these 6 countries vie for control of more than 120 minor countries and each other. Your goal in the game is to conquer as many minor nations as possible and set yourself up as the mightiest ruler on Earth. There are 3 scenarios and up to 6 people can play each as a separate nation or the computer can take charge of all the other nations.

[Colony]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Icon Design Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/colony_
Description=Mankind has established a distant colony, but the area is infested with ants, ladybirds and other parasites, all ready to cut through the perimeter fencing and eat your people's food. As a service droid it is your job to prevent this, and maximise the output.<br><br>Achieving this involves a lot of planning and resource management. There are several buildings at your disposal, containing seeds, solar panels, weaponry, fencing and traps. You must plant the seeds, use the solar panels to maximise their growth, and then harvest the finished product so as to trade it. You can carry a gun to take care of the bugs, but this needs recharging frequently, and the location of the munitions store must be determined.<br><br>When the bugs break part of the fence, you need to replace it to stop lots more coming through. This can be done more quickly by reducing the compound size, which causes the trade-off loss of growing room.

[Colossus Chess 4]
Publisher=CDS Software Ltd
Developer=CDS Software Ltd
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/colossus-chess-4
Description=Colossus 4 Chess is a computer chess game. The game is customizable and you can monitor all your previous moves. It is even possible to see the computer thinking ahead and predicting your moves. The computer is hard to beat, and would win matches against other computer chess programs of the day. It can achieve the king-bishop-knight mate, which is the most difficult checkmate manuver possible in Chess.

[Combat Leader]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/combat-leader
Description=Combat Leader is a tactical simulation between tank and mechanized infantry companies on the contemporary battlefield. The game can be played as strategic or arcade. As combat leader you decide what level of command you want: company, platoon, or squad. Then choose from over 70 historical tanks rated for speed, armor, strength and fire accuracy. <br><br>Game scores are based primarily on numbers and types of units destroyed plus you can earn a bonus of up to 100 points for completing a mission. Number of points accumulated will determine the level of victory. The game can be played as either novice or intermediate with the computer directing enemy forces.

[The Comet Game]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/comet-game
Description=Aimed to tie in with Halley's Comet passing close to Earth, but actually missing the boat by some time, The Comet Game is based on the idea of Halley's comet coming with bacterial life-forms capable of destroying life on earth. As a result, you must get into your high-tech spaceship, intercept the comet, and destroy those organisms. Controlling the ship's autopilot technology, you must ensure that the task is successfully completed.<br><br>You must ensure that missile attacks on the ship are unsuccessful (by shooting at the missiles before they hit a your ship, a la Missile Command, controlling a cross-hair that moves around the ship), and maintain communication with Earth, by aiming the comms beam in the right direction to get the best signal. <br><br>Keeping the computer running smoothly requires moving a line of LEDs to match what is being displayed. The fourth ongoing task is to keep the ship's crew happy. This is done in a rather surreal way, by brewing coffee and injecting it into the crew (who are in suspended animation).

[Computer Ambush]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/computer-ambush
Description=Computer Ambush (Improved Version) is a computer tactical simulation of squad vs squad combat in France during World War II. You are a Sergeant and command a squad of 10 infantrymen (either American or German). Each man has a name, personal background (dossier), and comes rated with individual critical combat skills. You can also rate the soldiers to your own specifications for more flexibility. Computer Ambush is played as a series of turns until either one side is destroyed or one or both sides have completed their missions.The game can be played as two player ( 7 scenarios) or computer as opponent (5 scenarios). The game is advanced level and takes 1 -3 hours to complete.

[Computer Football Strategy]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|TRS-80
Genre=Simulation|Sports|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/computer-football-strategy
Description=Computer Football Strategy is modeled after Avalon Hills board game based on American style football.  Players can select from a wide roster of professional teams spanning from the 1966 Green Bay Packers to 1982 Washington Redskins.  Naturally this is a strategy game where players choose from many formations for offense and defense to setup each down.  Once selected the down is played out in top down animation style with the plays outcome and stats.  The game supports both player verses computer or two player mode.

[Computer Stocks & Bonds]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/computer-stocks-bonds
Description=PC conversion of the board game.<br><br>Try to make money at the stock market. Invest in stocks when their exchange price is low and when the price rises sell them to make profit. <br><br>You have $5000 in cash at the beginning of the game and 10 different securities to choose from.

[Conan: Hall of Volta]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=SE Software
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/conan-hall-of-volta
Description=You, Conan the Barbarian, must enter a castle and defeat the evil Volta.  <br><br>You are armed with ten boomerang swords and your <br>own cunning.  Along the way magic gems, keys and an "Avian Ally" will help you through seven very diverse levels in which you must navigate treacherous obstacles including lava pits, powerful geysers that hurl you into the air, spike pits, and floating platforms.  Volta's castle is guarded by several of his nasty beasts: bats, scorpions, giant ants, fire-breathing dragons, floating eyeballs, and even a huge electrical generator gone haywire -- you'll soon realize why he calls himself "Volta".

[Conflict 2500]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/conflict-2500
Description=It is the year 2500 and the galaxy has been at peace for many years. Until now! A fleet of planet pulverizers has invaded the sector of the galaxy under your command. Reports are telling you of a massive wave of destruction. It is up to you to rid the universe of this threat of utter destruction. Conflict 2500 is a strategic simulation of conflict in the 26th century. The game can be played solitary or with up to 10 other players by giving command of ships to individuals. The computer controls a fleet of planet pulverizers and adapts its strategy to your actions. The game can be stopped during play or can continue until one side or the other is destroyed..

[Conflict in Vietnam]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/conflict-in-vietnam
Description=The third and final installment in Microprose's Command series of war games simulates five key battles in Vietnam, beginning with the defeat of the French colonial army in 1954 and culminating in the 1972 victory of the Viet Cong against South Vietnam forces. <br><br>Conflict in Vietnam adapts the well tried "accelerated real-time" game system of its predecessors to the jungle combat situation in Indochina, with its bizarre balance of power, specific technology (such massive use of helicopters) and unique strategic challenges. Impressively complex for its time, the simulation calculates a day-night-cycle, weather, terrain, supply lines, formations, unit organization and experience, to name only the most important factors. Two players can compete head to head on one computer, soloists may randomize the enemy priorities in some scenarios for added uncertainty on the battlefield.<br><br>Even more so than in the previous games, designer duo Sid Meier and Ed Bever stress the educational aspect of their well-researched historical simulation: the manual is desgined as a complementary read that offers extensive background information to the five scenarios and their 'what if' variants.

[Congo Bongo]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|MSX|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/congo-bongo
Description=An extremely faithful port of the famous jump-n-run platform arcade game.  Run, jump, and climb your way through a dangerous jungle while avoiding various animals and projectiles.<br><br>Includes the introductory animations and features the arcade version's sliding screen transitions.

[Cops n' Robbers]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1988
Systems=BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cops-n-robbers
Description=You are a robber whose target is the Acme Diamond Co. and the old  mine, both which are full of jewels. Once collected, the jewels need to be returned to your getaway vehicle. Making your job hard are cops who are very smart, choppers who are dangerously low to the ground, and ghosts that can kill you if you come in contact with them. You have one weapon to deal with these enemies, but it has limited ammo. If you get killed by cops or ghosts, you can enter the jail and release one of your captured men.

[Cosmic Balance II]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cosmic-balance-ii
Description=Cosmic Balance II is a game of strategic galactic conquest, with four skill levels as well as a player-versus-player mode. It plays like a prototype 4X game, with the emphasis on eXploit and eXterminate. The player must take control of 16 sectors by moving ships into place and surviving combat. Building and researching new ships is also vital.<br><br>There are 5 scenarios, increasing in scale and with different goals. 'Terran Expansion' involves setting up a self-sufficient network of planets in a peaceful setting, and 'Colonial Wars' sees them fighting for independence from Earth, introducing combat elements. 'First Contact' involves the earliest violent contact with rivals known as The Empire, while this battle continues in 'Rebellion', which also features other Terrans fighting against you as a third side. The Final Conflict is the biggest battle, with both the Empire and Terran sides starting with equal resources.<br><br>The programme also has the ability for players to design their own scenarios. Ship-to-ship combat can be resolved by the computer, or the original The Cosmic Balance can be used for tactical combat.

[The Cosmic Balance]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cosmic-balance
Description=Design your own starships and send them out for combat against the computer player. With limited space for equipment, a ship designer must decide whether to load up the ship with weapons and go for an all-out attack, add shields and deflectors to protect your ship, or use high tech propulsion and run rings around the opponent. Ships can be sized from a corvette class all the way to a massive battlestar. Once complete, you enter combat vs. against a silmilar-sized ship, which also can be you or someone else's design, or a computer generated ship. The computer resolves combat as you watch the ships battle.

[The Count]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|PC-88|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/count
Description=You awaken in a sealed wing of the Count's Transylvanian castle, seemingly restrictive but yielding further avenues of secret passages and unexpected exits to the intrepid and timely explorer.  Over the course of a few days you need to cultivate a familiarity with the layout of the castle and the nocturnal activities of its primary resident, who chooses to make midnight snacks of you rather than a main course.  An unpredictable day/night cycle forces your hand, necessitating finding a reliable light source and some means of staying awake -- or else you awaken the next morning back in bed, your possessions pilfered by the kleptomaniacal creature of the night and your neck boasting irritated bite marks.  Each day you must incrementally approach your goal of overcoming the Count, lest you wind up as one more dried-out apéritif.

[Crisis Mountain]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crisis-mountain
Description=Crisis Mountain is a classic platform game. Your task is to defuse bombs left by terrorists in mountain caverns when a dormant volcano above starts erupting unexpectedly. Time is limited as the bombs are ticking towards detonation. It contains nine levels of play.

[Crossbow]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Exidy, Inc.
Released=1988
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crossbow
Description=In Crossbow, you and several friends are trying to cross many treacherous landscapes in order to retrieve stolen treasures from the castle of the Evil Master. All of the members of your party are unarmed, however you carry a crossbow. Using this, you need to shoot any obstacles or hostile enemies that may get in the way of your friends as they cross the screen. You see the landscape from a first person point of view, and one by one each member of the party will walk from the left to right on the screen. There are many different landscapes that need to be crossed, each with its own variety of dangers. There are deserts with scorpions, ice caverns, jungles with hostile monkeys, a lava spewing volcano, and even the heavily guarded castle. The game starts with two friends in your party, with additional friends joining after clearing certain parts of the game. The game ends when everyone in your party has been killed.

[Crossfire]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crossfire
Description=A clone of the arcade game Targ, blast your way out of an all-sides attack.

[Crusade in Europe]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crusade-in-europe
Description=The first of the Command Series of tactical wargames released by MicroProse in the mid-1980s, Crusade in Europe is the descendant of Meier's first wargame, NATO Commander.  Sid Meier and Ed Bever, Ph.D., collaborated on Crusade's design, which (along with the game's manual) shows an enormous amount of research and attention to historical detail.  <br><br>As the title suggests, the game's focus is the European Theater of World War II in 1944-45, and the Normandy Invasion in particular.  Although there are only five scenarios, each can be customized through multiple variants (with different initial deployments and reinforcement schedules) and levels of difficulty.  Another nice feature is the ability to play using either tradtional boardgame symbols or unit icons.  Both sides (Allied and Axis) can be played, and two players can play head-to-head in hotseat mode.

[Crush, Crumble and Chomp!]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crush-crumble-and-chomp
Description=Crush, Crumble & Chomp let you assume the role of a movie-style monster, becoming one of any number of giant crawling, swimming, or flying beasts.  Technically CC&C is a strategy game; you have to keep an eye on several statistics, including your health, appetite, and even such minute details as the tilt of your head (helps in aiming breath weapons).  Destroy the city before the human military destroys you!

[Crypto Cube]
Publisher=DesignWare, Inc.
Developer=DesignWare, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crypto-cube
Description=20 themed words are arranged in criss-cross formation over the faces of a three-dimensional cube.  You have to guess and uncover them.  A mascot- The Wuzzle- apprises you of your progress.<br><br>When uncovering the words, you will get: a blank square- no points and the turn is over; a vowel- 5 points and another turn; a consonant- you get a question mark and must guess the letter- a correct guess nets 10 points and another turn, an incorrect guess -5 points and the turn is over.  There are also bonus squares that let you pick an extra square on the current cube-side, as well as one on another side.<br><br>New word lists can be added by the user- ostensibly to allow children to practice their spelling homework.

[The Crypts of Plumbous]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crypts-of-plumbous
Description=In The Crypts of Plumbous, the player has to fight alien ships who are trying to raid underground Nuclear waste storage for some unknown reason and unleash it on the planet. The game is a side scrolling shoot-em up, which is kind of reminiscent of Defender. There are various skill levels, from "Very Easy" to "Really Tough".

[Crypts of Terror]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crypts-of-terror
Description=Get the magic ring of power back to crypt #1.  You explore various crypts on a map, fighting monsters, looking for the ring.  A secret will be revealed to those that complete the quest at the highest difficulty level.

[Crystal Castles]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1988
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crystal-castles
Description=Bentley Bear is trapped in the Crystal Castles! To get out, he will need to collect all of the gems located throughout the castle. The game is played with an isometric view of the multi platformed castle. When Bentley collects all of the gems on the current castle, he will move on to the next, more difficult castle. Wandering throughout the castles are a wide variety of dangerous creatures, which Bentley should avoid. From time to time, a magic hat will appear. If Bentley collects the hat, he will temporarily be invincible to the castles inhabitants.

[Crystal Raider]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/crystal-raider
Description=50 rooms full of treasures await the brave yet thoughtful explorer in this platform game. Using limited thrusting ability, you must collect as many crystals as possible before moving on to the next level. Rooms have multiple exits, leading the player to different segments of the screens.<br><br>You have five lives, and will lose one on contact with any of the nasties which move around the screens, or when you run out of time (represented by depleting oxygen). In either case, you are sent back to the start of the screen, but keep any crystals you have collected. Collecting every crystal on a screen earns you an extra life. <br><br>For an extra challenge, the game can be played in Night mode, which limits visibility to the area immediately surrounding your character.

[The Curse of Crowley Manor]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/curse-of-crowley-manor
Description=The Curse of Crowley Manor is the second game in the Other Venture series and has been written by Jyym Pearson.<br><br>The story takes place in turn-of-the-century London. As a Scotland Yard detective, the player must solve a murder at Crowley Estate.  As the investigation begins, occult elements come into the story. There are demons, ghosts and rodents to encounter. The blurb claims that the game contains many unique plot twists and strange devices to keep players on your toes, and recommends that only experienced adventurers apply.

[Cuthbert Goes Walkabout]
Publisher=MicroDeal
Developer=MicroDeal
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cuthbert-goes-walkabout
Description=In this installment of the Cuthbert Saga, Cuthbert goes for a stroll on a grid. As he walks along all four sides of a cell in a grid, it changes color, and when all cells have been coloured, it is on to the next grid. This would have been too easy, were it not for the nasties that also walk along the grid. Cuthbert's only weapons are his wits and his ability to jump over the nasties. Just try not to jump out of the screen! The inspiration for this game is the old arcade game, Amidar, and it can be seen as a primitive version of Oh Mummy.

[Cutthroats]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cutthroats
Description=You live on small seaport Island called Hardscrabble -- hardly the hip place to be.  Working as a professional scuba diver, you have the chance to salvage a sunken treasure from one of four shipwrecks, earn the respect of all the old farts and become wealthy beyond all imagination.

[Cyborg]
Publisher=Softsmith Software
Developer=Sentient Software Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cyborg
Description=A science fiction text adventure game in which an artificial intelligence is electronically merged with your body as the result of a scientific experiment.  Your mission is to find a source of energy to keep you alive.  The game uses a text parser, except for character interaction, during which you choose a question from a predetermined list.

[Cytron Masters]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/cytron-masters
Description=The first real-time strategy game in history, Cytron Masters was the creation of legendary designer<br>Dan Bunten (later Danielle Bunten Berry). In this game, the contestants face off on a futuristic battlefield. The object is to destroy the opponent's command center. The game can be played with two players, or one player competing against the computer.<br><br>CYTRONS (short for CYbernetic elecTRONic units) come in five types:  Mines, Shooters, Bunkers, Commanders, and Missiles. Shooters are constantly scanning for enemy units in their three space range. They will fire at the closest target. The Commander unit can relay orders from you to all Cytrons within three spaces of its location. Missiles soar above the battlefield. When detonated over an appropriate target, Missiles can destroy up to four Cytrons at once.<br><br>The battlefield is a 2-D grid. One contestant starts on each side. The main features on either end of the field are the Command Centers. The goal of each manager is the destruction of the opponent's Command Center. The players can use energy to create more Cytron units during the battle. The battlefield has eight Power Centers, and by occupying a Power Center a player will accumulate more energy.<br><br>Ahead of its time in many ways, Cytron Masters used multi-thread software routines to enable all the units to move in real-time. It also included an interactive tutorial. Dan Bunten went on to expand his ideas from this game in his later work Modem Wars, published in 1988.

[The Dallas Quest]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dallas-quest
Description=When a game is faithful to the poor writing and wildly implausible plot conventions of a soap opera, does that make it a bad game or an effective adaptation of its source material?  In any case, this game situates you as a private investigator hired by Sue Ellen to find a map to hidden oil fields, in hopes to accumulate enough wealth to escape the sinister influence of J.R.  You snoop around the grounds of the South Fork Ranch, superficially interacting with much-loved characters from the TV show and an assortment of extras from the animal kingdom.  So far, so good.<br><br>Your travels ultimately lead you to the jungles around Playa Peligro, in South America, where you overcome a series of obstacles by using various techniques, but mostly by doping a friendly monkey with tobacco -- a firm reminder that we're descending beneath even soap opera plot conflicts and sitting squarely in an early-'80s text adventure game, with all of the internal logic-twisting that entails.

[Dandy]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dandy_
Description=This game is the inspiration, both directly and indirectly, of arcade dungeon crawlers like the The RamJam Corporation version of Dandy, Dark Chambers and Gauntlet.<br><br>You, and up to three of your friends, are in a dungeon of monsters. You must fight you way through, gathering food and treasure while destroying monsters. Each time a monster touches you, you lose energy. You can gather food, which can be eaten to restore energy. Once you reach the end of the dungeon level, you descend to the next level down. If you are playing mutiplayer and one of you dies, the other player(s) can revive their fallen comrade by shooting a heart found in the level. If no comrades are fallen and the heart is shot, a monster will appear.

[Dark Chambers]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1988
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dark-chambers
Description=Dark Chambers is an arcade action game similar to Gauntlet. You are an explorer in an underground maze; your goal is to survive the 26 different levels and collect as many of the hidden treasures as you can. Hidden somewhere in each of the levels is an exit which will take you on to the next level. Trying to stop you from completing your quest are a wide variety of creatures, including zombies, wraiths, skeletons, wizards, and the grim reaper. Each of the creatures in the game has a different strength; when you shoot a creature, it will transform into the next weaker creature. Eventually a creature will become the weakest one (a zombie) at which point it can be destroyed. In addition to the creatures and treasures, other items that can be found in the maze are keys (to open doors), potions (to restore health), poison (drains health), guns (increases your firing rate), traps, shields, and bombs. The game is played from an overhead point of view, and is for one player or two players simultaneously.

[David's Midnight Magic]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Commodore 64|PC-88
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/davids-midnight-magic
Description=David's Midnight Magic is a simple pinball game designed for 1-4 players. The game was modeled on the popular Black Knight pinball table released by Williams. Unlike Black Knight, however, David's Midnight Magic contains a mixture of bright colors. Featuring dual flipper controls, upper and lower playing fields, tilt mechanism, multiple ball play, electromagnetic deflectors, and many special effects, the game represents the first generation of home computer pinball simulations available with relatively realistic pinball features.

[Deadline]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/deadline
Description=You have 12 hours to solve the murder of Mr. Marshall Robner.  If it was a murder...<br>Mr Robner was found locked in his library, dead -- from a lethal dosage of anti-depressants.<br>Friends and family are calling this a suicide of depressed wealthy industrialist.  As <br>Chief of Detectives, you find something just doesn't smell right about this case.  You <br>go out on a quest to find a suspect, his motive, method, and opportunity.<br><br>Difficulty Level: Expert

[Death Sword]
Publisher=L.K. Avalon
Developer=Palace Software, LTD.
Released=1992
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Electron|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/death-sword
Description=The evil magician Drax is terrorizing the jeweled city and cast a spell over the beautiful princess Marina who is forced to obey him. From the lands to the north, a hero is sent to help the city and free the princess. He is Gorth, the strongest of the barbarian warriors. With his sword in hand, he has to beat eight of Drax's best warriors and at last the magician himself. He will fight them in the woods, on the mountaintop, in the dungeon... finally reaching Drax's palace itself.<br><br>This is essentially a one- or two-player fighting game where you control a big barbarian and fight another player or a computer AI.  There are several kinds of hits, and some hits take off half a point while others take off a whole point. Each player has six of these "power points". They also have a special hard to perform "death sword" which decapitates your opponent, killing him with one fell swoop.

[Decision in the Desert]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/decision-in-the-desert
Description=Decision in the Desert was the second installment in the "Command Series" of tactical wargames co-designed by Sid Meier and Ed Bever and published by MicroProse in the mid 1980s.  The game covers the North African theater during World War II.  The design is essentially the same as in the first Command game, Crusade in Europe.  Five different scenarios with multiple variants can be played.  This, along with multiple levels of difficulty, gives the game significant replay value.  Battles occur in real-time, though orders may be issued while the game is paused.

[Defender]
Publisher=Atarisoft
Developer=Williams Electronics Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Xbox 360
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/defender
Description=Defender put players in charge of a ship sent to protect mankind from wave after wave of attacking alien forces.<br><br>Armed with "smart bombs", and the ability to use hyperspace to move quickly around the planet, the player ship must fight against Bombers, Pods, Swarmers, Baiters, and Landers - that can capture the humanoids and transform them into deadly and relentless Mutants.  Fail to save the humanoids from freefall or Mutant transformation, and the planet is destroyed.<br><br>Eugene Jarvis'  Defender has been widely regarded as one of the most popular and addictive space shooters of the early 1980's

[Demon Attack]
Publisher=Imagic
Developer=Imagic
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Commodore 64|Intellivision|Odyssey 2|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/demon-attack
Description=Demon Attack is an arcade action game with gameplay similar to Space Invaders. You control a laser canon at the bottom of the screen, and need to destroy wave after wave of brightly colored demons. The demons bounce around the screen in bizarre patterns, and try to destroy your canon with bombs or lasers. When you shoot a demon, it will be replaced with another or will split into two smaller demons depending on which wave you are playing. When the required number of demons for the current round is finally destroyed, you can move on to the next, more difficult round.

[Denis Through the Drinking Glass]
Publisher=Applications Software Specialists
Developer=Applications Software Specialists
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/denis-through-the-drinking-glass
Description=Margaret Thatcher's late husband Denis was known to like a drop of gin, a fact frequently exploited by satirical magazine Private Eye. As such, this text adventure stars you as Denis, on his quest to escape Number 10 Downing Street (and Maggie) to get to the Gravedigger's Arms pub.<br><br>Denis must get a drink within 10 moves, or else it is game over. The location descriptions are written in an unusual style, set to rhyme and featuring wry observations about the drudgery of political life from Denis' unique position. Similarly, the Help feature often gives terse, sarcastic and less-than-helpful responses.<br><br>As you progress through the game, mock headlines from The Sun newspaper appear to comment on your situations. The game is written in Quill, a popular adventure creation package from Gilsoft themselves.

[Desert Falcon]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1988
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/desert-falcon
Description=Desert Falcon is an arcade style shooter. Many of the Pharaoh's great treasures are lost throughout the desert, and your goal is to steal as many as you can to earn points. The game features a scrolling, isometric point of view as you control your falcon through the various desert landscapes. The treasures you are after are guarded of course. Many desert creatures including vultures, warriors, flying fish, sphinxes and more will all attempt to stop you from succeeding in your task. Also, at the end of each level you will need to face a large, howling sphinx before you can continue on. Your falcon isn't completely unarmed, and has the ability to fire darts which can be used to destroy the assorted enemies and the sphinx. In the sand, you will occasionally come across some hieroglyphs. Several different superpowers can be gained by landing and hopping over three of these hieroglyphs. Depending on which hieroglyphs are collected, you may become invincible, warp to the end of the level, earn free points, trick enemies into attacking a decoy instead of you, or even get an air bomb which destroys all airborne enemies.

[Diamond Mine]
Publisher=Roklan Corporation
Developer=IDSI
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/diamond-mine
Description=The goal of Diamond Mine is to collect as many diamonds as possible from 20 underground shafts. Each is presented as a single screen with corridors and alleyways. Monsters are released at intervals from a Pacman-style hub, these can be shot. The mines are covered in dust initially; until you have walked through an area, a bullet can't be fired through it. Contact with a monster loses all your gems, so the best strategy is to shoot them out first - as most diamonds are down corridors, this can be planned for. You can start from one of 5 different screens.

[Dig Dug]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Namco Limited
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Boy Advance|Intellivision|MSX|NES|Palm OS|PC-88|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Wii|Windows Mobile|Xbox 360
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dig-dug
Description=Dig Dug is a 1-2 player arcade game in which you have to use your shovel to dig your way through the earth. Stopping you from doing this are two monsters, called Pooka and Fygar, who will continually chase you around. The only weapon that you carry is an air pump, which you can use to inflate the monsters to the point where they explode. (if you start to inflate them but stop doing so, the monsters will get turned back to their normal selves.) Furthermore, rocks are scattered throughout the earth, and you can use these rocks to squash them. If the monsters do not find you for several seconds, they will eventually get turned into ghosts, which are able to walk through the earth. They are invincible and cannot be killed. From time to time, vegetables will appear in the center, and you can get these for points.

[Dimension X]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dimension-x
Description=As a warrior of the Dimension X you are descended on Jaraloba planet to defend it from Rigillians. The planet is divided in 25 sectors (5x5 matrix), and each of them is filled with enemy forces. Controlling a ground skimmer, you should eliminate enemies in each sector and proceed through one of eight gates in surrounding mountains to another sector.<br><br>Sitting in cockpit of your skimmer, you may examine the view in first-person perspective, accelerate, decelerate your skimmer, turn left or right, and shoot the enemy vehicles. During your mission, radar helps you to detect the enemies out of your view, but fuel is exhausting, and shields are decreasing with enemy shots.

[Dizzy Dice]
Publisher=Players Software
Developer=Players Software
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dizzy-dice
Description=Dizzy Dice is a gambling game simulating a fruit machine. You start with a fixed amount of cash. As you play and get winning combinations, you'll have to choose whether to collect or gamble what you've won. After completing the fruit machine game, you'll get the chance to play a dice game where you have to guess if the next throw will be higher or lower than the current one. <br><br>Dizzy Dice features two game modes. The first one you play as a normal fruit machine. But then there also is the bank mode, where you start with $20 and need to reach $100 to break the first bank. In total there is five banks, each requiring more cash to win. The game is controlled using the keyboard.

[Dnieper River Line]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dnieper-river-line
Description=The Dneiper River Line is a fictionalized engagement between German and Russian forces in the Southern Ukraine in late 1943. As the Germans  you are challenged  to repel Russian efforts  to breach your critical defensive position. The Soviet units controlled by the computer seek to over run your thin German defensive line and capture sufficient objectives to assure victory. Dneiper River Line is a computer game which is played out board game style with a 8" x 11" mapboard and 240  5/8" illustrated counters.

[Donkey Kong]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 7800|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Game Boy Advance|Intellivision|MSX|NES|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20|Wii|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/donkey-kong
Description=Released in the arcades in 1981, Donkey Kong was not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marked the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong.<br><br>Donkey Kong is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out.  Once the rivets are removed from the final level, Donkey Kong falls, and the two lovers are reunited.  From there, the levels start over at a higher difficulty.<br><br>Along the way, Mario must dodge a constant stream of barrels, "living" fireballs, and spring-weights.  Although not as powerful as in other future games, Mario can find a hammer which allows him to destroy the barrels and fireballs for a limited amount of time.  Additionally, Mario can also find Pauline's hat, purse and umbrella for additional bonus points.<br><br>Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.  It should also be noted that in versions of the game for early 1980's consoles, Donkey Kong only used 2-3 of the original levels, with the cement factory usually omitted.

[Donkey Kong Junior]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 7800|ColecoVision|Game Boy Advance|Intellivision|NES|Wii
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/donkey-kong-junior
Description=Mario has kidnapped Junior's Papa!<br><br>Donkey Kong Jr. was originally released in the arcades in 1982 as a sequel to Donkey Kong.  In this game, Mario plays the antagonist, finally having captured Donkey Kong, and has put the ape in a locked cage.  As Donkey Kong Jr., players will have to make their way through four different levels (Vines, Springboard, Chains and Mario's Hideout) in an attempt to find keys to free the little monkey's Father.<br><br>Along the way, Mario will send out Snapjaws, swooping purple birds, and electric sparks in an attempt to stop Junior.  Junior can defend himself by dropping fruit found around the levels on the heads of his foes.  The more foes a piece of fruit hits in a falling sequence, the higher bonus points can be scored.<br><br>Junior can also avoid enemies more easily by grabbing hold of two chains or vines at a time to climb away faster, or by jumping over his foes.  However, any long fall or falling into the water on certain levels will mean the loss of a life for Junior.<br><br>In the final cut scene, Junior will free Donkey Kong and both will escape after giving Mario the boot.  Once all four levels are cleared, the game levels will start over at a higher difficulty.<br><br>Like the original Donkey Kong, the earlier 1980's console versions do not have all of the levels and animations from the arcade.

[Draconus]
Publisher=Cognito
Developer=Zeppelin Games Limited
Released=1988
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/draconus
Description=Draconus is an arcade platformer with adventure elements where the player gains control of Frognum - a beast similar to a serpent or a dragon. His mission is to destroy the Tyrant Beast, an evil ruler of the dark and dangerous world in which Frognum lives. The main weapon in the game is fire breath, but on his quest Frognum will find many magical artifacts and, thanks to those, gain new powers. <br><br>The gameplay is simple. The player just has to explore different screens, incinerate opponents and use artifacts (for example Morph Helix that transforms Frognum into a sea monster, which allows him to swim and fight underwater).

[Dragonriders of Pern]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Connelley Group, The
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dragonriders-of-pern
Description=Dragonriders of Pern is a strategy game with action sequences, based on the novels by Anne McCaffrey, with a strong emphasis on diplomacy. The game may be played by 1 to 4 players. You take on the role as a Weyrleader fighting the deadly Thread.<br><br>The game consists of two major phases: Negotiation/Intrigue, where you negotiate with Lord Holders or Craftsmasters, and Thread Fighting. where you fight the Thread from infesting your lands.<br><br>The strategic part is the main part of the game. Here you try to negotiate with Lord Holders of Craftsmasters to make allies in your fight against the Thread. You can facilitate negotiations by organizing special events: To win the confidence of a Lord Holder who fancies dragons, invite him to a Hatching. Weddings also provide opportunities to score diplomatic points. <br>When diplomatic maneuvers fail you, you may be forced to resort to a duel -- a wounded leader is unable to take any actions for a long time --, but this may jeopardize your status with peaceful leaders. Finally, conclaves may be called up after certain events like the death of a Weyrleader. A Dragonrider conclave will cancel all ongoing events for all Weyrs. A Lord Holder conclave will only cancel events involving Lord Holders and the Master Harper. Time passes in realtime during the strategic phase, but you can pause the game.<br><br>Thread fighting occurs at the end of each year. During this phase of the game, you mount your dragons and you must pursue the falling Thread and char it in midair with the dragon's fiery breath before it lands. Miss a Thread and it may destroy you... or hit the ground and turn the land to dust. At the beginning of the game, you can select the difficulty of the Thread fighting or disable it entirely.<br><br>Dragon Riders of Pern ends after a certain number of turns (also to be selected at game beginning), when a player reaches a certain number of "Victory Points" awarded for forging alliances, or when a certain number of Holds are infested by threads.

[Dragon's Eye]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Southern Software, Ltd.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore PET/CBM
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dragons-eye
Description=Dragon's Eye is a fantasy RPG in which you are cast as a valiant warrior tasked with saving the lands by completing an epic quest. The lands in question are the "Seven Provinces" and the quest itself involves finding and retrieving the "Dragon's Eye" amulet before its evil power corrupts the entire countryside.<br><br>The game is played from a strategic map view from which you select which area to adventure into, rest and make your necessary equipment purchases. After that it's off to explore the realm and battle all enemies you might encounter from a side view perspective. Battles are turn-based and you can issue several different orders to be carried out in queue when your turn ends. You can explore the land as you see fit, but beware the time limit imposed by the Dragon's Eye.

[Dragon's Keep]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Educational
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dragons-keep
Description=A children's game designed in the same spirit of the Hi-Res Adventure series (Mission:Asteroid, Mystery House, etc.).<br><br>A dragon has captured 16 animals (a dog, a bird, a fish, a turtle, a cat, a squirrel, a rabbit, a pig, a bear, a monkey, a cow, a calf, a hen, a puppy, a frog, and a raccoon) that must be freed.<br><br>Starting at your home, you travel to different locations to find all the animals that the dragon has captured.  Watch out for the dragon.  If you see him, you can't free the animal in the same picture.<br><br>Young adventurers simply choose their action from a short list of choices.  The adventure world is very small and the animals are easily found by looking everywhere.

[The Dreadnaught Factor]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 5200|Intellivision
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dreadnaught-factor
Description=The Zorban Dreadnaughts are spaceships that are 140,000 feet long and weigh 970 megatons, making them the largest, most heavily armoured spaceships ever created. A fleet of these large battlecraft are now heading towards your home planet, and it is your job to stop them! The game is played from a side scrolling overhead point of view as your small but agile spaceship flies past the dreadnaughts. On each pass your spaceship makes, you need to try and bomb as many of the energy vents as possible. When all energy vents on a dreadnaught are destroyed, that dreadnaught will explode. Time is limited, though, and if you make too many passes to destroy the energy vents the dreadnaught will be within firing range of your home planet and will destroy it. Each of the dreadnaughts are heavily armed; guns, canons, missiles, and other weapons are located on each dreadnaught and will be trying their best to end your mission. Multiple skill levels are included which alter the number of dreadnaughts you must destroy, as well as their speed and firing capabilities.

[Drelbs]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/drelbs
Description=Drelbs is loosely inspired by the paper-based game played on a grid of dots, in which players draw lines alternately, with the intention of forming more squares than their opponent. The similarities end there; in Drelbs you represent the only member of the Drelb race who has not been imprisoned by the evil Trolloboars. Members of the Gorgolyte race and Trolloboar tanks are targeting you.<br><br>A set of randomly-arranged lines are already in place, and contact with them pushes them in the direction of contact. Forming a complete square locks it into place, and it turns into either a monster (causing death on contact), a woman (resulting in bonus points on contact) or a barrier. They will randomly change into stairways, which can lead you into a bonus room.

[Drol]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC-88
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/drol
Description=Drol is a platform game where you play a cute robot that can fly and shoot. Your goal is to rescue children that are wandering around each level. The levels consist of rows of platforms, with gaps which can be jumped through to go up or down a vertical level. The creatures to avoid and shoot vary from strange hopping, beer-belly aliens, to demons, snakes, and axes flying through the air (we never do find out who's throwing those axes!).<br><br>Like Defender, Drol incorporates a "radar"  at the top of the screen, so you can find the children and dodge incoming baddies.

[Dropzone]
Publisher=U.S. Gold Ltd.
Developer=Arena Graphics
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Boy Advance|Game Gear|Game Boy Color|NES|SNES
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dropzone
Description=Dropzone was the first game to propel Archer Maclean to stardom. The game, originally written for the 8-bit Ataris, is basically a Defender clone, but popular because it so closely recreates the gameplay of the original Defender, with its speedy scrolling and frantic gameplay.<br><br>The player is a spaceman with a jet-pack, flying across a barren landscape whose skies are inhabited by a number of different aliens; from the simple Planter to the slowly advancing Blunder Storm or the quick, aggressive Nemesite. <br><br>Planters and Nemesites will try to pickup the small men walking on the surface, who must then be rescued. You must shoot down the alien, while avoiding to hit the man. Sometimes, the aliens will carry an android, which is similar to the human but deadly. Care must be taken so as to not pick up the androids. All men must be transported to a surface base, where they are put in safety. This is the Dropzone.

[Druid]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/druid
Description=Druid is an action game inspired by the arcade hit Gauntlet. As the eponymous hero, your job is to destroy four magic skulls hidden over eight levels. <br><br>The game is presented in a top-down view. The druid walks around the terrain seeking out the staircase that leads to the next level. On the way, he is harassed by hordes of monsters that come out of every direction and attack him, decreasing his health. To defend himself, the druid can use the spells of water, fire or electricity to toss projectiles. However, these magical weapons have limited ammo. <br><br>The druid also has three other magical spells at his disposal - an invisibility spell which prevents the monsters from automatically approaching him, a golem spell which summons a helpful golem (which can be controlled by a second player), and a skull spell which destroys all on-screen enemies. The druid also carries around keys which open locked doors. But all these have very limited supplies. <br><br>On his way, the druid finds many shops. Each such shop contains some keys or charges for the druid's spells, but the druid can only pick one item from each shop. <br><br>The druid can also come across a pentagram on the ground which will restore his lost health.

[Ducks Ahoy!]
Publisher=CBS Software
Developer=Joyce Hakansson Associates, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ducks-ahoy
Description=Ducks Ahoy! is a simple game, taking place in Venice. On the screen you see some houses, the canal and the beach (on the top). The player is in control of a boat which can carry 2 ducks at the same time.<br>The ducks start to walk around the houses slowly getting to the exit where they just jump out into the open no matter if there is a boat waiting for them or it's just water.<br>The aim is to catch the ducks with the boat and deliver them to the beach. To make things more difficult there's a hippo in the water swimming around (always where the bubbles on the surface are). If the hippo catches the boat the player loses a life. After 10 ducks are delivered to the beach they start to sing and the the game restarts, increasing the difficulty by making the ducks faster.

[Dungeon Campaign]
Publisher=Image Computer Products
Developer=Synergistic Software, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dungeon-campaign
Description=Released in 1978 for the Apple II, Dungeon Campaign is one of the earliest role-playing games for home computers, and in a way again, like Beneath Apple Manor of the same year, an obscure Rogue-like -- two years before Rogue actually coined the term. Dungeon Campaign is a basic fantasy dungeon crawl that doesn't even care about a background story -- enter dungeon, slay monsters, amass treasures, find exit. Not even a fabulous all-powerful item to be found here! Unusual is that you do not control a single character, but rather a fighting force of 25 men -- who, effectively, represent your "hit points".<br><br>The game starts out by generating the four random dungeon levels you'll be exploring. This takes a few minutes, but as the maps are shown on-screen while generated, you can try to memorize them.<br><br>After this "introductory cutscene" begins the game proper. In a classic top-down view, you guide your party (a red block) through the level's maze. All commands are entered by key presses, using "LRUD" for walking left, right, up or down which needs getting used to.<br><br>You'll soon encounter green blocks -- groups of werewolves, vampires, orcs, goblins, basilisks, giant spiders, gargoyles, trolls, griffons and whatnot. Walk onto them to pick a fight, walk the other way to try evade -- some monsters are slow an can be evaded, while others will catch you.<br><br>Combat is done in a basic manner: Dices are rolled for you and the opponent; depending on the result, your and the enemies' losses are computed; last man standing's the winner. An interesting twist is that the dice rolls are interactive: Random numbers scroll up the text window, with you pressing a key to stop them when you feel lucky.<br><br>After a successful fight, you can search to find and grab any treasure carried by the defeated enemy. Sometimes you'll find a magic carpet, with which you can fly, making you randomly fly about the current level -- great for exploring, and indispensable for reaching parts of the map that cannot be reached. (Yes, map-generation isn't so sophisticated ;)<br><br>After a certain time spent on a level, you'll wake a special monster (grey block) who'll begin to chase you. If he catches you, you'll lose one of your party. On earliers levels, this block represents a "man-eating dragon" who is quite easy to escape, deeper levels feature a giant snake chasing you in real-time, or a spectre who, not being restricted by walls, goes directly for you and is sure to get you after some time.<br><br>Other hazards found in the maze include pits, necromancers or pteridactyls (sic!) that transport you to other parts of the level, or even to other levels (the abundance of these makes this game somewhat similar to the "Snakes and Ladders" board game), or areas with poisoned gas that you'll have to leave quickly (in real-time, again). You get a warning if you're next to one of these danger, but not you're not told where exactly it is. You can try to jump over a square where you suspect some dangers -- this feature can also be used to move quickly, for example to escape enemy monsters.<br><br>The main goal, of course, is to find the stairs down to the fourth level and find the exit.

[Dunjonquest: Curse of Ra]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dunjonquest-curse-of-ra
Description=The second in a series of expansion modules for Temple of Apshai.  (You must have Temple of Apshai to use it.)  This one takes place in ancient Egypt.  The player's quest is to recover four treasures from four "great constructs."

[Dunjonquest: Morloc's Tower]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|PC Booter|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dunjonquest-morlocs-tower
Description=As the adventurer Brian Hammerhand you have to defeat the Wizard Morloc the Mad in his Tower. The towers stairways comprise Rooms 1-6. With the exception of the ground floor, which has been assigned the next several room numbers, rooms with odd numbers are on Floors 1, 3, and 5, and rooms with even numbers are on Floors 2, 4, and 6. The higher the number, the higher the floor on which the room is located. While your journey you meet many bad creatures and you will find some magic and helpful treasures.<br>A 2D text based RPG written in BASIC.

[Dunjonquest: Temple of Apshai]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dunjonquest-temple-of-apshai
Description=Temple of Apshai is the first in Automated Simulations' Dunjonquest series of role-playing games series and one of the first computer role-playing games. <br><br>The game could be described as a graphical "roguelike", but actually it resembles the mainframe classic DND more, as you cannot see the whole level, but only your surroundings. Furthermore, the level maps are not randomized like in Rogue. Still, the gameplay has a lot in common with Rogue and other early dungeon crawls: A solo character explores a monster-infested, multi-level dungeon to grab some treasure, everything in top-down view.<br><br>The game starts at the Innkeeper by creating a new character (if you already played the game, you can use characters that you created). You get different stat values (in Dungeons & Dragons style) as well as an amount of money that you can spend on weapons, armor and other equipment. Alternatively, you can just enter the stats to "import" characters from other role-playing games. (This is also used as a primitive "save / load game" mechanism.)<br><br>After character generation, you enter the dungeons. On the left, the current room of the dungeon is displayed; the character status and other info are displayed on the right. One thing that sets Temple of Apshai apart from other rpg is that the manual contains detailed room descriptions for each room (that may contain hints about traps or treasures), to create atmosphere despite crude graphics.<br><br>You move about and perform actions like opening doors, firing arrows, examining walls for secret doors etc. by pressing key commands. Moving is also done without cursor keys: You turn your character into the direction you want to go and then move him forward by 1 to 9 steps, also selectable by single keystrokes. But take care of fatigue: If you keep running all the time, your fatigue rises, and if it reaches 100%, you cannot move or act for some time -- which can be deadly in the presence of, say, a Giant Bombardier Beetle.<br><br>Each room may contain treasures to pick up (sometimes just trash, sometimes gold, sometimes useful items), secret doors which lead to hidden parts of the dungeon and traps, which obviously should be avoided (you can try to search for them). Of course, you will also encounter monsters -- a variety of undead or giant insects -- which you have to fight using turn-based combat. Apart from the normal attack, there is also the thrust (which is more effective, but risky), and you can also fire arrows at distance or parry. To avoid a fight, you may also try to speak to them.<br><br>If you return to the Innkeeper, you gain experience, which increases your stats. Still, if you quit the game, the only way to save your character is to write down the stats on paper and re-entering them the next time you play.

[Dunjonquest: The Datestones of Ryn]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dunjonquest-the-datestones-of-ryn
Description=You, Brian Hammerhand, mercenary at large, presently least senior officer of the cavalry troop, and drawer of the shortest straw, have the singular honor of undertaking this hazardous but glorious mission. Will you emerge victorious, carrying the <br>sacred stones and the head of Rex the Reaver, or will you meet ignominious defeat, pierced through by a cold steel blade thrust from the shadows? The honor of the duchy is in your hands. A 2D text based RPG written in BASIC.

[Dunjonquest: Upper Reaches of Apshai]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/dunjonquest-upper-reaches-of-apshai
Description=Upper Reaches of Apshai is an expansion module for Temple of Apshai, featuring a new dungeon (four levels with 150 rooms), and even something like a background story: You have to discover the secrets of Benedict's monastery and the cottage of Merlis the Mage.<br><br>Otherwise, gameplay is pretty much the same and resembles other graphical Roguelikes / mainframe DND-Clones: You're in control of a solo character, running through a dungeon, killing monster, getting experience, evading traps and finding treasures.

[Earthquake San Francisco 1906]
Publisher=Prism Leisure Corporation Plc
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1986
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/earthquake-san-francisco-1906
Description=Earthquake San Francisco 1906 is the fourth game in the Other Venture series, again by Jyym Pearson. This text adventure takes you back to April 19, 1906, San Francisco. One of the most violent earthquakes in recent history hit early that morning. Researched and historically accurate - the city is aflame, and you must escape and survive.

[Eastern Front (1941)]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/eastern-front-1941
Description=A strategic turn-based wargame for the Atari 8-Bit computer line. Eastern Front puts you in charge of the German armada as they start their infamous Russian campaign, or as it was known at the time "Operation Barbarossa". The game is played from an overhead scrolling map that encompasses the entire eastern European theater,  and from which you select your units and issue orders based on their action points and strength which are defined by their appropriate control zones. Isolate units, and their strength starts to go down proportionally.<br><br>Only 1-player mode is supported against an AI that actually processes its moves between turns, giving out finer solutions the longer the player takes to make his moves.

[The Eidolon]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Lucasfilm Games LLC
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX|PC-88|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/eidolon
Description=You control a mysterious 19th-century machine named "The Eidolon" through mysterious caves.   Collect and create fireballs and encounter strange creatures like 'Greps', 'Biter Birds', 'Bottlenecks', 'Rotoflies', 'Puffer Birds' ,and 'Guardian Dragons'.   Each type of fireball you collect has different effects.  For instance Blue fireballs freeze time, and green fireballs transform one monster into another type.<br><br>This is an early first-person shooter with full 3D panoramic graphics.  This was achieved with the use of Lucasfilm Games 3D fractal technology (also used in Rescue on Fractalus and Koronis Rift)

[Elektraglide]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=English Software Company, The
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/elektraglide
Description=Elektraglide is a futuristic motorcycle driving game where the player chooses to drive in one of three countries, England, Australia, or America.<br><br>On the road, there are many strange obstacles such as bouncing globes, spinning prisms, and airplanes that drop tall screens in your path. You are racing against the clock, so you must swerve around these obstacles because hitting them will force you to stop and cause you to lose time.

[The Eliminator]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|TRS-80
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/eliminator_
Description=A home computer version of the Williams Electronics' coin-op game Defender.  Your goal is to pilot your fast moving spaceship over the ground and destroy waves of alien marauders.  Additionally in the TRS-80 version you must prevent the alien hoards from recovering your energizers from the surface.

[Enchanter]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=0.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/enchanter
Description=You are a dim ignorant Apprentice Enchanter, but your task is enormous.  You must save the world from a Warlock who is ruling the land with his evil powers.  You are not the first in this quest but hopefully you will be the first to succeed.  <br>You know  the basics of magic and will have the chance to learn many spells. Keep your wits and use everything you can to your benefit.<br><br>Difficulty Level: Standard<br><br>Original C=64 Grey Box Shipped with the following Contents:<br>Booklet - A Brief History of Magic By Gustar Woormax, Ancient Scroll from the Circle of Enchanters, Official Wax Seal.

[Enchanter Trilogy]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/enchanter-trilogy
Description=This compilation contains:<br><br>1. Enchanter<br>2. Sorcerer<br>3. Spellbreaker

[Encounter!]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Novagen Software Ltd
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/encounter-
Description=Encounter! is a fast paced arcade game set in a sci-fi environment which features fast moving three dimensional graphics. You command a probe vehicle with which you have to shoot down enemy saucers and homing missiles. When you have shot down the required number of enemies on one level (usually around 10-20) you get the chance to go through a "stargate". In the stargate you have to navigate through a hail of spheres coming at you at high speed. If you succeed you get to a new planet in different color scheme, if you fail you'll have to replay the previous planet. There's eight levels in total.

[Escape from Pulsar 7]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/escape-from-pulsar-7
Description=Escape From Pulsar 7 is the fourth title in the Mysterious Adventure series of illustrated text adventures by Brian Howarth.  It has a science-fiction theme influenced by the hit film "Alien". The player finds themselves trapped alone on a giant space ship. The rest of the crew are dead, killed by a mutated zoo specimen.<br><br>The player's goal is ultimately that they must escape the ship in a life pod to avoid being the creature's next meal. Explore the bunks of your comrades to find the tools needed. Only useful items can be taken, so the gameplay is quite linear, with several maze sections.<br><br>These games used the Scott Adams adventure engine, and thus also have the same features - a basic 2-word parser, small vocabulary, and brief descriptions. They were similar to other adventures of the time.

[Escape from Traam]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/escape-from-traam
Description=Escape from Traam is the third game in the Other Venture series, by Jyym Pearson. It uses an adapted version of the Scott Adams adventure engine used by the main adventure series. In this one, your space cruiser has crash landed on a bizarre distant world, Traam. This dangerous world is replete with wonders human eyes have never beheld. Your goal - to escape home, alive.

[Espial]
Publisher=Tigervision
Developer=Orca Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/espial
Description=You are a space attack pilot flying at death range over a gigantic space ship. You must fight through the never ending waves of enemy craft while also firing missiles at the ship itself. Good luck!<br><br>You control your ship with the joystick. To fire, simply press the button. You will fire lasers and missiles simultaneously. The missiles will strike where the cross hair in front of your ship is at the time they are launched. Beware of shots fired at you and do not run into anything that flies.

[Essex]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/essex
Description=In this real time all-text game, a sightseeing tour of the Starship Essex turns into hard work when a dying agent recruits you to find a scientist and his formula, the only tool that will empower the Federation to defeat the alien Vollchons.<br><br>The hardbound book that comes with the game includes the instructions and a novella-length introduction to the plot.

[The Eternal Dagger]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/eternal-dagger
Description=This sequel to SSI's The Wizard's Crown plays very much like the original. It's a fantasy RPG where you assemble a party of adventurers and explore a map.  In this game, the world is being invaded by Demons coming in from a portal to another dimension, and your job is to find the one item that can seal the portal, The Eternal Dagger.<br><br>Like Wizard's Crown, this game is notable for it's detailed, tactical combat system which was a step beyond other RPGs of the era. There was also a "quick combat" mode if you didn't want to spend the time in the tactical mode, allowing you to focus more on conventional RPG features such as exploration.

[E.T. Phone Home!]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/et-phone-home
Description=In 1982, Atari created E.T. for the 2600, which notoriously turned out to be one of the biggest flops in videogame history.<br><br>One might be tempted to think that E.T. Phone Home is simply a translation of that awful game for the Atari 8-bit computer systems.   However, it turns out that E.T. Phone Home is a completely different game than E.T. for the 2600.  <br><br>That's not to say that there aren't similarities, because there are.  <br><br>In this game, you play Elliot.   You have to search your neighborhood for pieces that ET wants to build his transmitter.  Depending on the level, you may or may not need all the pieces to complete the game.   It's also possible to communicate "telepathically" with ET to get a reminder of which pieces he is looking for.<br><br>As Elliot looks for the pieces, he is pursued by a number of men who are trying to stop him from completing his task.  The game ends when Elliot gets enough of the pieces.

[Eureka]
Publisher=Mirage Software
Developer=Opacus Chiroptera
Released=May, 1992
Systems=
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/eureka_
Description=Eureka is a puzzle game where your goal is to arrange gems (which come in various types) into specific designs. The design you have to make is on the left of the screen, and your current arrangement of gems is on the right. By clicking on a gem here, you turn it into another type of gem - when you click it multiple times, it cycles between various types of gems (the sequence is shown at the top of the screen) and finally disappears, with all the gems above it falling down. Clicking on a gem also changes the four games around it - but these neighbouring gems cycle forward by two types of gems instead of one. <br><br>There are 50 levels. If you get stuck, you can press Space to restart the level, but you have a life when you can do this. If you run out of time, the level restarts and you lose a life, too.

[Exodus: Ultima III]
Publisher=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Developer=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/exodus-ultima-iii
Description=The third title in the Ultima series, this was the first game in the series to feature a party of adventurers instead of a single player. It also had large, detailed towns with many people to talk to, and a separate combat engine where your party fought multiple monsters in a turn-based tile-based system.<br><br>The story? After the defeat of the evil wizard Mondain and his mistress Minax in the previous two Ultimas, peace has returned to the land of Sorsaria. Times passes and eventually geological disruptions and a resurgence of the monster populace occur, and it is soon learned that Mondain and Minax had conceived a child named "Exodus" before their death. Now that child has become an adult with the power to avenge the death of his parents. Obviously, it falls upon you the hero to find and stop him.

[F-15 Strike Eagle]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Gear|MSX|NES|PC-98|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/f-15-strike-eagle
Description=The seven missions featured in this simulation of F-15 flight are all real-life missions the plane was originally used in. They take in the Middle East and Asia in the 1970s and early 1980s, and have air and ground targets to destroy. You have machine guns, guided missiles and bombs at your disposal. There is an arcade mode and 3 further difficulty levels. The game features 3 enemy aircraft and 3 types of enemy SAMs.

[FaceMaker]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/facemaker
Description=Everyone's mothers always say "Don't make those faces! They'll stay like that!" But now you have the chance to make the silliest looking faces anyone's ever seen!<br><br>Choose from a wide assortment of eyes, ears, noses, and mouths. Then make your newly created faces blink, wiggle their ears, wink, or razz you. You can even play a "Simon Says.." type game where your face will do some kind of action and you have to follow along!

[Fantastic Four]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fantastic-four
Description=The 3rd installment of Questprobe's Marvel Comic book text adventures with graphics.<br>Free Alicia Masters from the evil Doctor Doom by playing the Thing and the Human Torch.  You can switch between the 2 characters at any time during gameplay.

[Fantastic Voyage]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fantastic-voyage
Description=Fantastic Voyage is a vertically scrolling shooter for one player. The premise of the game follows that of the 1966 movie of the same name; you and your submarine have been miniaturized and injected into the blood stream of an ill patient. Your goal is to prevent the patient from dieing by locating deadly blood clots and destroying them. In each level you will guide the submarine through the blood vessels and need to avoid the many obstacles you'll encounter such as bacteria and clotlets. The submarine is equipped with a laser ray which can be used to shoot these obstacles. There are also helpful items as well; some phases have numerous blood cells (don't shoot these, the patient needs them!) and enzymes (shoot these to release their healing properties). When you make it past all of the obstacles and through the narrow passage ways, the blood clot can be found; once destroyed you move on to the next level. If you crash too many times or fail to destroy the clot, the patient dies and the game is over. Several game options are included which control the difficulty and length of each level.

[Fast Eddie]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fast-eddie
Description=As Fast Eddie, you must go from floor to floor, collecting prizes.<br><br>Up to two prizes will be on the screen at any one time on any floor but the top one. There are a max on ten prizes per screen. On each floor, a Sneaker stands or roams back and forth. You move to another floor or jump to avoid the Sneakers. On the top floor is High-Top, the tallest Sneaker.<br><br>You have to get at least nine prizes. After you get the ninth, High-Top will be low enough to jump over. You then jump over him to get the key above him. Then it is on the the next screen.<br><br>You get ten points for the first prize, twenty for the second, and so on up to ninety points for prizes nine and ten. You don't HAVE to get the tenth prize unless you want the extra ninety points.<br><br>After every screen, you get an extra Eddie; up to a maximum of three in reserve.

[Feud]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Binary Design, Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/feud
Description=Wizards Learic and Leanoric have a long-standing feud, and would do anything to see off their rival. As Learic, this is your task. <br><br>Collecting herbs to cast spells is the main basis of the game. There are 24 herbs and flowers to be collected, which are used to make one of 12 spells (the herbs are only used for 1 spell, so theres no need to decide which spell youd prefer to have access to). You can use a combination of the spells (including a teleporter, invisibility and a fireball, which you must work our how to use). Leanorics direction relative to yourself is indicated by a compass.

[Field of Fire]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/field-of-fire
Description=Field of Fire is a historically accurate tactical game of WWII combat. You play the commander of Easy Company, one of the finest companies of the First Infantry Division. Your assignment is to lead Easy Company through eight of their historical battles in North Africa and Europe. The scenarios can be played separately (about 1-2 hours each) or can be played as a campaign (about 12-16 hours). There is a role playing element which allows you to change the name of each of your soldiers. Soldiers can also improve in skills from mission to mission. The enemy is directed by the computer and has three levels of difficulty.

[Fighter Pilot]
Publisher=Digital Integration Ltd.
Developer=Digital Integration Ltd.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fighter-pilot_
Description=An area of 15000 square miles is incorporated into this combat flight simulation from specialists Digital Integration. A full cockpit view is recreated, including gauges for airspeed and vertical speed. You can take off, land and shoot it out, with full practice modes on offer. Blind flying, cross winds and air turbulence are modelled accurately and can be used for a more advanced flying experience. A map is built in, as is full recreation of the targeting facilities of a F15.

[Fight Night]
Publisher=Accolade, Inc.
Developer=Sydney Development Corp.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Atari 7800|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fight-night
Description=Fight Night is a boxing game in which players box 11 different opponents on the way to the final match with the champ, Bronx Bomber. Each boxer has unique strengths and weaknesses, along with one specialised "super punch". There are four different modes of play; the single-player Main Event and the multi-player Tournament (on disk/cartridge versions only), and also Training and Sparring modes. Players can also create their own boxer, setting the appearance and abilities.

[Final Legacy]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/final-legacy
Description=This is a battle on three fronts. You are the captain of the ship Legacy. Your ultimate goal is to destroy the Warmongers' missile bases but you must also protect your cities.<br><br>You begin the game in command mode. You select your other modes with the joystick. Up for navigation,  down for torpedo, left for sea-to-air and right for sea-to-land. <br><br>Navigation<br>In navigation mode, you will see an overhead map of the world. You will note that there is a black dot in a black circle. This is you and the circle represents your effective range.  You move the circle about the screen to target ships or known missile bases or to refuel at a city. You use fuel only when you are in navigation mode. When you are within range, or if an enemy ships comes within your range, press the space bar to return to the command mode then change to the desired mode.<br><br>Torpedo<br>If you are within range of an enemy ship, switch to torpedo mode. In this mode, you will use the scanner at the bottom to line up your target. Move out of line to avoid a direct hit. Beware of war ship as they will chase you and have the most firepower. Hunter ships will also chase you. While their firepower is not as high as war ships, it is still fairly good. Intelligence ships have the  weakest firepower and will not chase you. They can be found on the right side of the screen. If one is destroyed and there are any hidden missile bases, there is a eighty percent chance a hidden base will be revealed.<br><br>Sea-to-land<br>If you want to destroy a missile base or refuel, enter sea-to-land mode. To refuel, get near a city then enter this mode. When you are in sea-to-land mode, you will know you are within range if you see "Dock for refueling" on the screen. You then place the cross hairs on the base of the city and wait for refueling to complete, unless you or a city are under attack. Do not use the fire button to exit or you will fire on your city. To destroy a missile base, position your cross hairs using the scanner on the screen until you are on a missile launcher then fire. Be advised that when you fire on a missile base, they will shoot missiles at a city.<br><br>Sea-to-air<br>If a city is under attach, switch to this mode. You will control a weapons satellite. Use you joystick, or the trak-ball , if you plugged one into port 2, to aim at an incoming missile and press fire to blast it. If it gets past you but has not reached your city, you get a "Refocusing" message and the view switches to a short range view where you will get one more try.<br><br> Be warned that ships can attack you no matter what mode you are in. On the easiest level, there are no hidden bases nor do you use fuel.

[Fireball 1k]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Jul 08, 2008
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fireball-1k
Description=Fireball 1k was developed for the annual Mini Game Competition and was an entry for the 1k size category.<br><br>In this shooting game, you control a ship which can move left and right along a blue line near the bottom of the screen. Bricks fall from the top of the screen; they have varying speeds - some fall slowly, some fall very fast. By pressing the Fire button, you can shoot a fireball which will destroy any bricks that get in its way. As time passes, more and more bricks begin to fall. <br><br>If a brick falls beyond the blue line, then the line will rise a little along with your ship. If you miss a lot of bricks, you'll soon find yourself close to the top of the screen, making it harder to hit bricks in time. The bricks harm you and decrease your energy when they touch you. <br><br>Shooting bricks makes the blue line descend back. If the blue line is all the way down, then shooting bricks will give you some energy.

[Firebird]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/firebird
Description=You are Piggo the firefighter and your job is to put out the fires caused by the Firebird.  You control the left and right movement of a ladder along the front of a building and the up and down movement of Piggo on his ladder.  You spray water in the windows of the building to put out the random fires popping up everywhere.

[Flight Simulator II]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC-98|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/flight-simulator-ii
Description=If there were any doubt as to the quality of Flight Simulator II, it should be dispelled by the knowledge that SubLOGIC went to the FAA for approval of its use in flight training.  Whether or not they actually got the approvalremember this was 1984, and such application of personal computers was new groundthey attempted to create a realistic flight simulator.<br><br>This flight simulator simulates a real aircraft, the Piper PA-23-181 Archer II.  For those with the knowledge, it offers practice with the variables of flight, including the avionics. The Atari ST-release (1986), instead, simulates the Cessna 182 single engine propeller aircraft and the Gates Learjet 25G twin engine jet. <br><br>The simulator was considered to be a second generation product.  It had many more features than first generation flight simulators, and pilots were expected to pay attention to small details.  SubLOGIC encouraged the users of the game to go to flight stores and purchase flight-training manuals and aeronautical charts to help them understand the variables within the program.  The game was oriented toward pilots-in-training, but there were options for non pilots too: the company included an easy mode, and a slightly more detailed reality mode.  These modes did not require the same level of knowledge.<br><br>Flight Simulator II was also packaged with a WWI dogfighting game, called WWI Ace.  In this game your plane is armed with bombs, machine guns, and a radar screen.  The radar screen is anachronistic for a game set in World War I, but it is there to help gameplay.

[Flip and Flop]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/flip-and-flop
Description=This is an isometric tile jumping game where you control Flip the Kangaroo or Flop the monkey attempting to outrun a zoo keeper and light all marked tiles. The main difference between kangaroo and monkey game play lies in the fact that monkey levels are played upside down with Flop hanging upside down on the ceiling. Levels become progressively more complicated and change color with each attempt.

[Floyd of the Jungle]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/floyd-of-the-jungle
Description=In this game, you and two other men, George and Floyd, are on a mission to rescue a girl who is lost in the jungle. All three of you need to look out for alligators, elephants, birds, and many other wildlife that inhabit the jungle. Birds and Pigmies can be picked up for points. As stated earlier, you need to rescue the girl who is lost in the jungle, but if George or Floyd get to her before you do, you will have to restart the level. A "handicap" option is available.<br><br>On Atari 8-bit you could play 4 players simultaneously.

[Floyd of the Jungle (Version II)]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/floyd-of-the-jungle-version-ii
Description=The game is a remake of original Floyd of the Jungle with the  following changes:<br><br>1. Game is rewritten in machine language and doesn't require BASIC anymore;<br>2. Now single or multi-player race is flown against computer Floyds (if number of players is less than 4 else all players are humans); <br>3. A demo mode is available;<br>4. In-game music is present;<br>5. Screens and fonts are slightly changed.

[Fooblitzky]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fooblitzky
Description=Fooblitzky was Infocom's attempt at changing their image in three ways: by making a graphic, multiplayer, strategy game.<br><br>The concept was kind of a scavenger hunt, where players would run around town, spend money. collect clues and deduce what the four objects were to win the game.<br><br>It used many off-computer components, including folding maps/notebooks.

[Food Fight]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1987
Systems=Atari 7800
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/food-fight
Description=You play as Charley trying to eat an ice cream cone. But first you must avoid the chefs that are out to get you: Angelo, Zorba, Oscar, and Jacques. Avoid the food thrown at you by the chefs to get the cone. You can also throw your own food at the chefs to slow them down.

[Footballer of the Year]
Publisher=Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
Developer=Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/footballer-of-the-year
Description=Footballer of the Year sees you taking total control of the career of an aspiring striker with a Division 4 team, with the Footballer of the Year award the ultimate goal. You start with a small amount of money, which is used to buy goal cards; each of these sets you up a chance in a match. Up to three can be played in each game, making Hat-Tricks a possibility.<br><br>The action sequences involve studying a move plan on the chalkboard, then getting into the right position to execute the final shot. Fail to score enough goals and you may lose your place in the team; do especially well and you may gain a transfer up the league.

[Football Manager]
Publisher=Addictive Games Ltd
Developer=Addictive Games Ltd
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Dragon 32/64|MSX|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/football-manager
Description=The football management game style has been one of the most enduring since Kevin Toms pioneered it in 1982. You start in the 4th division with the team of your choice, and can play on indefinitely in the hope of reaching the top division and dominating it, as well as winning the cups. Players can be bought or sold, with their transfer values varying according to the size of any bid. Their skills and morale vary as the season goes on, with resting key players in easy matches often a key move. You can take out a loan, limited depending on your division, while day-to-day bills must be covered. Matches feature short animated highlights sequences of key moments.

[Forbidden Forest]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/forbidden-forest
Description=This game is one of Paul Norman's first creations. You are in the middle of what is called the Forbidden Forest. You go along in a game shooting various enemy creatures that are in the forest. At the end of the game, you are fighting the mysterious demogorgon, that is in the shape of an owl when nighttime falls. Choose from four different levels of difficulty.

[Fort Apocalypse]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fort-apocalypse
Description=The war with the Kralthans is on, and they've taken prisoners. These people must be rescued from the Draconis caves and the Crystaline caves that are located just outside the Kralthan main command center, Fort Apocalypse. The Fort is too powerful to attack directly, but perhaps a single rocket copter, carefully controlled might be able to do what an army cannot. However the caves are narrow and the enemy has still setup impact shields, defenses and Hyper-Chambers within their depths. <br><br>Fort Apocalypse is a 4-way side-scrolling game, somewhat similar to Choplifter. The player takes the seat of a "rocket copter" and can move up, down, as well as left and right. However this helicopter takes time to turn between left and right perspectives, facing the "front" of the screen. While facing the front, the player is able to drop powerful plasma bombs which can destroy heavy weapons and doors. When facing directly left or right, the weapon used is a more maneuverable but weaker interceptor rocket. Displayed on the screen is a "Navatron", which functions as a radar showing terrain and enemies not yet on the map. Prisoners, once found can be landed on top of them in order to rescue them. There are also "Hyper-Chambers", which are glowing teleporters to other Hyper Chambers located on the same level. Fuel is constantly consumed while flying, but can be recharged at Fuel depots scattered throughout the level. There are also separate Landing Pads which will be the point at which a new helicopter is given to the player, should they be defeated in battle.<br> <br><br>Enemies include laser beams, teleporting rocks, breakable walls, self-propelled mines (SPM), armored tanks (which can only be destroyed from their treads), alien droids and hostile robo-choppers.

[Fortress]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Iconographics
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fortress__
Description=Fortress is a fast paced computer game in which two rival lords seek to gain domination over the countryside. A player  is assigned the role of the White or Black lord. At the beginning of the game, the rectangular field, consisting of 6 columns and 6 rows, is empty. There is a total of 21 turns for each game. Players will start by building a castle or reinforcing an existing one during each turn. Castles can be defeated if the player attacking has a higher strength value to their castle. Equal strength value will put the castle being attacked under siege. Reinforcing the castle will increase the strength of the castle. The goal is to control the most territory by the end of the game.

[Fortress Underground]
Publisher=Kingsoft GmbH
Developer=Kingsoft GmbH
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/fortress-underground
Description=A hostile power station has been discovered in a huge underground cavern.  Your mission is to destroy it.  Your battle chopper is equiped with a cannon and a limited supply of fuel.  As you navigate the maze-like cavern avoid the bad guys shooting at you and head for the nearest way-point where you can rest for a minute, save your game and refuel your helicopter.

[Frogger]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BREW|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|Game.Com|Game Boy Color|Genesis|Intellivision|J2ME|Macintosh|MSX|Odyssey 2|PC Booter|SNES|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20|Xbox 360
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/frogger
Description=Your task in this arcade conversion is to guide a frog across a treacherous road and river, and to safety at the top of the screen. Both these sections are fraught with a variety of hazards, each of which will kill the frog and cost you a life if contact is made.<br><br>The road is full of cars and trucks, at variable speeds. The river water itself is fatal, as are the snakes which hover within on later levels. Frogger must use the arrangement of logs, turtles (which are only there for a short time) and alligators (but stay away form their faces), and then jump into one of the open home-cells, ideally one containing a fly for extra points. Once all holes have been filled, you move onto the next, harder, level.

[Frogger II: ThreeeDeep!]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Parker Brothers
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/frogger-ii-threeedeep
Description=In Frogger II, you need to guide your frog to safety in three different locations. Starting out underwater, reach the top of the pond while avoiding dangerous alligators and fish (you can ride a turtle for safety!). Once on top of the pond, hop across logs, birds, and even a whale to the life preserver trailing behind a tugboat. In the third location you have to hop across a flock of birds to reach a cloud at the top of the screen. Each frog has a time limit to safely reach one of the homes on each of the three screens. You move on to the next level when a frog has safely reached each of the homes on all screens.

[Full Throttle]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/full-throttle-
Description=This early motorcycle racing game uses an enhanced version of the 3D Deathchase game engine. This time the view is from behind your bike, so this is visible on screen. The road itself moves sideways, a detail which is part of fairly advanced 3D routines for the time. Contact with the 39 computer bikes will cause your bike to slow, and probably cost you several places. 11 circuits are featured, including favourites such as Spa, Donington and Misano. Races can be set for up to five laps, and times are recorded for comparisons.

[Galaxian]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Namco Limited
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC Booter|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/galaxian
Description=Galaxian is a shoot 'em up in which the player is at the bottom of the screen, with an arrangement of aliens at the top. The player moves left and right to aim at an alien, then shoots a bullet up the screen, and the alien it hits is killed. The aliens are classed as Drones, Emissaries, Hornets and Commanders, with those higher up the screen scoring more points when destroyed. At set intervals an enemy will move down the screen towards you, escorting a bomber, which is a moment of high danger. Clear a wave and another is generated.

[Galaxy]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/galaxy
Description=As Fleet Admiral of a newly commissioned starship armada you send your ships from the home planet to explore the unknown resources of the stars. The planets circling those stars may be barren or they may have industrial capacity and will resist your colonization attempts. It is up to you whether to conquer and colonize those worlds, and convert them to producing new ships for continued expansion, and to bring the entire galaxy under your control. Galaxy can be played by as many as 20 players who compete against each other for control of up to 40 star systems. If you are playing multiplayer, the person controlling the most planets at game end is the winner. The computer produces a different galaxy every game.

[Gateway to Apshai]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Connelley Group, The
Released=1983
Systems=ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gateway-to-apshai
Description=Turmoil rocks the land and the only salvation lies in the magic of the Temple of Apshai. Unfortunately the location of this temple has gotten lost in time. Furthermore, many heros dispatched to seek it have been slain. A legend speaks that only the blood of the greatest hero of Apshai's greatest hero will be able to reclaim the lost Temple of Apshai. Unfortunately this "greatest hero" has also perished. But all hope is not lost, for the wise man, Merlis has  found the hero's son, whose blood is still able to fulfill the prophesy. With great haste, Merlis brings the youngster to the dungeon pits and leaves him to fend for himself. It is this youngster's destiny to find safe passage through the 8 levels, each of which contains passage to 99 different areas,<br><br>Gateway to Apshai is a top-down action-RPG. As the desendant of a hero, the player starts with basic stats in 4 areas, Strength, Agility, Luck and Health. and basic equipment, a dagger and leather armor. Then it's time to choose a number between 1 and 99 to generate the dungeon. Once begun, the player must explore the dungeon, hidden until explored and revealed. The player can move in four directions and has standard abilities, each mapped to a different control. There are several different actions available to the player. These include: fighting with the equipped weapon, a LOCATE spell to discover traps in the room, a SEARCH spell to discover hidden doors inside of room which would otherwise look like ordinary walls.  Players may also use many of the items and scrolls that can be picked up in the dungeon. The treasure can be picked up which include weaponry (swords, bows and arrows), healing slaves, precious items and magical scrolls. Most items are only good for a single use.<br><br>The Gateway to Apshai is guarded by an assortment of creatures including snakes, swamp rats, bats and many more. These enemies are only visible when they are in the same room as the player and are otherwise hidden. After 6 minutes and 30 seconds has passed, the player is teleported to the next dungeon, many versions of the game also offer the option to manually leave the dungeon at any time. Dungeons get progressively more difficult with faster and more vicious enemies.

[GATO]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gato
Description=BACKGROUND<br><br>In Gato, you play the commander of a United States submarine in the Pacific Ocean during World War II against Japanese warships.<br><br>GAMEPLAY<br><br>Gato is a 3D real-time submarine simulation game. Gameplay consists of missions where the primary directive is to navigate your submarine to track and intercept (multiple) enemy warships (patrol boats, destroyers, etc.) on the randomly created map and close in for the kill with torpedoes.<br><br>Combat itself consists of a direct visual of enemy ships (via periscope) and firing torpedoes at the correct angle to ultimately sink the ship. Be warned that although you have the element of surprise, enemy ships can fire back! <br><br>When all hell breaks loose, an identified submarine is a sitting duck to those Japanese guns. Be prepared to direct your damage control team to fix up your damaged submarine ASAP! The mission ends when you have successfully eliminated all targets in the map.

[Gauntlet]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gauntlet__
Description=OVERVIEW<br><br>Programmed exclusively for the Atari 8-bit computers, Gauntlet (no relation to the popular Atari arcade game released one year later) was one of the earliest "cave-flyers ." It was also one of the earliest games that functioned in the shareware mode of distribution, though the word had not been coined yet, and was generally distributed on BBSes.<br><br>GAMEPLAY<br><br>In Gauntlet, you control a lander-like ship in a zero-gravity two-dimensional cave environment.  Pressing the joystick in any direction thrusts in that direction, and your lander maintains that direction's momentum until you thrust in the opposite direction.  Meanwhile, holding down the fire button while pointing in any direction fires the ship's weapons in that direction, allowing the player to drift in one direction while firing in any other direction.  However, the controls are simple and intuitive, and do not involve the complex physics and difficulty of control characteristic of more "realistic" lander-type games (indeed, at any moment you can press the X key to stop all movement whatsoever).  <br><br>Your ship can fire two kinds of weapons: fusion bolts, of which you have unlimited ammunition, and missiles, of which you begin with ten and are replenished periodically.  The fusion bolts are fired in a steady autofire, limited to six bolts on-screen at any given time, creating tiny explosions.  There are three kinds of missiles available: homing missiles that have their own damage capacity and thus can seek and destroy multiple smaller objects, dumbfire "flares" that are indestructible and damage everything in their path, and dumbfire "tridex" missiles that create large explosions.  The catch is that you must select which type you will use at the beginning of the game, and you cannot change it in-game, so you're stuck with what you pick.<br><br>In the same style as games like Scorched Earth, the environment in Gauntlet is completely destructible -- and in several screens you must blast your way through cave walls in order to progress to the next screen.  Thus, you can often get the odd satisfaction of seeing a pockmarked landscape after a particularly tough fight.  There is also, however, an option to play the game without any landscape whatsoever.<br><br>Your ship has a shield that begins with 30 damage points and, like everything else in the game, takes damage continuously as long as it is in contact with an explosion or some other object (so, if you're glanced by an object or an explosion, you may only take one damage point, but if you run right through an explosion, you can find you've lost 15 or 20).  Every screen you progress through you gain 2 more and are awarded 100 points for every point you have remaining.  Every 10,000 points, you are awarded an additional 10 damage points, up to a maximum of 99.  Thus, it is important to build up your shield in the early game so that it brings in enough points every one or two screens to replenish it via the 10,000-point bonus.<br><br>You progress from through fifty screens (thirty above-ground and twenty below), in which you face increasingly more difficult enemies and in which the action gets often gets fast and furious, as it were.  Enemies include homing mines that come after you if you get too close, ground installations that fire all sorts of guns and missiles at you (particularly the nasty homing ones), and all sorts of little alien ships whose firepower increases as you progress and who behave differently, some, for example, using the terrain to avoid your shots.  Throughout the game, you must use the terrain to your advantage and avoid revealing yourself to all enemies on-screen to avoid being swarmed.  Eventually, you face the Kingship on screen 50, a nasty bugger.<br><br>NOTEWORTHY TECHNICAL ASPECTS<br><br>One of the most noteworthy aspects of Gauntlet, beside its sophisticated treatment of movement and intertia, was the sheer number of moving objects it can have on the screen at once -- often ten or so enemies, six of your fusion bolts and scads of enemy shots and missiles.  Sight unseen, the author accomplished this impressive feat through very tidy assembly-language packed into 28k.  Few other action-arcade games matched the complexity and dynamism of the action and physics modeling in Gauntlet, and it might have received much more attention had Atari not released its coin-op hit Gauntlet (which was also ported, of course, to the Atari 8-bit) at roughly the same time.<br><br>According to the in-game blurb, there was also a significantly-upgraded registered version that played "a lot differently" than the shareware release.  However, as of this writing the registered version has not been seen among the publicly-shared Atari 8-bit disk images.  Some would be very excited if this registered version surfaced in the public domain or became otherwise available.


[Gauntlet: The Deeper Dungeons]
Publisher=U.S. Gold Ltd.
Developer=Gremlin Graphics Software Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gauntlet-the-deeper-dungeons
Description=This is an expansion pack for the original Gauntlet. It has 512 new action packed dungeons. Unfortunately there is no other new content besides the dungeons.

[Gemstone Warrior]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Paradigm Creators, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Macintosh|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gemstone-warrior
Description=The Gemstone Warrior is part action game, part adventure game.  Players work their way through an underground catacomb, doing three things at once.  First they need to find five pieces of a gemstone, spread throughout the maze.  Second they need to avoid getting killed by the guardians of the catacomb.  Finally they need to map the game, because the place is so large that it is easy to get lost.  Once the Gemstone Warrior has collected the five gemstone pieces, he needs to move back to the point where he began the game.<br><br>The hero has to go underground because of demons.  They stole the gemstone from humans, because they were jealous of the good magic it brought to humankind.  They broke it up and spread it throughout their dungeon, to hide it.<br><br>This game is not just a shoot-em-up.  It has many of the features of that style of game, but also gives players time to think.  It includes a pause which helps one map and also to freeze a room, to see what is running toward the Gemstone Warrior.   The game also has a save feature, which is useful just before entering a new room: if the Gemstone Warrior is ambushed, players can give him another chance.<br><br>After killing opponents, the Gemstone Warrior has the opportunity to search the bodies for treasure.  Monsters carry arrows, and also "magic bolts."  The last are interesting, as they destroy treasure too, as well as the Gemstone Warrior, should he be too close to the explosion.  Magic items abound, and help the warrior make it through the caverns.  Some magic items are traps too; there is a healing potion bottle that is similar to a poison bottle.  Other magic items include effects to freeze opponents, turn the warrior invisible, hide him among monsters with an illusion, annihilate all opponents in the current cavern, and cure disease.

[Getaway!]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/getaway_
Description=Stealing money is the aim of the driver you play in Getaway!, in an overhead-view city spread across 35 screens. The player controls a car which moves constantly in the direction it faces, unless you hit fire button for the brake. <br><br>Drive over the $ signs, special items (depending on the level they may be hearts, rings or chalices) and white vans to collect money, <br>and return it to your hideout (in the south-east, represented by an H). You have limited gas, but can top this up by stopping at one of the gas stations. As time goes on, you will encounter roadblocks (which cause you to lose fuel more quickly) and stop signs (which take all your cash when you try to pass them).<br><br>The police don't take this lying down - their cars (red, blue and yellow) chase you, especially when you are carrying lots of money or have hit a white van. Making contact with a cop car costs one of your three vehicles and takes any money you are carrying - money you have stashed at the hideout is safe. The ultimate goal is to find the three of the special items and then the white van, which leads to an increased difficulty level - with higher police interest no matter how much money you are carrying.

[Gettysburg: The Turning Point]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gettysburg-the-turning-point
Description=Gettysburg: The Turning Point is a grand tactical simulation of the most famous, well known and arguably the most decisive battle of the Civil War fought at the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from July 1 to July 3, 1863.<br><br>The game uses a refined version of SSI's Antietam game system and is played in 42 turns each representing 1 hour of real time over a 3 day period.. Players are awarded points based on casualties and territorial objectives. At the end of each turn and the end of the game points are calculated and compared to a chart which determines your level of victory. <br><br>The game can be played under 3 different sets of rules (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) with 5 levels of difficulty for each and can be played against another person or the computer can play either side.

[Ghostbusters]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|PC Booter|SEGA Master System|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ghostbusters
Description=Based on the movie of the same name, the Ghostbusters are the ones to call who will "bust" any ghost hauntings. It does this through the use of nuclear accelerated "proton packs" and traps, whereby the ghosts can be captured and transferred to a secure storage facility. However New York City has suddenly become a very haunted place, and the number of ghosts has suddenly increased. The Ghostbusters must reduce the paranormal (PK) level in the city, representing ghost power, before the Temple of Zuul awakens and ressurects an evil goddess, Gozer.<br><br>Ghostbusters is an action game that combines an overhead view and a side-view. From Ghostbusters HQ, the player must monitor the map of New York City for "ghost alarms" as well as casual spirits, and plot a route to the alarmed area. The player then controls the Ghostbuster vehicle as it drives through traffic. Here, the player is able to capture casual ghosts on the way if they are en route. Once at the location, the game switches to a side-view. Two of the ghostbusters will take position and activate their proton beams and toss a trap to the ground. The player will attempt to  maneuver the ghost(s) over the placed trap. Once activated, the trap attempts to capture any ghosts directly above it. Successful capture will earn the player money, which can then be used to purchase new Ghostbusters vehicles and new modifications for the vehicle. Unsuccessful capture will see the ghost fly away.<br><br>As the game progresses, the PK energy of the city increases. Ghostbusters must keep it under critical levels by being constantly  successful at ghost captures. Eventually the Temple of Zuul will activate, and if the PK levels are still manageable, the Ghostbusters can venture there for a final showdown with Gozer.

[Ghost Chaser]
Publisher=Artworx Software Co, Inc.
Developer=Fanda
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ghost-chaser
Description=Harry the Ghost Chaser enters the haunted Fairport Manor and wants to drive out the ghosts that settle in that place.<br><br>You control Harry on his mission. The game features sixteen screens that Harry must traverse: the attic, the kitchen, the library, the sewers and more. Ghosts roam the corridors and must be avoided or jumped over. The first few times Harry is touched by a ghost, he is not killed immediately, but merely immobilized from the shock. But further attacks from ghosts and also high falls may kill him. Thankfully Harry can defend himself and throw stones at some of the ghosts to kill them.<br>The doors to the next rooms are often locked, so Harry must find keys to open them.<br>The game can be played by one player or two players taking turns.

[Gnome Ranger]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gnome-ranger
Description=Ingrid Bottomlow stands out from her family of gnomes - she's a gifted student, with a degree from the Institute of Gnome Economics. As a result, they exile her using a teleporting spell, leaving her lost in the forest. It is your job to keep her safe in this interactive fiction game.<br><br>The game is split into three tasks, broadly relating to animal, vegetable and mineral in that order. The first involves defeating an evil witch, the second is the Riddle of the Shrinking Teapot, and the third involves precious stones.<br><br>Commands such as FOLLOW, FIND and GO TO make travelling the game world much easier, and put an emphasis on object-manipulation and character interaction, rather than map-making.<br><br>Instructions can be issued to other characters, with words like THEN, FIND and GIVE to join them. This co-operation is essential to solve many puzzles, and takes place in a world where characters have their own aims and motives. There are BRIEF and VERBOSE modes of text. The screen display adds a 'g' to the start of all words beginning with n - 'gnorth' and 'gnugget' for example.

[The Golden Baton]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/golden-baton
Description=Your mission is to retrieve the Golden Baton, a priceless artifact worshipped by your race for eons. It maintains balance and keeps peace in the land, but now it has been stolen! Many have searched for it, none have returned. The player will face wolves and crabs, navigate a boat trip, and deal with a magical crystal. Most of the way, you use one object in some way to gain another.<br><br>Golden Baton uses the Scott Adams adventure engine, and thus has the same features - a basic 2-word parser, limited vocabulary (object names plus standard words such as EXAMINE, WEAR and DROP), and brief descriptions.  Although primitive by later standards, these compare favourably to other IF of the time.

[The Golden Voyage]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/golden-voyage
Description=The 12th and final adventure in the main Scott Adams series, and most likely the one with the fewest packaging variations as well!  The king is ill, and only YOU can save him.  You must retrieve a magic elixir from a far away land, before it is too late.<br><br>In this game, you take to the seas and journey through magic lands with temples, magic fountains, and more.  Although this is the last of the main series, it still uses the same basic 2-word parser.

[The Goonies]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/goonies_
Description=Datasoft's The Goonies is one of the most fondly-remembered games in the genre of platform action-adventure-puzzle games for which Datasoft was known (other games included Conan: Hall of Volta, Bruce Lee, and Zorro, all well-regarded classics).<br><br>The game is licensed from the internationally-beloved Steven Speilberg film of the same name, in which a motley crew of suburban kids in Astoria, Oregon, must save their homes from being foreclosed upon and find their salvation in a treasure map leading to an old pirate ship in a cavern.  However, they must maneuver around an eccentric family of Italian criminals -- the Fratellis -- on the lam, who are also on the trail of the treasure.<br><br>The game is divided into a series of eight screens based on scenes from the film, each of which contains unique and creative puzzles that must be solved by coordinating the activities of two of the kids from the Goonies (and in the last screen, the elephant-man-like Sloth) without getting killed by deadly bats, homicidal Fratellis, flying demon-skull thingies, or other environmental hazards.  For example, in one screen one player must wind up and hold a winch that lifts a large stone so that the other player can pass it, run backward on a ball floating in deadly water, bypass a series of three water buckets going up and down that kill you if you do not time your passage underneath correctly, jump to the top of a rail, and slide across to grab the key to the door below -- and all this without getting hit by a wandering bat.<br><br>One of the characteristic elements of this series of games is that it was organized more like an arcade game than an adventure game; the game kept a score and a high score, you got a certain number of lives, which would be replenished at certain points or at certain score totals, and there was no save feature.  In other words, the game had to be played all in one sitting, near-perfectly, to see the ending.  As might be expected, not many people finished these games.  (However, nowadays with emulators and memory-state-saving features, this is no longer such a frustrating problem.)<br><br>The Goonies can be played single-player, with the joystick button used to switch between the two characters on-screen, or cooperatively, with each player controlling one of the characters.

[Gorf]
Publisher=Roklan Corporation
Developer=Bally Midway Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gorf
Description=Gorf is a game similar to Space Invaders, alien vessels approach closer and closer in their threatening row formation.<br><br>The game itself consists of four levels:<br><br>1. The first level has you behind a defensive shield, defending against an alien attack. The level is a top-down view, with your ship & shield on one side and the aliens on the other side;<br><br>The second level is similar to the first, only your defensive shield is gone, and the enemies tend to swoop down over the level as opposed to those row formations. Bonus ships also tend to appear in this level;<br><br>The third level is a change, and has you entering hyperspace. Your only goal is to survive to the end of your journey. The viewpoint switches from a top-down view to a behind-the-ship view and in effect you are heading "towards" your destination. Alien vessels flying in circular formation try to stop you;<br><br>The fourth and final level is similar to the first again, with some key differences. You do not fight a wave of enemies, but a single one. A mothership with a glowing weak spot. Hitting the weak spot will instantly destroy it. The mothership also has that same shield that was yours in the first level.<br><br>Finishing the game increases your rank and starts the game over at level 1 with a faster game speed for more challenge.

[Grand Prix Simulator]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/grand-prix-simulator
Description=Calling it a 'simulator' was a stretch, as with many of Codemasters' titles. In reality it was an overhead-view Super Sprint style arcade racer for 1 or 2 players, similar in many ways to the company's BMX Simulator. <br><br>There were up to 14 circuits depending on the format, which incorporated many underpasses (some of them deliberately unrealistic) and tight curves. There were oil slicks to avoid and points bonuses to pick up.<br><br>The cars have slow acceleration but a lot of power down the straights. You are scored based on your overall time and your fastest lap. Lose to the computer car and it's game over.

[The Great American Cross-Country Road Race]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/great-american-cross-country-road-race
Description=This game puts you in the position of a driver of a high-performance car participating, as the name implies, in races between U.S. cities. Noteworthy features of the game include a multitude of weather and road conditions (fog, snow, road construction), day/night changes (complete with smooth twilight transitions) and the ability to plan individual route to beat competition to the destination.<br><br>Additional features, that this game was among the first to boast, are sequential manual transmission, refuelling, traffic and police pursuits. The graphical presentation is pseudo-3D perspective with behind the car view.

[Gridrunner]
Publisher=Human Engineered Software
Developer=Llamasoft Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gridrunner
Description=This is an arcade game in the style of Centipede.  You control a ship, at the bottom of a grid.  Moving toward you in a zig-zag is a chain of pods.  The object is to shoot them before they get the ship.  As the pods are shot, the dead pod remains on the screen, as a blocker to your bullets. The live pods on either side form two new chains, both moving toward you.<br><br>Further complicating the game are two guns outside the grid, shooting at your ship from beneath and from your left side.  You are able to move into the grid, toward the pod-chain, to avoid the guns.  The combination puts pressure on you, from front, back and the side.

[The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole]
Publisher=Virgin Games, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/growing-pains-of-adrian-mole
Description=Using the same game engine and structure as Level 9's game of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, the book's follow-up was recreated on computer. The game is an adventure of sorts, presenting you with 18 months of life viewed through the curious, confused and intellectual eyes of Adrian. Each section features a number of challenges, in which one of three choices on what to do must be made. As you play, the aim is to make Adrian as popular as possible by making the correct choices so as to exert a positive impression on Mum, Dad, Pandora, Nigel, Bert and all the rest. The game is split into four sections, which can be loaded individually or in sequence, with the score remaining in memory as you progress through them.

[Gruds In Space]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gruds-in-space
Description=This is a graphic adventure where you, as the pilot of the Earth vessel USAC 9400, are instructed to find fuel for the Earth warships that have exhausted their supply at the battlefront.  You need to find the fuel and bring it to the cargo ship on Pluto. Take a trip through the solar system solving the adventure while battling alien invaders!<br><br>Gruds In Space uses conventional interactive fiction commands, to EXAMINE, USE and TAKE objects, SHOOT Gruds, and travel around the ship and the galaxy.

[The Guild of Thieves]
Publisher=Rainbird Software
Developer=Magnetic Scrolls
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/guild-of-thieves
Description=As a beginner and inducted into the "Guild Of Thieves", you must steal your way to the top - the Guildmaster is there to not only help you, but to make your life a living hell. Worst of it all is you're STILL in the land of Kerovnia.....if something makes it look tough to solve, that's nothing for a puzzle - something else will screw it up more.

[Gulf Strike]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gulf-strike
Description=Based upon the popular boardgame, Gulf Strike allows you to  examine every aspect of the complex Persian Gulf region. Complete air, land and sea orders of battle for more than a dozen nations allows you to fight each conflict to its unpredictable conclusion. The game will end when one of the following occurs: After 25 turns have been completed, the Soviet/Iraqi side gains 9 victory points, or the players choose to end the game.The game is for 1 or 2 players and usually takes 1-5 hours to complete. Avalon Hill rated this game a  7 on their 1(easy) -10(hard) complexity scale.

[Gunfighter]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1989
Systems=Amstrad CPC|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gunfighter
Description=In Gunfighter you play a Wild West Sheriff, whose town is under attack from a group of outlaws who have taken the ownership rights for several homes. You receive warnings of the presence of a particular outlaw, and must patrol the streets shooting it out with them. The Doc's can give you an extra life, at a cost of $500. Red Indians and potholes in the road mean that you have to concentrate on more than merely the outlaws. You are limited to carrying six bullets - enter the Sheriff's office to gain more. A casino sub-game is included, allow you to gamble some of your money.

[Guns of Fort Defiance]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/guns-of-fort-defiance
Description=Fort Defiance is a half completed stockade blocking the path of an invading army that heavily outnumbers you during the War of 1812. You command a lone Napoleonic era artillery piece and its crew and are guarding the weakest point in the forts defenses. Your performance will determine whether the fort will stand or fall.The game is played under a handicap system (from 1-63). The lower the handicap you choose at the beginning the faster the enemy will break and run. The handicapping system insures that each attack which is repelled is followed by a more determined effort. As commander of the artillery piece it is up to you to select the type of ammunition, fuse length, elevation and target.

[Gyruss]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|NES|Xbox 360
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/gyruss
Description=The entire solar system is being attacked by the vicious Gyrusians, and it's up to you to save the day! You will need to fly your spaceship to each of the nine planets and then clear three stages of enemies to rid that planet of the Gyrusians. You start the game with a single canon, and can gain a double canon after shooting a power up satelite. After clearing each planet, there is another bonus stage where additional weapons and bonus points can be collected. Gyruss is an arcade action shooter, however instead of piloting your spaceship horizontally or vertically, you move in a circle around the perimeter of the screen. The NES version of Gyruss adds to the original arcade version additional music, additional weapons, new enemies, and a large boss at the end of each level.

[Hacker]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|PC-88|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hacker
Description=Hacker is an adventure/trading game based on what was then a unique idea. You're starting into the adventure as a real hacker would do, lacking information of what is to come, only driven by your ambition. Consequently, the game opens with a plain text screen, prompting you for the login password. To break into the system is the first puzzle you've got to solve.<br><br>Once in, you'll soon find out that you've accidentally stumbled upon a conspiracy of global impact. From then on, you'll maneuver a robotic drone around the globe through a tunnel system deep in the earth. In major cities, you may surface and talk to contact persons, who'll trade items for cash. When delivered to the correct city, you can exchange these items for a piece of evidence. If all evidence is collected, you're to inform the FBI. As if figuring out the correct routes and trades wasn't hard enough, frequent system malfunctions and security checks test your skill as well...

[Hangman]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=1.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hangman
Description=Hangman is an electronic version of the game hangman! Your goal is to figure out a word that the computer has generated by guessing one letter at a time. Guess a correct letter, and it will appear on the screen in the proper location, but if you guess a letter that isn't in the word then you are one step closer to being hung. Guess eleven incorrect letters, and the game is over. A point is earned each time a word is completed. Several difficulty settings are included which affect the number of letters in the words. The game can be played by one or two players, and in the two player version the words can optionally be created by one of the players instead of the computer.

[HardBall!]
Publisher=Accolade, Inc.
Developer=Accolade, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Genesis|Macintosh|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hardball
Description=Hardball is a baseball action game for one or two players. You can throw a variety of pitches from fast balls to curve balls, steal bases, select team members, and substitute players as the game is played.

[Hard Hat Mack]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hard-hat-mack
Description=Finish building the high-rise while avoiding falling screws, vandals, and the building inspectors.

[Harrier Mission]
Publisher=Anirog Software
Developer=Anirog Software
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|MSX
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/harrier-mission
Description=Is anyone better placed to write a simulation of a Jump Jet than someone who flies them for a living? With any luck, no - Vaughan Dow is behind this attempt at an accurate recreation of his day job.<br><br>You can take on one of four statuses, from Flight Lieutenant right up to Group Captain, with a practice mode also included. You must use guidance missiles and close-range guns, while paying attention to your fuel level, and the wind on higher difficulties.

[Hawkquest]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1989
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hawkquest
Description=The follow-up to Laser Hawk takes a wider view of the universe. Your aim is to take over several hostile planets, such as the verdant Xavier and militaristic Cytron.<br><br>Gameplay takes a wider range too, eschewing the side-view blasting of its predecessor. There are two distinct gameplay styles. First you must fly up the screen Xevious-style, destroying the force field towards the end of the level (fail to do this and you must replay the whole level). You must face waves of enemies as well as ground installations. There are many hidden targets to shoot; these release white flags which when collected award extra lives, a short-term shield, or a points bonus.<br><br>Once you reach an accessible base, you must enter it on foot, in a section with similar gameplay to Gauntlet. Keys, weapons and bonus items are hidden in hatches on the wall, which are activated by touching them (most are empty, however). Blasting through walls (using a different weapon to your main one) is a large part of progression on these.

[Head Over Heels]
Publisher=Ocean Software Ltd.
Developer=Ocean Software Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Isometric
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/head-over-heels
Description=Two distinct characters called Mr Head and Mr Heels are  played in this arcade adventure. They are separated at the shoulders but capable of joining together to maximize their abilities in some situations (but reduce them in others, so they can be split again).<br><br>The game is presented from an isometric perspective, and presents the characters with a number of puzzles involving switches, jumps and climbs. The levels are 3 dimensional, and the characters must collect crowns as they progress. Objects can be picked up and manipulated as necessary.

[Heartache]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1988
Systems=
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/heartache
Description=When you first play this game, you'll be forgiven for thinking that your Atari's collision detection has failed. The space-suited character you control moves through enemies, walls and other hazards without losing any of his five lives. It also moves past the heart which starts next to you, and even across the screen's borders. <br><br>This is correct; the idea of the game is to use your gas cannon to guide the heart (which represents a clearance pod) from one end of the screen to the other, within a time limit. If this runs out, or the heart hits a wall or any of the marauding enemies or hazards, a life is lost. Controls are rotational - moving the joystick left or right changes the character's angle, while pushing forward causes him to move in that direction, with fire activating the blow-gun.

[Hellcat Ace]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hellcat-ace
Description=A classic 1st person flight simulation similar to Ace of Aces. In several missions you have to shoot down Japanese fighters and bombers. Through the front cockpit window you can see the sky and the ocean. Below the cockpit view is the instrument panel with engine power, altitude, fuel and your ammunition-counter. Through the a rear window you can see the enemies on your tail.

[Henry's House]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=English Software Company, The
Released=1987
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/henrys-house
Description=In this platformer, the player has to guide Henry through the numerous rooms of his house. Each room is a screen-sized level filled with deadly household-items such as toothbrushes, teapots, flying toast or coffee machines. Touching one of these objects or falling from too high kills Henry. The goal of each room is to reach the exit, however, before the exit opens up, Henry has to collect a key and all items that are spread throughout the level. In order for a key to appear, Henry usually has to collect a special item that sometimes adds more obstacles to a room.

[H.E.R.O.]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hero
Description=There is trouble in the mines! Volcanic activity has trapped numerous miners, and it is your job to save them. As Roderick Hero, you need to make your way through the dangerous mineshaft avoiding the dangerous creatures and lava, and find out where the miners are located before you run out of energy. To help on your mission, Roderick Hero has several useful types of equipment. A prop pack will allow you to hover and fly around the mineshaft and (hopefully) avoid the many dangers within. Your helmet features a short range microlaser beam which can be used to destroy the bats, spiders, snakes, and other creatures you'll encounter in the mines. From time to time, your path through the mine may be blocked by stone or lava walls. You begin each mission with six sticks of dynamite which can be used to destroy these obstacles (be careful you don't blow yourself up, though!) If you run out of dynamite, your laser beam can also be used to destroy the walls, though this will take longer and use up more energy. As the levels progress, the mine shaft will become longer and more maze-like, creatures will more frequently block the path, and lava walls and pools will appear which are dangerous to the touch.

[Hi-Res Adventure #0: Mission Asteroid]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hi-res-adventure-0-mission-asteroid
Description=In this game, you play an astronaut who is asked by Mission Control to send a rocket up to an asteroid and blow it up before it reaches Earth. The trouble is: you will be unable to find the asteroid without a flight plan. This early adventure game is very short, and, in order to accomplish the task, the game requires you to enter one- or two-word commands to perform various actions. The game may be saved to a floppy disk at any point in the game.

[Hi-Res Adventure #2: The Wizard and the Princess]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC-88|PC-98|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hi-res-adventure-2-the-wizard-and-the-princess
Description=The IBM port of Sierra's Apple II game "The Wizard and the Princess", where you must rescue a princess imprisoned by an evil wizard.  Classic text and graphics with 2-word parser game.

[Hi-Res Adventure #4: Ulysses and the Golden Fleece]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC-88|PC-98|PC Booter
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hi-res-adventure-4-ulysses-and-the-golden-fleece
Description=Ulysses and the Golden Fleece is an adventure game where you play the part of Ulysses in ancient Greece. The king has given you the task of finding the golden fleece, a legendary treasure which is protected by the gods. You begin your quest in a small town, and will need to travel to several far away lands to find the fleece. Many characters from ancient mythology will be encountered along the way, including King Neptune, the Sirens, Cyclops, and others. You need to find a way past them as well as the many obstacles on sea and land if you are to be successful. Along the bottom of the screen is a text parser which accepts two word commands to interact with the game, and at the top (covering most of the screen) are graphics depicting your current situation. If needed, the graphics can temporarily be cleared to see some of the most recent commands entered.

[Hi-Res Adventure #6: The Dark Crystal]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hi-res-adventure-6-the-dark-crystal
Description=Sierra High Res Adventure #6. The Dark Crystal is closely based on Jim Henson's film of the same name. You play as Jen, the last survivor of the Gelfings, a race of mole-like people of a distant world. You must find the dark crystal and its broken shard, and repair it to end the reign of evil from the land.<br>This was Sierra's last adventure game before the groundbreaking King's Quest. Gameplay, like all of Sierra's previous adventure games, was entirely text-based with non-interactive, un-animated graphics to illustrate the areas. The only change is that Jen is usually part of the illustrations, technically making it third-person instead of first-person.

[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Browser|Commodore 128|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy
Description=You are Arthur Dent, an Englishman with a bad hangover wearing a dressing gown containing a much needed buffered analgesic and some fluff.  Your house has just been destroyed, followed shortly thereafter by your planet Earth (mostly harmless).  Youve been rescued by your friend Ford Prefect, whos not actually an out-of-work actor.  He has given you a book (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), a towel, and is now telling you to put a fish in your ear.  It must be a Thursday; youve never quite gotten the hang of Thursdays.<br><br>The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is written by Douglas Adams and Steven Meretzky and based on Adams BBC radio series, television series, and the series of subsequent novelizations.  Its one of the classic Interactive Fiction games produced by Infocom, labeled as Science Fiction and has a Standard Level of Difficulty.  Though divergent from the source material, the main characters, locations, and concepts are here.  Unlike the book, death can come quickly if Arthur fails to observe his surroundings, collect inventory, talk to people, and consult the Guide.  DONT PANIC!<br><br>Original C=64 Grey Box Contents:<br>Megadodo Publications Advertising Booklet for your very own Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy complete with Fluff, Destruct orders for your home and planet, a nice red button with the words DON'T PANIC printed in large yellow letters, a pair of Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril-Sensitive Sunglasses, No Tea, and your very own Microscopic Space Fleet. All this can be yours, for the low, low price of only 59.99 Altairian Dollars.

[Hollywood Hijinx]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hollywood-hijinx
Description=(From The Infocom Homepage Entry)<br><br>As a child, you spent most of your summers with your Aunt Hildegarde and Uncle Buddy. What memories! Uncle Buddy was a Hollywood big-shot, Aunt Hildegarde his loving (and very rich) wife. They had no children of their own, but you and your cousins loved their house, their parties, the Hollywood memorabilia, and them. Sure, Buddy and Hildy were a bit eccentric -- but that added to their charm. <br><br>Aunt Hildegarde kept the house when Uncle Buddy passed away. And now that she's suddenly died, you remember her unusual will. You will inherit the entire estate -- probably worth millions if you can spend just one night in the house and on the grounds, find a treasure or two. But if you can't then you inherit nothing. <br><br>And so Hollywood Hijinx begins with you being dropped off in front of a dark house, not to far from Hollywood ...

[Hover Bovver]
Publisher=Llamasoft Ltd.
Developer=Llamasoft Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|Windows
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hover-bovver
Description=Your lawn needs mowing and your mower doesn't work.  Now what?  You look next door and see your neighbor's lawnmower.  When he's not looking, you grab his lawnmower and start mowing your lawn.  Try to avoid being caught as you mow up to 16 lawns while avoiding your flower beds. Your dog can help you keep that pesky neighbor away while you finish your work.

[The Hulk]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1984
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/hulk
Description=1st in the Questprobe Marvel Comics series.  Play Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk through this interactive fiction game with graphics.  You awake as Banner, tied by ropes to your chair in a bunker in the desert; once you free yourself, collect all the gems to escape this hellhole.

[Imagic 1-2-3]
Publisher=Imagic
Developer=Imagic
Released=1984
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/imagic-1-2-3
Description=This is a compilation of three games by Imagic:  Laser Gates, Quickstep and Wing War.<br><br>Laser Gates is a side scrolling shoot-em-up in the same genre as Scramble. You must blast through gates before you hit them as well as fight enemy ships and installations.  <br><br>"Quick Step" is a 1-2 player game where food items scroll down the screen vertically, and you must hop from item to item and change the item to your color.  But you play against an opponent (human or computer) who is trying to change it to their color.   You must make the color change before the item scrolls off the screen, but if you are standing on the object as it scrolls of, you lose a life.<br><br>In "Wing War", you play a dragon who is trying to collect her eggs and return them to her lair.  The player flies from screen to screen and encounters various creatures while hunting for eggs.

[Imperium Galactum]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/imperium-galactum
Description=Not to be confused with the much, much later Imperium Galactica, this was the first fully-functional commercial "4X" space game to hit the U.S. Many of the most important features in later 4X games appeared in this one: ship design, guerrilla warfare on captured planets, troop transports. It did not feature tactical space battles, however.<br><br>The main game screen displayed a grid of dots, with star systems shown by a larger circle with a color representing the star's type. Stars could have zero, one, or two inhabitable planets. Warships could be custom designed and were tracked individually with a maximum of 255 war ships per player in existence at one time. Transports could carry either colonists and troops and traders carried metal or food surpluses to where they were needed. During an invasion, the respective armies from each player would fight until one force was destroyed. However, planets thus captured could suffer from guerrilla resistance for several turns and if not eradicated could overthrow the invaders or assist your opponent's armies in the event of a counter invasion.<br><br>Given the tiny systems it ran on, this game did a very good job of simulating many important considerations, and was the first introduction of some of the things that have become staples in 4X space games; most notably ship design and refits.

[Infidel]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/infidel
Description=You've been marooned by your crew in the vast wasteland of the Egyptian Desert.  The burning heat causes you to think you are a brave explorer of fortune, but you have already been branded an Infidel.  You are more likely to starve to death than finding the gold and riches that are hidden in the pyramids.  <br><br>Difficulty Level: Advanced

[Infiltrator]
Publisher=Mindscape, Inc.
Developer=Chris Gray Enterprises Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/infiltrator
Description=The game is combination of first-person helicopter simulator and isometric/3rd-person espionage action/adventure.<br><br>You as Johnny McGibbitts, ace pilot and neurosurgeon has given a mission against the "Mad Leader". You have to fly in helicopter behind enemy lines and make a diversion there. You can fool the choppers into believing that you are a one of bad guys, and also you can show false documents to guards in enemy camp. If they aren't fooled then you can use spray of sleeping gas or even a grenade. There are many houses in the camp, which has many rooms, which has many useful items, but you often don't need them because of the limit of time for operation.

[Ingrid's Back!]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ingrids-back
Description=Ingrid is Ingrid Bottomlow, the intellectual-but-clumsy gnome we met in Gnome Ranger. Her beloved home village Little Moaning is earmarked for a yuppie-friendly transformation by Jasper Quickbuck of Ridley's Manor. <br><br>Ingrid has three cunning plans to stop him - producing a petition with everybody's signature, finding a more orthodox prevention method, and finally infiltrating Ridley's Manor itself by pretending to be a maid, and then finding proof that he's a dodgy geezer who should be locked up. These three quests can be played in any order, although they logically follow on from each other. She is accompanied by Flopsy the dog in the first 2 parts, and her cousin Daisy in the third.<br><br>Ingrid's Back uses the same game system as the original, and other contemporary Level 9 titles such as Knight Orc . Giving instructions to other characters (including Flopsy) and jumping around the map using GO TO and FOLLOW commands. A living and breathing world of people travelling, trading and relaxing underpins it all, and plays a part in most puzzles.

[In Search of the Most Amazing Thing]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Tom Snyder Productions, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/in-search-of-the-most-amazing-thing
Description=Your uncle, Smoke Bailey, was a great adventurer and explorer. In one of his adventurer's he found "The Most Amazing Thing", an item that holds the secrets of the universe. Unfortunately he lost it somewhere in the Mire. Now the wants you to take up the task and recover the object. <br><br>The Mire is a dangerous place, but your uncle has provided you a B-Liner as transportation as well as items you can sell at the auction at Metallica City, where you will use the money you need to buy equipment for your travels. Good luck!<br><br>In Search of the Most Amazing Thing is a very vast game, where game play is usually divided into 2 parts:<br><br>1. Diplomacy<br><br>Diplomacy consists of how you find clues and information regarding the Most Amazing Thing. Early in the game, you only communicate with your Uncle Smoke to get items from him and sell them at the auction for the highest price. Later in the game when your adventuring, you will meet numerous strange Mire tribes where you will barter your goods and knowledge for clues to the Most Amazing Thing.<br><br>Adventuring<br><br>The B-Liner something between a balloon and a beach buggy. The Mire is a very big place and dangerous place, but with the B-Liner you can drive or fly across it in no time. Beware the Mire crabs though!<br><br>You have complete control of the course of the game. There is no linear path that you must follow, making this game a new experience every time you play the game, as each new game creates a random new world to explore.

[The Institute]
Publisher=Screenplay
Developer=Med Systems Software
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|TRS-80
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/institute
Description=In this bizarre text-based mystery, you assume the role of John, a mental patient who is being held against his will in a hellish asylum known only as "The Institute". Raving lunatics and taunting doctors surround you, and you are continuously harassed by a sinister psychologist who tries to convince you that you have lost your mind. You are unsure of how or why you ended up here, but one thing is clear: you must get out.<br><br>Most of the game is spent lying passed out on a closet floor, drifting in and out of drug-induced hallucinations that reveal key aspects of the protagonist's personality and recall traumatic events from his past. Between bouts of nightmarish, self-inflicted "drug therapy", the player uses the knowledge (and sometimes even inventory items) gained from his dreams to learn more about the Institute and to better facilitate his escape.<br><br>In typical text adventure fashion, John must navigate the hospital and interact with his surroundings using a very limited two-word parser. There are some basic puzzles to solve, mostly by using objects found throughout your quest, but the game's focus is more on the darkly surreal storyline and disturbing dialogue than its actual gameplay.

[International Karate]
Publisher=System 3 Software, Ltd.
Developer=System 3 Software, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|Wii|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Sports
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/international-karate
Description=International Karate is a simple one on one beat 'em up. The characters are shown from the side, the aim is to beat your opponent using the different karate moves.<br>Depending on the move, the player will get a full or half-point. You need two full points to beat your opponent, or at least have more points when time runs out.<br><br>On your journey you'll visit 8 different places spread all over the world, like Sydney, Egypt or New York.<br>At the end of each stage you'll get to play little bonus games.<br><br>While beating enemies the player will increase in belts, starting from the white belt.

[Into the Eagle's Nest]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Pandora
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/into-the-eagles-nest
Description=Pandora's first game combines the Gauntlet style with the World War 2 setting, and specifically the Eagle's Nest building which is being used by a commander as his HQ. Three Allied soldiers have been captured, and you must infiltrate the facilities, rescue your brave comrades, destroy the building, and salvage as much of the stolen art treasures as possible.<br><br>There are eight levels to explore, each with a specific mission objective. Some of the paintings are loose, others are in crates which must first be shot. Explosives must be collected, not shot. With limited ammunition, guards everywhere, keys at a premium, and lots of strategic hiding points, an all-guns-blazing approach is less successful than a planned, measured one.

[Invasion]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Icon Design Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/invasion
Description=Strategy games with a real-time movement element didn't begin with Dune 2, and this was one early implementation of the concept. Your army has landed on an alien planet and has the intention of destroying their weather control station, and ideally as many of their units as possible.<br><br>The action is viewed from above, and you use a cursor to direct units, and automatically target and attack enemy units. Once you blow up the weather control tower, by exploding at least 2 bombs next to it, you must flee the planet ASAP. Protecting all your units is important and requires a tactical overview approach, but the bombs are particularly vital.

[James Bond 007]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Parker Brothers
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/james-bond-007_
Description=In James Bond 007 you control James Bond in his multi purpose craft. This craft can travel on both land and sea, can jump over danger, or fire at enemies on the many different levels. Each horizontally scrolling level in the game is loosely based on a different James Bond movie. The levels included are Diamonds Are Forever, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, and For Your Eyes Only. Each level has a variety of enemies trying to destroy you, and a unique goal that must be accomplished to continue on (for example, you may have to land on a hidden oil rig to stop Seraffino, or find Stromberg's undersea laboratory and destroy it). If you can complete all the missions, you win the game! Good luck, Mr. Bond.

[Jawbreaker]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jawbreaker
Description=A clone of Pac-Man, where you as jaws must collect all points and escape lethal heads. There are also magical points to break heads by your jaws during some time. You have to collect the points, magical items, and progress from level to level.

[Jet-Boot Jack]
Publisher=Datamost, Inc.
Developer=English Software Company, The
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jet-boot-jack
Description=Music notes have escaped throughout the world, and Jet-Boot Jack must collect them up. There are ten levels, the first five of which can be played from the main menu. Gameplay is platform-based, and largely involves progressing down the levels, using holes and moving platforms. Enemies hover over the holes, but these can be disabled by toggling the right switches. There are also timing-based hazards such as arrows emerging from walls and lazer beams - contact with any of these costs one of your five lives. You also lose a life if you run out of energy. Some levels vary the format by requiring you to simply collect every note on a single screen, which has regeneration points and one-way platforms.

[Jet Set Willy]
Publisher=Tynesoft Computer Software
Developer=Software Projects Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|Electron|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jet-set-willy
Description=Cult hero Matthew Smith followed up Manic Miner with a seminal platform game. Having struck it lucky in the first game, Willy now owns a lavish mansion with over 60 rooms linked in a 3D plane, and must tidy it all before his housekeeper will let him sleep.<br><br>Each room has its own hazards, such as spikes, revolving razors and ropes. The route through the house must be navigated carefully, due to the multiple entrances to some rooms - this is perhaps the first action game where mapping is an advantage. Another innovation, to the chagrin of players everywhere, is manual protection - a sheet of colour-coded numbers.

[Jewels of Darkness]
Publisher=Firebird Licensees Inc.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jewels-of-darkness
Description=This is a collection of three previously-published Rainbird interactive fiction (with graphics) games. It contains:<br><br>1. Adventure Quest<br>2. Colossal Adventure<br>2. Dungeon Adventure

[Jinxter]
Publisher=Rainbird Software
Developer=Magnetic Scrolls
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jinxter
Description=Aquatania has recently become the land of misfortunes, due to a group of plotting witches. The task of finding five charms and a magic bracelet to put things right falls on you.<br><br>And you need a change of luck, because events in this game often emphasise the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. You get hit by a car, fall a great height, sprayed with cheese sandwich and more! Being the guinea pig in this strange world will drive you insane - if this jinxed land doesn't do it first. <br><br>Jinxter is an interactive fiction with graphics title that takes a realistic world of people and situations, and then plays with the boundaries to create a strange and puzzling world. Characters are all getting on with their own tasks, and getting them to help you is usually a case of making sure something's in it for them.<br><br>Dialogue aims to add a comic touch to proceedings. Puzzles can often be solved in multiple ways, but the most obvious way is not always the correct one. Due to the presence of a Guardian, you can't actually die.

[Jocky Wilson's Compendium of Darts]
Publisher=Zeppelin Games Limited
Developer=Zeppelin Games Limited
Released=1991
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jocky-wilsons-compendium-of-darts
Description=Zeppelin's second game licensed from the successful darts player has a much wider scope than the previous Jocky Wilson's Darts Challenge. The control system involves directing a hand which guides the dart, but this is constantly moving in a random arc, reflecting realistic jitters but making accurate aiming difficult at first. The standard 501 darts rules are among the six games included.<br><br>The other games include variants loosely based on football (hit the bulls-eye to start scoring, then a double adds one goal to your score) and bowls (in which a 'jack' dart is thrown by one player, and the aim is to get your darts as close to it as possible). There are also Ten-Dart century (score exactly 100 with 10 darts), Shanghai (where only darts thrown at a particular area can score) and Scram (where one player shoots to successively knock sectors out of play, and the opponent must score as much as possible from the others).

[Joe Blade]
Publisher=Players Software
Developer=Players Software
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/joe-blade
Description=Tough guy Joe Blade must rescue six respected leaders from the madcap Crax Bloodfinger, who has kidnapped them in different areas of his base. Along the way he will find six bombs which must be activated, leaving him with only 20 minutes to rescue everyone.<br><br>Joe Blade is viewed side-on and uses flick-screen progression. The bombs are deactivated by arranging letters into alphabetical order, but the bulk of the gameplay involves shooting and maze navigation. The screens are linked in various ways, and contain a number of keys which must be used correctly.

[Joe Blade II]
Publisher=Players Software
Developer=Players Software
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Electron|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/joe-blade-ii
Description=As Players Software correctly predicted, London in 1995 is an unfriendly unsafe city ran by thugs. Innocent civilians who leave the house will almost certainly face violence. An acclaimed hero since his successes in the original, Joe Blade is the man to put things right - if he can kill 100 thugs and rescue 20 civilians within ten minutes, the thugs will retreat and the city will be saved.<br><br>As Joe, you must move through the streets and kill these thugs, by kicking them in the head (they have body armour). As in the first game, the streets are flick-screen and have many doorways linking them. Rescuing civilians involves touching them before completing a sub-game within a minute.<br><br>There are four subgame variants of increasing difficulty, all based around a 1-2-3-4 sequence of numbers. The first involves simply stopping the cursor as each one appears in order - pressing the wrong one sends you back to having to find a 1. In the second, the numbers are on screen in random order, a cursor cycling through them - press fire to swap the two numbers currently highlighted. In the third, you are presented with two jumbled sets and must put one of them in order, by swapping numbers across the two sets. In the fourth, you must form the sequence by swapping an ever-changing number into the right place, by pressing fire at the right moment.

[John Anderson's Rally Speedway]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/john-andersons-rally-speedway
Description=This racing game is viewed from above, with the circuits comprising junctions, multiple paths and a variety of corner types. There are also hazards off the road to accelerate and steer your vehicle away from. <br><br>Icy and wet roads are available, which affect the car's handling. There are 5 available maximum speeds, 3 levels of acceleration, and an 'Only on a computer mode' in which the hazards are merely decoration to drive through. A track editor is also on offer.

[Journey to the Planets]
Publisher=JV Software, Inc.
Developer=JV Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/journey-to-the-planets
Description=In Journey to the Planets, you play a spacefarer who must find a way to return to his home planet. To do this, you need to collect various treasures from several unexplored worlds. Sometimes you will need to shoot your way to a particular treasure; other times, you will need to solve a set of puzzles to reach your goal. Once you recover all the treasures, you must pilot your starship through uncharted space with a limited amount of fuel and find your home planet.<br><br>The 1983 cartridge release features a different soundtrack and tones down some of the more difficult puzzles.

[Joust]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Williams Electronics Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|Atari ST|Lynx|Macintosh|NES|PC Booter|Xbox 360
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/joust
Description=In Joust, players take control of a knight with a lance who rides their flying ostrich (or stork, for Player 2) to do battle against computer-controlled evil knights who ride atop vultures.<br><br>Players must flap their steed's wings to hit the enemy from a higher jousting point to destroy the vulture and its rider. Once the enemy has been hit, an egg falls to one of the platforms below. The heroic knights must destroy the eggs before they hatch and release new and increasingly more difficult knights. The three strengths of enemy knights are Bounder (red knight), Hunter (white knight), and Shadow Lord (blue knight). These enemy knights are not the only challenge to be found in the game. Players must also contend with crumbling platforms, lava trolls who attempt to pull knights into the fire, and the dreaded "unbeatable"(?) pterodactyl.<br><br>The game was novel for its time for being one of the few two-player simultaneous games in the arcade.

[Jumping Jack]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Dragon 32/64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jumping-jack
Description=Reaching the tops of 20 screens is the aim of Jack's life. The ledges go right across the screen, with gaps emerging at random intervals, through which Jack must aim. He can move along each ledge, and must avoid holes which open, as they can cause him to drop further. Later levels add aliens, snakes and all manner of other hazards, as well as an increasing number of holes. The control combination is unusual, and only comfortable on earlier Spectrum models - the game has no joystick mode.

[Jumpman]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter|Wii
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jumpman
Description=Jumpman is a bomb disposal expert. He is called on to save the Jupiter headquarters after the evil Alienators invade it and booby-trap its 30 levels.<br><br>In this early platform game, the titular hero must find his way around each screen, collecting every bomb. There are platforms and ladders to use, and a jet booster to propel you up the screen. However there are also enemies to avoid, and Jumpman must be careful not to fall too far.

[Jumpman Junior]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jumpman-junior
Description=Jumpman Junior is the sequel to Jumpman and features similar gameplay with all new levels. As Jumpman, your goal is to disarm all of the bombs on the level before time runs out. Each level consists of a variety of platforms, ladders, and ropes you will need to jump and climb to reach the bombs. To make the game more challenging, a bullet will fire on the screen from time to time which will cause Jumpman to lose a life if hit. Each level has a different theme to it, and a few also have additional dangers as well. You will encounter deadly fires, the bouncing hellstones, moving ladders, disappearing platforms, and more.

[Jungle Hunt]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Taito Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jungle-hunt
Description=Jungle Hunt offers four unique adventure experiences, which repeat with greater difficulty once all four have been survived.  If you don't survive these adventures, you will not only lose your own life but that of the lovely Penelope, who has been captured by cannibals!<br><br>The first part challenges your Tarzan skills - can you swing on the vines without plummeting to your doom?  The second part pits you against a whole bunch of nasty crocodiles in a mighty river.  Fortunately, you have a knife to fight back with.  Don't forget to go up for air!  In the third part, you face a battle against oncoming boulders of varying sizes and physics.  Once you've cleared all these treacherous hazards, you still must confront the dreaded cannibal, who is armed with a wicked spear.  Can you get past him and save the lovely Penelope?<br><br>Gameplay involves much strategic jumping and knife play (in the river/crocodile phase).  The view is always a side view, much like Pitfall! and later platform games.

[Jungle Quest]
Publisher=Scholastic, Inc.
Developer=Parachute Press
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20
Genre=Adventure|Educational
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jungle-quest
Description=You are code-named Orion, an adolescent agent of ACT (the Adventure Connection Team), summoned straight out of the hallways of your high school by Max Huntington to participate in a mission taking you to the darkest jungles of Africa, to locate and defuse the limitless energies stored in an alien artifact there before sinister competing agents of BRUTE (the Bureau of Random Unlawful Terror and Evil) beat you to it!<br><br>Other members of your team include an archaeologist ("Digger"), an environmental scientist ("Erda"), a nuclear engineer ("Celeste") and Olano, your guide.  You, of course, are the computer expert, and your skills will be put to the test, typing in included BASIC programs to decrypt secret messages, weigh tolerances, plot courses through labyrinths and calculate necessary angles of deflection.  The abilities of the whole team will be called for to overcome natural obstacles, untrusting natives, the sapping effects of the Devorim Force, BRUTE agents, a traitor in your midst, the perils and traps of the golden lost city containing the artifact, and the deadly artifact itself!<br><br>Though the story shares the dynamic 2nd-person perspective ("You try to talk, but you cannot make a sound") of Choose-Your-Own-Adventures, the text (like most books) is a non-interactive fixed-rail trip of zero interactivity -- however, some of the type-in programs included offer numerous outcomes, moving into the "game" field what might otherwise be best categorized as an elaborate set-up for low-impact programming exercises.<br><br>An appendix is included describing how to modify the BASIC program listings for greatest compatibility with 10 of the most popular home microcomputer BASICs, as well as describing what each program does and how it works.  Hey!  You got your education in my adventure!

[Jupiter Mission 1999]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jupiter-mission-1999
Description=Jupiter Mission contains elements of graphics/text adventure, space war role-playing and arcade joystick games. The different elements in Jupiter Mission are tied together by a story line.  Government agents drag you from your home early on a cold January morning and put you in charge of a solo mission to Jupiter. <br><br>The game's story is then furthered by graphic adventure elements and the player does different arcade sequences, such as shooting asteroids to keep from being damaged, landing on a moon, and exploring.

[Jyym Pearson Adventure Tri-Pack]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1983
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/jyym-pearson-adventure-tri-pack
Description=This is a compilation of Jyym Pearson's Other Venture games 2, 3 and 4.<br><br>1. The Curse of Crowley Manor<br>2. Escape from Traam<br>3. Earthquake San Francisco 1906

[Kaboom!]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kaboom
Description=The mad bomber is on the loose! As he races back and forth at the top  of the screen, you need to catch the bombs he drops in buckets of water. One point is earned for each bomb caught, but miss one of the bombs, and Kaboom! As the levels progress, the mad bomber will move faster and faster and drop more and more bombs. You start the game with three buckets, and lose one each time a bomb is missed. The game ends when all of your water buckets are gone.

[Kampfgruppe]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kampfgruppe
Description=A platoon-level tactical game of armored warfare that encompasses almost all ground weapons used on the Russian Front from 1941-45. The Game puts the player in command of either a German or Russian battle group. Kampfgruppe provides four historical and an infinite number of randomly created scenarios.<br><br>The historical scenarios: "Meeting engagement east of Bryansk" (July 7, 1942), "Attempted relief of Stalingrad" (December 17, 1942), "Attack toward Kiev" (November 3, 1943), "Attack toward Berlin" (March 22, 1945).<br><br>The game will automatically end after 20 turns (30 if there is an assault battle being played). However a game may be ended earlier or continue after it has ended if all sides agree. At the end of the game victory points will be awarded which will determine whether the battle was a draw or a marginal,substantive or decisive victory.

[Kangaroo]
Publisher=Atari Program Exchange
Developer=Sun Electronics Corp.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kangaroo
Description=Baby Roo has been kidnapped by monkeys, and it's up to Mama Roo to come to the rescue! Your kangaroo starts out at the bottom of the screen. You need to guide the kangaroo up the various ladders and platforms to the top where Baby Roo is being held captive. The monkeys will be trying to stop you by throwing or dropping apples and knocking you off the platforms. Your kangaroo has boxing gloves, however, and can knock out the monkeys with a single punch! Along the way various types of fruit can be collected to earn bonus points.

[Karateka]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 7800|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|NES|PC-98|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/karateka
Description=The evil Akuma has destroyed your homeland, killed many of your friends and kidnapped your Princess Mariko. Fortunately, you are skilled in Martial Arts, so your inevitable quest to reach Akuma's palace has a chance of success.<br><br>The game is viewed from the side and features a succession of increasingly-difficult opponents. All the standard karate kicks and punches are available to both you and your foes. The game's design was serious and realistic, and the game featured lots of cutscenes to develop the story.

[Kennedy Approach]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kennedy-approach
Description=An air traffic control simulator.<br><br>Guide planes across the screen through the USA, from varying airports. A simple mouse-based game, with fairly simple radar-a-like graphics. You must set the flight level (height), speed and direction of the aircraft passing through your jurisdiction and guide them to their correct airports. Do try and keep them apart!

[Kenny Dalglish Soccer Manager]
Publisher=Zeppelin Games Limited
Developer=Cognito
Released=1989
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kenny-dalglish-soccer-manager
Description=By 1989 Kenny Dalglish scarcely played for Liverpool, and was almost entirely concentrating on his role as manager, so a football management game with no arcade action featuring his license made sense. The game is purely icon- and menu-driven, perhaps the first step in dragging the genre into the 90s. Whichever team you took charge of start from the 4th division. Match highlights can be selected - these are viewed from the side and show goals and near-misses, although they can be turned off.<br><br>You start with squads of over 20 players from which to choose your team of 11, each given a straightforward ability rating. Formations can be selected by placing each player in a precise position alongside the formation of the opposition team, using a fairly advanced system for the time. Via a separate menu you can consult with the chairman (to see if he's happy with your efforts), the physio (to check for injuries), the scout (who comes up with players you might like to purchase) and so on.

[Keystone Kapers]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|MSX
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/keystone-kapers
Description=The notorious thief Harry Hooligan is on the loose! You play the part of Officer Keystone Kelly, sent in to capture Harry. Harry is trapped in a four story mall, and is running as fast as he can to reach the exit at the top. Your job is to catch up to him and send him to prison. You will need to use either the escalators at the end of each floor, or the elevator in the middle to go from floor to floor. The escalators may be further away, but the elevator moves pretty slowly so you will need to decide which route will be faster in getting you closer to your goal. If Harry can make it to the top before you catch him, you will have to retry that level. Harry has no intention of letting you catch him easily, and is hurling everything he can find in an attempt to slow you down. Shopping carts, bouncing balls, biplanes, and more will all be flying past on the screen and will either slow you down or send you back to the beginning if you get hit. As the levels progress, Harry will run faster and faster, and more objects will be tossed your way to duck and jump over.

[Kick Off]
Publisher=Anco Software Ltd.
Developer=Anco Software Ltd.
Released=1989
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|NES|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kick-off
Description=Kick Off was the first football game of its kind, having a top down view and unlike other football games of that time the ball was not glued to the feet of the players. Playing Kick Off requires skills in boll control. There is an option to learn these skills without being harassed by the opposition. The set pieces like corner kicks, passing, sliding tackles and dribbling can be practiced to perfection. Each player on the pitch has a unique combination of 4 attributes, namely Pace, Stamina, Accuracy and Aggression. As you progress you will need to adapt to to different types of players. You can play in a league consisting of 8 teams. The teams in the league are on the whole evenly matched but have different styles of play with players attribute to match that style. There is 12 different referees in the game.

[Kids on Keys]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kids-on-keys
Description=This is a collection of three mini-games designed to drill in some basic reading and typing skills to the young microcomputer user of the early '80s.  The first of the three games (each with four skill levels, demanding faster reflexes) presents the player with falling letters which must be typed correctly before hitting the bottom of the screen... and eventually the game's mascot floats down defying the player to type in an entire word.  The second game takes word-typing as a given skill, as the player is now in charge of typing in the full names of icons of common household objects gradually floating down the screen.  In the third game, an object is named on the bottom of the screen and the player must punch in the correct number corresponding to the object's icon, displayed on screen.<br><br>The second and third games have bonus rounds whose gameplay is as the regular rounds, except that the icons are now partially obscured, demanding a certain exercise of player memory faculties.

[Kikstart: Off-Road Simulator]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mr Chip Software
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Racing / Driving|Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kikstart-off-road-simulator
Description=This motorcycling stunt game is complete with simultaneous split screen two player action. You also have the option to test your skills in a one player game against the clock. <br>The object of the game is to guide your rider as quickly and carefully as possible through three out of the eight courses you get to choose from before each race. <br>Every course has its own level of difficulty and a unique layout of trees, car's, bus's and pools of water for you to avoid by jumping your bike over.<br>You can use your joystick or keyboard to accelerate, decelerate, wheelie and jump your bike from start to finish.

[Kindercomp]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/kindercomp
Description=An early learning game for kids aged 3-8.  This program is a collection of 6 learning games:<br><br>Draw, Scribble, Names, Sequence, Letters and Match.<br><br>Kindercomp helps children improve their reading and counting skills as well as familiarizing them with the computer keyboard.

[King Cribbage]
Publisher=Hayden Software Co.
Developer=Hayden Book Company, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/king-cribbage
Description=Cribbage is a card game that has been popular for centuries.  In this adaptation, you compete against the computer in a standard game trying to beat your opponent to a score of 121.  Points are scored according to standard cribbage rules:<br>The game gives you a beginner play mode where the computer scores all points for both of you, or an advanced mode (Muggins) where you each score your own hand and can claim any points missed by your opponent (calling Muggins).

[Knight Orc]
Publisher=Rainbird Software
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/knight-orc
Description=As Gringleguts the Orc, you swear revenge on all humankind for the treatment of your race. This game plays for real; EACH person and creature goes on about their daily lives as if they would be. So, if your at one area and you come back and that thing or person is gone, they are in another location. Also deciding factors of this play a key role to the game's outcome!

[Knights of the Desert: The North African Campaign of 1941-43]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Tactical Design Group
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/knights-of-the-desert-the-north-african-campaign-of-1941-43
Description=Knights of the Desert is the operational level simulation of Rommel's famous North African Campaign of WWII. The game begins in March 1941 and ends in February 1943 in 12 turns each representing 2 months. Both players goals are the same. That is to sweep across the northern coast of Africa pushing the enemy as far back as possible capturing key towns such as Benghazi and Tobruk along the way. The only difference is the direction you are heading. As the German Commander your main goal is east to Alexandria. As the British Commander your main goal is to sweep Rommel all the way back to El Agheila and win the game. Knights of the Desert provides for solitaire play where the computer directs the British.

[Koronis Rift]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Lucasfilm Games LLC
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/koronis-rift
Description=You play as a techno scavenger in the year 2049, exploring the Koronis Rift, in one of Lucasfilms earliest games.<br><br>The Ancients abandoned the planet, leaving behind many different artifacts and ships, which you can loot. Send your droid to retrieve modules and try to figure out what the ancient technology is for. It could be batteries, shields or even weapons, to help you fight the trigger-happy saucers that want you dead.<br><br>The game uses fractal graphics, the terrain is vast and detailed, and the story behind it is quite complex, considering the type of game.

[K-Razy Shoot-Out]
Publisher=K-Byte
Developer=K-Byte
Released=1981
Systems=Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/k-razy-shoot-out
Description=K-Razy Shootout is an arcade action game similar to Berzerk. You are in a maze filled with dangerous robots. Your goal is to shoot as many of the robots as you can to earn points. If you collide with a robot, robot fire, or the maze walls you lose a life. The game ends when all of your reserve lives have been lost. Each sector of the game has a timer bar; if you complete a sector while the bar is in the green or yellow section, bonus points are earned. If the timer runs out, you lose a life. Each sector will have one or more exits in the maze; you may exit a maze at any time, but if you leave before all of the robots are destroyed then you will have to go back two sectors.

[Labyrinth of Crete]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/labyrinth-of-crete
Description=This little-known game is a graphical puzzle game based on Greek mythology. Uniquely for the time of the game's release, you control two separate characters. Jason and Hercules are on their quest to recover the Golden Fleece from the heart of the terrible Labyrinth (oops, someone's got their myths a bit jumbled...).<br><br>The maze is split into three sections, each of which is vaguely mapped out on the back cover. Your success is by no means certain - tricks, traps and monsters abound. The game features hi-res graphics for some locations but is otherwise a text adventure.

[Lancelot]
Publisher=Mandarin Software
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/lancelot
Description=Travel back to the Age of Chivalry when knights were bold, galloping across the countryside and rescuing damsels in distress. This game recreates the time of wizards and the Knights of the Round Table. Lancelot is a three-part interactive fiction adventure, spanning the complete saga from the foundation of the Order to its finest hour - the quest for the Holy Grail. <br><br>Guide Lancelot through his many exploits at Camelot, battle with wayward knights, and win the love of Guinever and Elaine. The challenge which has fascinated treasure hunters through the centuries is now yours - and youŽll need all your strength, wit and valor to achieve your goal. To get the highest possible score, you should only kill combat foes when it is absolutely essential to survival.<br><br>The game's command set includes the ability to issue instructions to other knights, and to automatically GO TO a place you have previously visited.

[Laser Hawk]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/laser-hawk
Description=Your civilization is under attack, and it's down to you and your Laser Hawk helicopter to put things right. Destroy the five bases belonging to Proc Irata. They have sent their full fleet of ships to intercept you - shoot to destroy, and avoid those bullets. The centres are increasingly well-defended, with bombs, missiles and meteors among the threats. Many upward-shooting ground targets are destructible, but beware of the trees they are interspersed with. You have limited fuel, but fuel stocks hang through the air - contact with these triggers a refuel.

[The Last V8]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/last-v8
Description=Seven years have passed since world war III, and only now dare you leave your shelter in order to investigate what has become of the surface world. You drive out in your specially-equipped vehicle, the Last V8, only to discover that the outside world is more hostile than you would have expected. Your task is now (as commended by a digitised voice at the beginning of each level) simply to get back to the base in as short time as possible.<br><br>The Last V8 is an over-head driving game where you must drive through narrow roads without crashing into anything, and with a strict deadline for your arrival at the base. This is somewhat complicated by the fact that you have only a narrow stripe of screen space to see where you're driving; two thirds of the screen is dedicated to instruments (speed readout, radiation level and mission objectives). The steering method is not the usual Sprint one; instead you simply pull the joystick in whichever direction you want to go, pulling it in the opposite direction in case you need to decelerate.<br><br>All versions except the C128 version have two levels. The first one takes place in an almost pastoral landscape where you must reach the scientific base, after which you must find your way back to your own base while avoiding radiation sources. A distance readout will help you find the correct route.

[Leader Board]
Publisher=Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Access Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/leader-board
Description=Access' long line of golf simulations started with Leader Board. Hold down the fire button to set the pace, then press it for hook and slice if needed. Greens are sloped, so be sure to factor this in. Four 18-hole courses are provided, and a 4-round match can consist of any combination of these, with up to 4 players joining in. <br><br>There are three skill levels - novice players just have to hit the ball at the right speed in the right direction with the right club. Amateurs must be precise with the snap, to set the desired level of hook or slice - conventional wisdom in golf is to work on eliminating it first, then adding it back in - while the professional level also adds wind fluctuations.

[League Challenge]
Publisher=Atlantis Software Limited
Developer=Hypa Hypa Designs
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/league-challenge
Description=An old-fashioned football management game, in which you take over one of 64 clubs and try to lead them to glory. The choice is fairly arbitrary, as you can rename the team, you always start in the lowest of the four divisions, and the kits aren't real-life.<br><br>You start with only 11 players, and the maximum is 15, so you'll be keen to sign new players, and you get this opportunity after each match, when a player is offered, with his skill and form displayed. You can train your players to improve these skills, and sell players you don't rate highly.<br><br>Matches are played out via a succession of short animations, in which the home side wears red and the away side blue. At full time you are told how many injuries were incurred. The league season features 15 matches, one against each team, with the top two teams gaining promotion.

[Leather Goddesses of Phobos]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/leather-goddesses-of-phobos
Description=The year is 1936 and suddenly you are abducted by the Leather Goddesses for the final testing in the plan which will enslave every man and woman on earth. These Leather Goddesses of Phobos are just finishing up their plans for the invasion of earth. You've been a  If you fail to escape and save humanity, the Leather Goddesses will turn the earth into their pleasure dome.<br><br>Leather Goddesses of Phobos is an text-adventure with a sense of humor. The player uses standard commands in the text parser to observe his environment and pick up items. The game's "naughtiness" level can be adjusted between Tame (G), Suggestive (PG) and Lewd (R).<br><br>Difficulty Level:  Standard

[Legionnaire]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/legionnaire
Description=As Caesar you command up to 10 legions against the numerically superior barbarians in battles to conquer Gaul. You have just a few legions and one cavalry along with Caesar's legion, and with these the battles increase in difficulty and size. While the legions are usually stronger than the barbarians, and Caesar's legion is the strongest on the map, you must use the terrain and superior training of the Roman legions to defeat the hordes or you'll be overwhelmed. One of the first real time strategy games, the difficulty is very high in the late campaigns.

[The Living Daylights]
Publisher=Domark Software, Inc.
Developer=Sculptured Software, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/living-daylights
Description=The Living Daylights is a side-scrolling action game which features eight levels of gameplay, centered around the Timothy Dalton movie of the same name. Beginning with a "training" mission in Gibraltar, Bond then assists General Koskov's defection to the West, rescues a Bond girl, fights off henchmen, and takes on an evil weapons dealer.<br><br>Bond can run, duck, jump and use weapons created by Q (including the Ghetto Blaster) and take out enemies with his trusted Walther PPK.

[Lode Runner]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|J2ME|Macintosh|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC Booter|VIC-20|Wii|WonderSwan|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/lode-runner
Description=The Bungeling Empire has stolen a huge cache of gold from its rightful owners, and your mission is to infiltrate its treasury and recapture it. This entails progressing through 150 screens of platforms, ladders and ropes.<br><br>The Empire has sent robotic guards down to protect the gold, and contact with any of these will cost you a life. Your method of escaping them is to press fire to dig a hole in their line of movement, thus causing them to fall in briefly, allowing you to move across the gap safely. Once all the gold has been collected, a ladder allowing you to move onto the next screen is added. Completing these screens often requires forward planning and precision.<br><br>This was one of the earliest games to include a level editor, allowing the creation of new level designs with no programming skill.

[Lords of Conquest]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Eon Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/lords-of-conquest
Description=Lords of Conquest is influenced by the boardgame Risk. You and your opponent start by selecting countries in turn from a map. This can be randomly generated based on requested numbers of countries and volumes of water, chosen from one of the 19 predefined ones, or created using the inbuilt editor.<br><br>Your army possesses infantry, cavalry and a water fleet. Natural or produced resources such as gold and iron are identified - countries containing these might be the best ones to invade.You can play at 4 skill levels, and decide how big a factor luck is. With calculations settled by the computer, players can concentrate on the power games.

[Los Angeles SWAT]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Sculptured Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=3.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/los-angeles-swat
Description=The streets of Los Angeles are not safe. Lately, the kids are sick and tired of parents ordering them about and telling them what to do, so they decide to go out on the streets and threaten to club every policeman who gets in their way, making the streets not safe for the public, not even for little old ladies who decide to take a walk on a sunny day.<br><br>The bad news is: you're a police officer patrolling the streets, and you have two other police officers at your side. Your job is to shoot the little troublemakers that approach you. These troublemakers are harmless at a distance, but they are known to throw fire bombs at a few policemen. When you are killed by one of the troublemakers, one of the policemen replaces you as the one who gets to control the streets. If there is no policemen left, the game is over.<br><br>There are also turret guns located on top of buildings that fire, so you just can't stay on the footpath and hope not to get clobbered by the troublemakers. You just have to cross the road which is dangerous for a policeman in situations like this. When you come to the intersection, you'll come face-to-face with a gang, and you must shoot each gang member before they have a chance to leave you for dead. Once you've shoot all remaining gang members, a man appears holding a woman hostage. The object here is to shoot the man to free her. If you shoot the woman instead, you'll sacrifice 1000 points.<br><br>Your score increases when you walk, but score more points if you manage to shoot a troublemaker. You'll lose 100 points for killing a lady walking down the footpath.

[Lunar Leeper]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/lunar-leeper
Description=In this game, you must guide your spaceship around while picking up hostages located on the surface, and bring them to safety. Your task becomes difficult by lunar leepers who leap up and try to grab you or the hostages that are picked up by your ship. <br><br>If you approach a hostage while a leeper is nearby, the leeper will keep walking toward them until they are killed. If you are grabbed by a leeper, you lose a life. You can shoot at the leepers, but the catch is that you cannot shoot at them while they are on the surface, and you have limited ammo. You also have limited fuel, and if you are half-empty, you must refill at the gas depot in order to continue.<br><br>In between levels, you enter a cavern where you must find a huge floating object. You must then shoot out its core to proceed to the next difficult level.

[The Lurking Horror]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/lurking-horror
Description=(From the Infocom Home Page site)<br><br>In The Lurking Horror, you are a student at G.U.E. Tech. You have braved a snowstorm to get to the Computer Center and finish work on an assignment. But the snowstorm has turned into a raging blizzard, and has trapped you in a complex of buildings late at night. You are not alone, fortunely ... or perhaps, unfortunately. Thus you begin the story, unaware that anything may be wrong beneath or within the veneer of the quiet campus.

[Magia]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1993
Systems=
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=Isometric
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/magia
Description=Magia (Magic) is a Polish adventure game in which the player controls the knight Alakhin, transformed into a ghost via evil magic. To escape the chambers he's imprisoned within, the player needs to find the wizard Or Kirr and bring him the proper artifacts.<br><br>The gameplay is presented in isometric perspective. Most of the screen is taken up by the view of the chamber Alakhin is inside. At the bottom of the screen is a percentage that shows how far the player has progressed in the game, and a clock which shows how much time has been spent playing so far.<br><br>Some chambers have objects (treasure chests, windows, paintings, shields) or people inside them. These can be interacted with by pointing to them with the cursor and pressing "Fire"; this will cause a menu with various commands to appear. Usually chests, windows or shields have items hidden within that can be picked up, while people can be given items. Note that up to four items can be carried in the player's inventory. Sometimes "spells" can be found; using these will show a map of the game. <br><br>To enter another chamber, one points to a doorway, presses "Fire" and chooses the "go" option.

[Magic Micro Mission]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/magic-micro-mission
Description=TV-spin-off derived from the title sequence of the Central ITV series 'Magic Micro Mission' broadcast in six UK regions in 1983 and 1984.<br><br>The first part is a simple cockpit-based shooter, with flying saucers zooming past on elliptical paths from bottom left to bottom right or vice versa. You aim to position cross-hair sights with the joystick to shoot these down as they go by.<br><br>The second stage is a maze game similar to Pacman but set on a colourful circuit-board grid, with three 'chip' sprites moving freely around the maze and resistors moving up and down in four columns of the grid. You control a robot which must wipe up patches of 'oil' regularly distributed across the screen while avoiding the other moving components.

[Mail Order Monsters]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mail-order-monsters
Description=Build your own monster and send it to fight against other monsters. You can choose between 12 different monster types (Tyro, Hominid, Arachnid, Worm, Wasp and more). Then you may select among 11 different enhancements for each monster type (tentacles, sting, fiery breath...) and finally equip your creature with a weapon (rifle, laser gun, flamethrower...).<br><br>Every enhancement and every weapon costs money. To earn some money your monster has to win fights on different battlefields (desert, jungle, swamp and more). These fights are similar to Archon but vary on their winning conditions. "Destruction" (kill the enemy monster), "Flag Collection" (capture the flag) and "The Horde" (kill more computer controlled Hordlings than your monster rival).<br><br>The 3 difficulty levels of the game represent 3 game variations.<br>The beginner level lets you pick a precreated monster and sends you right out into the battlefield. The intermediate level gives you some money to create and enhance/equip your monster. Then you can send your creature off to fight and possibly win additional money. The tournament level is more of a career mode. You are allowed to own more than one monster and get access to the corrals, which lets you save your different monsters and every contest result.

[Marauder]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/marauder__
Description=In the game you are descending to a fortified enemy base to eliminate its power stations. The plot unfolds during two stages.<br><br>Stage 1 - Landing.<br>You should pilot one of three jets to break through a set of lasers, turrets, flying bombs, and barriers. To do this you may control your jet by moving it and shooting. Once all enemies are eliminated, you may transfer to the next base. Eliminating the enemies will raise your score as well as bonus will be greater if you destroy all enemies faster, and when you'll see that this stage is completely dominated by you, you may proceed to the next stage.<br><br>Stage 2 - Sabotaging.<br>You find yourself as one of six crew members from a descended jet in the enemy power facility. The Corridors are filled with guards. You should move from one room to another, eliminate or avoid the guards, and destroy the power station. Once you've destroyed it, enemy scientists will repair it again, adding more guards to the rooms, and tries to defend it again. You should repeat your mission. To do this you will control your soldier by moving him/her and shooting. Guards are not seen through the walls as well as they will not see you until they are looking not in your direction. Each killed guard earns points as well as bonus is greater if you'll destroy the power station faster.

[Mario Bros.]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Released=1988
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|Game Boy Advance|NES|PC-88|Wii|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mario-bros
Description=Mario and Luigi, the best plumbers in the world, have a real job on their hands. A host of characters have taken over the sewers, and the brothers must clear them out of the pipes.<br><br>The platform puzzle which first introduced Luigi to the world has both single and multiplayer action with two differing game types, but with the same objective.<br>Crabs, turtles and fighter flies must be cleared out by jumping underneath the platform they sit on, then kicking them away. Each level is cleared when a set number of coins is collected.<br><br>For the two player mode, the first to collect the set amount of coins wins.

[M*A*S*H]
Publisher=Romox Inc.
Developer=Fox Video Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|TI-99/4A
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mash
Description=M*A*S*H was one of the many attempts by various software companies to take a successful movie or television show and convert it into a playable game.<br><br>In this game, you play the role of "Hawkeye Pierce," a surgeon stationed at the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital #4077 during the Korean War (1950-1953). There are two main stages in the game, each of which you must pass to move to the next round.  The first mission involves rescuing injured soldiers from the battlefield with your helicopter and returning them to home base without being shot down by enemy tanks.  The second mission takes place in the operating room while you are required to carefully remove bullets and shrapnel from wounded soldiers... it is very similar to the classic "OPERATION" tweezers game by Milton Bradley.<br><br>Each set of missions are repeated four times.  The first player to reach 999 points wins the game. There are four different variations of games, each selectable as either one player (against the computer) or two-player mode.

[The Mask of the Sun]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Ultrasoft, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mask-of-the-sun
Description=You are Mac Steele - archeologist, adventurer and treasure hunter. Poisoned by one of your newly found artifacts, you're fighting against time to find the legendary Mask of the Sun, which is your only chance to find a cure.<br>On your trip you'll stumble across antique ruins of the Aztecs, burried deep within Mexico, which hold the secret of a long lost civilization.<br>Mask of the Sun is a classical text adventure with graphics of your surroundings.

[Master Chess]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/master-chess
Description=The ancient game of chess is recreated here, with all the traditional rules and game concepts. The game is in 2D, as the programmers felt this was the most effective use of available memory. Controls involve moving a pointer over the square to move a piece from, pressing space, then moving to the destination square and pressing space again. You can set the amount of time players (human and computer) have to plan moves, although an over-ride option to force a move instantly also exists. You can save and reload games, and at any point can move pieces either from current settings or from scratch, to completely customise the game or play out classic positions.

[Master of the Lamps]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/master-of-the-lamps
Description=Master of the Lamps casts you as an Eastern prince hoping to become King. There are two distinct gameplay sections, through which he must prove his worthiness. Firstly, you must ride a magic carpet, flying through a series of diamonds which twists and turns more as you move through the 41 levels. <br><br>Alternating with this, you are in front of a row of pipes. Hit a gong 3 times to summon a genie, who will play a sequence of notes. Once the last one has been played, they fly towards you in order, and their colour equivalent on the row must be hit (the number of times they are played), before the flying note can hurt you. Complete this and a piece of lamp is granted.

[Math Maze]
Publisher=DesignWare, Inc.
Developer=DesignWare, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=PC Booter
Genre=Action|Educational
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/math-maze
Description=As a fly trapped in a maze, you run through the passageways, picking up the numbers that answer the math problems posed at the bottom of the screen.  This game leads to some very fast action, especially with the spider, who will chase you down and kill you. This game allowed for the players to design their own mazes, which lead, personally, to many hours of fun!

[Matrix: Gridrunner 2]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/matrix-gridrunner-2
Description=Attack of the Mutant Camels is sequel to Gridrunner.  In this Centipede style game you play a retired captain of a starship, one of those who had won the previous war against aliens.  You come out of retirement because the aliens are back, tougher than ever.  Thus a second gridwar begins.<br><br>You pilot your ship and shoot at chains of pods coming at you.  As you hit the pods, they break into smaller independent chains.  The aliens seem to have a sense of humor, though.  Each pod in the chain coming at you looks like a...camel.  Flying camels from outer space.<br><br>As you start shooting the camels, you are attacked by guns from the bottom of the screen and from the left side of the screen.  Even worse, a human traitor has joined the aliens, and when he appears on the screen, running across the grid on top, the guns get very accurate at shooting you.  Luckily you can shoot traitors.<br><br>Other twists include deflectors, which turn your bullets and even ricochet them back at you.  The enemy fires back too.  And as you advance in level, the enemy changes the direction of their attack.

[Maxwell Manor]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/maxwell-manor
Description=In this Adventure/ Action game with top-down and side-view sections, you play Professor Arabesque who has been sent by the Psychical society to rid the controlling influence of the Skull of Doom. Arabesque must jump and shoot through the Manor, to collect the treasures and use them to solve the mystery. When you die you enter a limbo room, in which one exit (randomly-selected by the game) restores Arabesque; the others result in death.<br><br>Every time you play, the bonus items are randomly placed, and the exact map layout is adjusted. There are over 1000 variations and ten skill levels. Much like today's FPS' there are vases to reload the gun and grant lives. They are reset at the beginning of each game hour.

[Mech Brigade]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mech-brigade
Description=Mech Brigade is a platoon level tactical simulation of armored warfare between the forces of NATO and the Soviet Union in the 1990's. The game may be played by up to 2 players who can either choose to play one of the 4 historical scenarios or may elect to build their own scenario. The game will automatically end after 15 turns (20 if there is an assault battle being played). However a game may be ended earlier or continue after it has ended if all sides agree. At the end of the game victory points will be awarded which will determine whether the battle was a draw, marginal,substantive or decisive victory.

[Megamania]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/megamania
Description=Megamania is an arcade action game with gameplay similar to Space Invaders. You control a spaceship at the bottom of the screen and need to defend yourself from numerous waves of attackers. But in Megamania, the attackers much more bizarre than invading aliens. There are hamburgers, diamonds, steam irons, bow ties, space dice, and more! You need to earn points by destroying as many of these strange attackers as you can before your energy supply becomes depleted.

[Memory Manor]
Publisher=Fisher-Price Learning Software|SSC
Developer=Frieda Lekkerkerker Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Educational
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/memory-manor
Description=Wee Willie is a window washer at an apartment who wants to keep his customers happy. Some of the customers welcome him and want their windows washed while others are worrisome about his wet work and would not want him washing their windows. There's only so much water for Willie to wield in his bucket, so he must only waste it on the welcoming window wash customers. It's also raining so Willie will have to remember who lives where.<br><br>Memory Manor is a memory matching game played from a side-view perspective. Players take control of Wee Willie who can move left and right, climb ladders and choose to wash a window he is in front of. The game relies on memory, after a brief glimpse of the people in the manor the windows fog up, hiding the occupants. The player must remember which windows contain happy customers and wash their windows. Willie has a limited water supply and so must not waste washing on anyone who doesn't want their windows washed. The game is over if Willie uses up all of his water.

[Mercenary]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Novagen Software Ltd
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mercenary
Description=Due to an engine malfunction, your spaceship crashes on the planet Targ. Unlike your trusty vessel, you survive the crash and now have to find a way to get away from this planet. But hey, while you're at it, you might as well try to get some money off your unplanned stay on Targ.<br><br>You're a mercenary, and it just so happens that the two races on the planet are at war. So why not use that to your advantage and do some favors for each race... against cash?<br><br>You play this game in a first-person perspective with vector graphics. There's a huge planet for you to explore, you can walk around on it or take airborne vehicles to reach elevated locations.

[Mercenary: Compendium Edition]
Publisher=Novagen Software Ltd
Developer=Novagen Software Ltd
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mercenary-compendium-edition
Description=A compilation of Paul Woakes's innovative 3D exploration and flight game, and the  Second City expansion pack. For some systems this was a compilation of previously-released titles, for others it was the only release for either part of the gameworld.

[Mercenary: Escape from Targ - The Second City]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Novagen Software Ltd
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mercenary-escape-from-targ-the-second-city
Description=Mercenary: The Second City is an expansion disk for Mercenary, which features the same gameplay and controls.<br><br>Following the successes over Targ's Central City, the controller of the BENSON computer relaxes and enjoys himself. Soon however, he grows bored and starts looking around for new challenges on the still hazardous Planet Targ. Rumors about the Palyar Commander's brother-in-law living in the southern hemisphere suggest that this may be a good challenge. In this Second City, the battle between Palyars and Mechanoids still rages... and nothing is as it seems.

[MicroLeague Baseball]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/microleague-baseball
Description=Microleague eschew action in favor of strategy for this licensed baseball game. The real-life teams and players are included, as well as classic teams from the past - lots of data disks where released featuring additional lineups. Each play is graphically shown, with a running commentary detailing how it unfolds.<br><br>A wide range of strategies are available. You can bring the stand-in players in, and instruct players as to how aggressively to play when opportunities arise, with 7 distinct batting strategies. When fielding you have options on field placement and bowling style - use the fastball and curveball wisely. Players will sometimes pick up injuries (the correct level of warming up can reduce this risk), or argue with the umpire over controversial decisions.

[Midway Campaign]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/midway-campaign
Description=Midway Campaign is a computer simulation of the Battle of Midway Island in June 1942, arguably one of the most decisive battles in the history of warfare. They computer controls a huge force of Japanese ships whose objective is to invade and capture Midway Island. You command the badly outnumbered and outranged American forces with your only advantage being the element of surprise. The game ends if either all of one sides Aircraft Carriers are sunk, or any part of Japanese TF exits map to west or US TF exits map to east with no airstrikes in the air. At the end of the game a summary of all carrier damage, aircraft losses, and victory points from other targets and the Midway invasion are output followed by an evaluation of results.

[Milk Race]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Icon Design Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/milk-race
Description=The Milk Race involved cycling 1000 miles across Britain, and the game simulates being one of the 84 entrants. The route takes you form Newcastle to London via Sheffield, Birmingham and Ipswich among others. <br><br>The roads are strewn with potholes, and cars and other bikes make things more treacherous. Time-trials are sprung on you at random, and these must be completed in the allotted time.<br><br>You cant cycle at full pelt for the whole event and you need to make efficient use of energy, via pacing yourself and riding in higher gears when you reach hills, are vital. Milk (what else?) can be picked up to boost your energy.

[Millionaire: The Stock Market Simulation]
Publisher=Blue Chip Software
Developer=Blue Chip Software
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/millionaire-the-stock-market-simulation
Description=In the game you are starting a session at the U.S. stock market with a beginning net worth equal to $10,000. Three companies from Computer, Oil & Gas, Retail Sales, Auto, and Heavy Industries are present on this market. Stock prices are changing each week due to economical, political, or social situations. On each turn you should examine the news and trends, and buy or sell a certain quantity of stocks in order to increase your net worth. Based on your net worth, you'll be classified by one of the five ranks: Novice, Investor, Speculator, Professional, or Broker. The higher rank you have, the more investment opportunities are available to you. The goal is to finish the session with as a high a net worth as possible; the highest rank is Millionaire.<br><br>The game is available for single player and the game may be saved to be restored later.

[Millipede]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari ST|NES
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/millipede
Description=Millipedes, cousins of the Centipede, are all over the garden. This will ruin anything trying to grow there unless they are stopped. But there are other insects as well; spiders, bees, dragonflies and earwigs. Nature is dangerous. Luckily, there's a bug zapper that can shoot arrows at these insects and destroy them.<br><br>Millipede is the sequel to Centipede, and features similar gameplay, but with a new swarm of insects! The goal is to destroy the multi-segmented millipede as it traverses its way through the mushroom forest towards the bottom of the screen. When all millipede segments have been destroyed, the player will progress to the next, more difficult level. Millipedes and other creatures are all worth a different amount of points. Occasionally dynamite will appear on the screen, which will explode if shot by the bug zapper. With a well timed shot, numerous millipede segments (and other insects as well) can be taken out as they pass by.

[Mindshadow]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Interplay Productions, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mindshadow
Description=At the beginning of Mindshadow you find yourself on a lonely beach in a lifeless hut.  With a headache and no memory. <br><br>The object of the game is to completely regain your memory.  As you progress in the game a word or phrase will trigger memories of the past.  Like most adventure games the fun of the game is centered on discovery of you and your surroundings.

[Mindwheel]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mindwheel
Description=This real time all-text game puts you in the role of a Mind Adventurer, asked to journey back through the minds of four deceased residents of your planet in search of the Wheel of Wisdom. The Wheel is the only thing that can restore your planet from the state of chaos it's now in.<br><br>The hardbound book that comes with the game includes the instructions and a novella-length introduction to the plot.

[Miner 2049er]
Publisher=Big Five Software
Developer=Big Five Software
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BREW|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|J2ME|PC-88|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Windows Mobile
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/miner-2049er
Description=You play the part of Bounty Bob, and it is your mission to explore every inch of an abandoned mine. As you walk over floor sections in the mine, the floor will change color. When all of the floor sections have been changed in color, you can move on to the next, more challenging level. To reach all of the floor sections, you will need to figure out how to get there! You can jump (be careful not to fall too far though, or you will be squished), climb up and down ladders, and use different transportation devices that can be found on the levels (such as an elevator, slides, a springboard, or a canon!) Wandering around the mine are numerous radioactive creatures which get in Bounty Bobs way. Also scattered throughout the mines are various artifacts left behind; if Bounty Bob collects one of these, the creatures will temporarily become vulnerable. If Bounty Bob runs into one of the creatures in this state the creature will be destroyed, but if he runs into a creature while it is glowing Bounty Bob will be destroyed! There is a total of ten different levels, and to complete them all you will need quick reflexes as well as figure out a unique strategy for each level.

[Mirax Force]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mirax-force
Description=Uridium is the obvious influence on this shooter, viewed from above and scrolling both left and right. As a member of the Mirax Force attack team, you and your Star Quest spaceship are crucial to your planet's survival. Fly Star Quest over an enemy mothership, destroying as many bays and circuits as possible, and ultimately the Main Reactor itself. You will be chased by enemy fighter ships, and have to avoid protective gun bays. The background colour changes every time you lose a life, and the game includes sampled speech (performed by the programmer).

[Missile Command]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/missile-command_
Description=Aliens from the planet of Krytol are attacking your cities!! As the commander of a missile base, it is your responsibility to defend them. A variety of enemy weapons and planes will be incoming trying to destroy the six cities at the bottom of the screen. You need to fire missiles to destroy the incoming weapons. If anything gets through, one of your cities could be destroyed. When all of the cities are gone, the game is over. On each level you have a limited amount of ammo, so make sure most (if not all) of your shots are accurate or you could run out of ammo and leave your cities at risk! As the levels progress, there are more and more enemy weapons to destroy which come in at an increasingly faster rate.

[Mission on Thunderhead]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1985
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mission-on-thunderhead
Description=From the author of Maxwell Manor, Mission on Thunderhead is an action game with a science-fiction theme. <br><br>Thunderhead is a once-desolate planet now teeming with life, thanks to the hated Eternals. They have set up an underground complex, which is their main power base. <br><br>The game is split into two parts - Operation Tempest and The Final Appeal. In Operation Tempest you must find and activate the device needed to destroy the planet. In The Final Appeal you must find the items which will allow you to appeal the charges the Eternals hit you with.<br><br>Gameplay involves jumping and shooting - the player must collect the items which allow you to defeat monsters. There are also mazelike sections. Weapon power-ups and reloads can be found, as can extra lives. The game has 10 preset levels, and a seed number to allow over 1000 variations of play.

[Molecule Man]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|Linux|MSX|Windows|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/molecule-man
Description=Molecule Man is trapped inside a radioactive maze of 256 screens, and it's your job to get him out. To do this you must collect 16 circuits which are located at extreme points of the levels. You must regularly consume radiation tablets to fend off certain poisoning, and your initial supply of 20 is totally inadequate.<br><br>Fortunately, there are coins dotted around the levels, as well as ant-radiation tablet vending machines at which you can buy them. Coins can also be used to buy more time, or to blow up obstacles which make some sections difficult or impossible to access. <br><br>Viewed isometrically, the screen designs are intentionally surreal, each taking on an unlikely distorted real-world theme. If you find the initial level layouts too easy, too hard or too dull, you can design a new set with the bundled maze editor.

[Montezuma's Revenge]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Parker Brothers
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|PC Booter|SEGA Master System
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/montezumas-revenge
Description=You play as a treasure hunter named Panama Joe, whose goal is to find an ancient treasure hidden by Aztec warrior  deep inside catacombs. But beware, the catacombs are a large maze inhabited by monsters. Bouncing and rolling skulls, dancing spiders, disappearing and re-appearing chains and tons of fire await you. You'll have to find many keys and unlock doors in order to reach your goal. Panama Joe can jump and climb ladders, but doesn't have much to offer in terms of combat. That's why the monsters in the game should be avoided: a collision with an enemy leads to a premature death.

[Moonmist]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/moonmist
Description=(From the instruction manual)<br><br>In Moonmist, you are a famous young American detective. An old friend, Tamara Lynd, has written you a letter (included in the package), asking for your help. And so you have travelled to England to test your detective skills.<br><br>As the story begins, you are outside Tresyllian Castle - the old, dark, hauntingly beautiful castle where Tamara now lives. Tamara greets you, and you meet some interesting guests. But your visit soon turns to mystery, as a trail of riddles and clues leads you to a hidden valuable treasure.<br><br>But Tamara is worried about a ghost that is tormenting her. What does the ghost want? Is it jealous of her? Does the ghost want the hidden treasure for itself? Or is the ghost a fake - just someone dressing up to frighten Tamara? If so, why?<br><br>Some of the characters in the game will treat you differently whether you play as a male or female character, and the game comes with four different variations (choosen at the start by picking a color).<br><br>Difficulty Level: Introductory

[Moon Patrol]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Irem Corp.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/moon-patrol
Description=The moon is under attack from a horde of aliens, and you must stop them in your armed buggy. Drive along the surface shooting the aliens and avoiding their bullets. The surface is not flat, there are craters and rocks to avoid contact with, and landmines on the surface. Flying saucers create new craters when they crash. The 25 restart points are letter-coded.

[Moon Shuttle]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Nichibutsu
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/moon-shuttle
Description=Based on the 1981 Nichibutsu Arcade game. <br>Aliens have invaded our asteroid belt! It's up to you to get rid of them. <br>Your space ship on the bottom of the vertically scrolling screen dodges and shoots at asteroids, hostile ships and the like. <br>By moving left and right and firing rapidly, first you must clear a path through the asteroids. Only then you can take on the alien craft. Pushing up on the joystick increases speed, but crashing into an asteroid means death. A bonus is awarded if you pass through unscathed. Once on the other side, the aliens attack from the top and sides of the screen and drop  missiles. The first wave is just a teaser. Progressive waves are more aggressive and harder to kill. If you destroy a certain number of aliens, more asteroids must be avoided or destroyed, followed by yet another alien attack, and so on, until eventually all are defeated or you have no more lives.

[Moptown Parade]
Publisher=The Learning Co.
Developer=The Learning Co.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/moptown-parade
Description=One of the oldest releases by The Learning Company, Moptown Parade is an edutainment game aimed at teaching basic pattern recognition and logic skills to kids aged 4-7. The goal is simple: choose the traits of Moppet creatures to line up in a queue, obeying the given number of rules. For instance, if the rule says "2," you must choose the traits of the next Moppet so that it differs from the previous Moppet by 2 traits, e.g. a fat, blue Moppet can stand next to a thin, red Moppet. The number of rules, i.e. traits, can be changed from 1 to 4, thus either making the game more or less challenging (although changing the traits to 4, the maximum, will just result in your Moppets being an alternate sequence of two types of Moppets).

[Mordon's Quest]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mordons-quest
Description=You have a reputation as a worthy and capable adventurer. One day you encounter an old man named Mordon, who explains that he is one of the Ancient Ones, who have been guiding universes in a positive way for centuries. However, they have been dying out through old age, and so have built a time machine. <br><br>A younger Ancient One named Bostafer scuppered this, destroying the machine in the hope of using it to make himself immortal. Can you retrieve all the pieces from time and space before Bostafer?The pieces have attained mythical status in some cultures, so retrieving them may not be an easy task.<br><br>Mordon's Quest is a pure-text IF game containing 150 locations and understanding over 400 words. Items you will find early in the game include a blowpipe, a black pearl and a crystal orb. Commands include CLIMB, SACRIFICE and INSERT, as well as standard movement and object-retrieval methods.

[Mountain Bike Racer]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1989
Systems=Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Sports
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mountain-bike-racer
Description=This budget game is essentially Kikstart without the engines. It's viewed from the side, with 12 courses to complete within their respective time limits. You control the bike by setting the speed and jumping at the right moments. Hazards to negotiate include hills, walls, rocks, spikes and ice. Some of these can be circumnavigated by buying the right add-ons from the shop after each race. The amount of money you have to spend is dependent upon how quickly you completed the previous race.

[Mountain King]
Publisher=CBS Software
Developer=E.F. Dreyer, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mountain-king
Description=Deep within a multi platformed diamond mine is a valuable crown. Your goal is to locate and retrieve the crown, then make it to the top of the mine alive! There are several steps that need to be completed before you can retrieve the crown. First you need to collect enough diamonds to earn 1,000 points. After you have enough points, you need to locate the flame spirit which is hidden somewhere within the mine. Since the mine is rather dark, you carry a flashlight with you which can be used to locate objects (such as treasure chests full of diamonds and the flame spirit.) Once you have the flame spirit, you need to find the entrance to the temple the crown is in. Offer the flame spirit to the skull spirit guarding the entrance, and you can get in and take the crown. Once you have the crown, you need to make it to the top of the mine before time runs out. To make this task more challenging, numerous cave bats fly around which can steal the crown. If this happens, you need to begin again! At the very bottom of the mine is a deadly spider; if you're not careful while exploring this region of the mine, you could become caught in it's web and be eaten. Each level has a time limit, and the more levels you complete the shorter the time limit becomes!

[Mouskattack]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=Jan, 1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mouskattack
Description=Mouskattack is very similar to Pac-Man. Take the role of Larry Bain, a plumber working for Rodent Rooter attempting to get rid of all the huge rats in Rat Alley. The player is pursued by 4 rats in a maze and player must set mouse traps to get rid of them all as well as make sure the player traverses the entire maze à la Pac-Man to complete the level.

[Mr. Cool]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mr-cool
Description=You as a cube jump on the pyramid built with color-changing platforms. You have to make all platforms of the same color, but the flying comets disturb you. But if the comets became the balls then cube can collect them painlessly.

[Mr. Do!]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Universal Co., Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Game Boy|J2ME|MSX|SNES
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mr-do
Description=You control Mr. Do has he tries to harvest all of the cherries on the screen. However, there are numerous bad guys out to get him! Mr. Do can defend himself from the badguys in two ways: first he can push the apples located throughout the playfield on top of the enemies and crush them. Secondly, Mr. Do is armed with a power ball. This can be thrown to destroy an enemy. Mr. Do has only one power ball, though, so he will need to wait for it to return to him before it can be used again. From time to time an alpha monster will appear on the screen bearing one of the letters in EXTRA. If you use the power ball to destroy an alpha monster you earn that letter; when you've earned the complete word EXTRA you receive an extra life. When you successfully collect all of the cherries, you will move on to the next, more difficult level.<br><br>The mobile version of the game includes the original arcade version, as well as an enhanced mode with new levels, power-ups and graphics.

[Mr. Do!'s Castle]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Universal Co., Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mr-dos-castle
Description=Mr. Do!'s Castle is an action platform game which has you in a castle consisting of several floors, each of which contain a variety of blocks. You control Mr. Do! the clown who has a hammer which can be used to knock out the blocks in the floor. Wandering throughout the castle are deadly unicorns which are constantly trying to catch you. Your goal is to earn as many points as possible and to progress through the increasingly difficult castles. <br><br>There are two ways to complete a castle; you can either destroy all of the deadly unicorns by crushing them with blocks, or you can knock out all of the blocks which have a cherry symbol on them. In addition to the cherry blocks, there are three blocks with a key. If all three key blocks are knocked out, the door on the roof of the castle unlocks. If you make it to the door, all of the unicorns will temporarily become harmless and will contain a letter. If you hit a letter unicorn, you will earn a letter in the word EXTRA. Spell the complete word, and you will earn an extra life. <br><br>The last type of block you'll encounter has a skull on it. If you knock out two skull blocks, all of the blocks between them will also be knocked out and replaced with a bridge. As the castles progress, the castle layout will become trickier and the unicorns become faster and more numerous.

[Mr. Robot and His Robot Factory]
Publisher=Datamost, Inc.
Developer=Datamost, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mr-robot-and-his-robot-factory
Description=You are in control of a robot and have to guide him through 22  platform levels using ladders, treadmills, trampolines, escalators, magnets, transporters and other devices. You must collect all the power-pills in one level in order to finish it, but you have only limited time to do so as you are constantly losing energy. Falling from too high or touching an enemy kills your robot. Picking up energizers temporarily enables you to kill your enemies. The game also features an editor that lets you create your own levels.

[Ms. Pac-Man]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=General Computer Corporation|Midway
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|BlackBerry|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Gear|Genesis|iPhone|iPod Classic|Lynx|NES|PC Booter|SEGA Master System|SNES|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Xbox 360|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ms-pac-man
Description=In 1982, a sequel to the  incredibly popular Pac-Man was introduced in the form of his girlfriend, Ms. Pac-Man.  This sequel continued on the "eat the dots/avoid the ghosts" gameplay of the original game, but added new features to keep the title fresh.<br><br>Like her boyfriend, Ms. Pac-Man attempts to clear four various and challenging mazes filled with dots and ever-moving bouncing fruit  while avoiding Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Sue, each with their own personalities and tactics.  One touch from any of these ghosts means a loss of life for Ms. Pac-Man.<br><br>Ms. Pac-Man can turn the tables on her pursuers by eating one of the four Energizers located within the maze. During this time, the ghosts turn blue, and Ms. Pac-Man can eat them for bonus points (ranging from 200, 400, 800 and 1600, progressively). The Energizer power only lasts for a limited amount of time, as the ghost's eyes float back to their center box, and regenerate to chase after Ms. Pac-Man again.<br><br>Survive a few rounds of gameplay, and the player will be treated to humorous intermissions showing the growing romantic relationship between Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, leading all the way up to the arrival of "Junior".

[M.U.L.E.]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Ozark Softscape
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|MSX|NES|PC-88
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mule
Description=M.U.L.E. is about four hopeful explorers trying to make a fortune on a virgin planet. This is done by producing various goods (Food, Energy, Smithore, Crystite). Each of these goods have their uses: if you don't have enough food, you will have less time during your turn. If you don't have enough energy, your output will be lower. If enough smithore isn't produced, there will be a shortage of M.U.L.E.s. Crystite is the big earner that can make or break your game.<br><br>You start the game by selecting your race. Some are easier to play, some harder. There are three levels of difficulty, in the easiest the game only lasts 6 turns, but the real game is 12 turns. Crystite is not available at the easiest level.<br><br>Each turn starts with land claim. Each player gets to choose a spot of land for themselves from the map. If two players choose the same spot, the player with less money wins. The map consists of different landscape. River is best for producing food, plains for energy, mountains for smithore. Crystite is hidden and must be first found by taking a land sample to the town.<br><br>After the land claim each player takes turns in cultivating their land and do other tasks. They can buy M.U.L.E.s to start production on their land, sabotage other players by buying M.U.L.E.s and letting them loose, try to catch the Wumpus for cash and try to find crystite veins. The time to do these things depends on if the player has enough food. Finally the player goes to the casino and wins a small amount of money, depending on how much time was left.<br><br>After the cultivation phase is the production phase where each land produces an amount of goods depending on a number of factors such as if the player has enough energy in storage, what type of land is used, and some random events such as sunspots that increase energy output. Also, if the same player has plots producing the same goods next to each other, they gain a bonus. Three plots of same production type anywhere on the map by the same player also gives a bonus.<br><br>Third phase is the most interesting one: the auction. Here the players buy and sell their goods on open market. Players negotiate the price by moving up and down on the screen. The shop also has prices that depend on how abundant or scarce the goods is. So if there is a shortage of food, the price goes up and vice versa. This allows for interesting tactics, especially if one player manages to monopolize food, energy or smithore production. If there is no food, others don't have time to change their production types, if there is a shortage of energy, their land won't produce and if there are no M.U.L.E.s they can't change production type on their plot. Hoarding goods also has a drawback in the form of surplus where each turn a percentage of goods is wasted. <br><br>There are a number of random events in the game. Some affect one player, usually the one winning gets small penalties and the losing player(s) get small rewards. The big events that happen randomly are:<br>- M.U.L.E. goes crazy - the M.U.L.E. on one of the plots runs away losing production for that round plus the money to replace it.<br>- Planetquake - production of smithore and crystite is much lower.<br>- Fire in store - all stock in the shops are destroyed (which means prices will skyrocket, but if you needed to buy something, you are at the mercy of other players).<br>- Pirate attack - pirates steal all crystite from stores and players (in the easiest level they steal smithore). Nasty if you happened to have a lot of them waiting for better prices.<br>- Acid rain storm - affects the plot under the storm and below it by boosting food production and decreasing energy production.<br>- Sunspot activity - increases energy production.<br>- Pest attack - eats all food on one plot.<br>- Meteor strike - destroys the M.U.L.E on the plot it strikes but creates a very rich crystite plot.<br><br>M.U.L.E always has four players, with 1-4 human players possible and the rest played by the AI. Because the players only need two buttons at most (up/down in auction) in auction, it's easy to play with four people around the computer. <br><br>M.U.L.E is a very finely tuned game where rewards, penalties, time to use for various tasks etc. have been perfectly fine tuned to keep the game balanced. Rules and the random events mean that no two games are the same.

[Murder on the Zinderneuf]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Free Fall Associates
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/murder-on-the-zinderneuf
Description=The year is 1936. You are in flight on the dirigible Zinderneuf, and a murder has just been discovered! As the only detective on board the ship, it is your job to discover who the murderer is before landing. The game is played from a top down view of the Zinderneuf. In order to solve the case, you will need to find enough evidence to accuse the correct person. Clues can be found by searching the various rooms, and also from interrogating the fifteen passengers on board. When you come across a passenger, you can question them by being polite, forceful, naive, or whatever approach you think will get you the most information. You can even ignore passengers, but ignoring someone now may make them reluctant to help you later! By piecing the evidence together you need to come up with the killer before time runs out. You may play the game as one of eight different detectives, and each time you play the killer, his/her motive, and the various clues will be different.

[My First Alphabet]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/my-first-alphabet
Description=This is a program to teach children their alphabet and their numbers. When the program begins, the screen draws a clown, frowning, then the letters of the alphabet begin to appear on the screen while the alphabet song plays. You are then taken to the main menu. Here, you can have the screen show pictures for each letter of the alphabet and/or each number, zero through nine. There is also an option to select that will show a corresponding picture for whatever letter or number you press on the keyboard.

[Mystery Fun House]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/mystery-fun-house
Description=Number 7 in the original Scott Adams adventure series. This one takes place at an amusement park. The first puzzle is how to get in past the turnstyles!  Once inside, you must solve the mystery of the place, going through a house of mirrors and so forth.  It is an all-text adventure like the others in this series, with a very basic 2-word parser.

[NAM]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/nam_
Description=NAM is based on battles fought in the Vietnam War. There are six scenarios to choose from to start the game. Each scenario ranges from 15-25 turns of game play with eleven phases for each game turn. At the end of each turn, victory points are determined on both sides for units killed. At the end of the turns for that scenario all victory points are figured to determine how decisive the battle was.

[Napoleon in Russia: Borodino 1812]
Publisher=Krentek Software
Developer=Krentek Software
Released=1987
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/napoleon-in-russia-borodino-1812
Description=Borodino, just outside Moscow was hit terribly by Napoleon and the Russians fled. Once the winter hit and the Russians were regrouped, they pushed Napoleon back into Europe. This game is the scenario that "might have been" and it's outcome of the Russians OR Napoleon is up to you.

[NATO Commander]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/nato-commander
Description=The first wargame from legendary game designer Sid Meier, NATO Commander puts the player in charge of the armies of Western Europe as the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact forces plunge across central Europe in a hypothetical Cold War-turned-World War III scenario.<br><br>The game design would serve as the foundation for the MicroProse Command Series of wargames, so it is no surprise that NATO Commander and those later MicroProse games are very similar.  Combat takes place in accelerated real-time, though the player can freeze to survey the field and issue orders.  Commanding is basically a matter of picking the right "modes" for individual units and moving them into position for attack or defense, monitoring unit morale, assigning air wings to various tasks (air superiority, ground support, or reconnaissance), and making judicious use of the chemical and nuclear weapons at the player's disposal.<br><br>There are four difficulty levels and five different scenarios to choose from, and the player has the option of using larger divisions or smaller brigades as the standard unit size.  Victory points are determined by political (city captures, chemical and nuclear weapons use, pre-emptive attack, etc.) and combat (casualties and loss of territory) factors.  <br><br>Key political events occur during the course of the war, such as labor strikes and declarations of neutrality by certain European nations.  The final outcome is eventually determined when accumulated political and combat losses force one of the two sides to accept defeat.

[Necromancer]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/necromancer
Description=Tetragorn the Necromancer has a fleet of evil beings at his disposal, from spiders to ogres and Hammerfists. You play Illuminar the wizard, aiming to use the forces of light and nature to triumph over dark.<br><br>There are three stages of play to this action game. Standing constantly in the centre of the screen, you must use your long-range Wisp weapon to create an army of them, while also fending off Ogres. Venom Spiders infect your trees - to prevent them from withering away, you must first kill the Spider, then hit the tree with your wisp. Eye-Pods (did Steve Jobs play this game?) can be hit to produce even more seeds.<br><br>Trees you produce in this stage are taken with you into the vaults, which are split into five increasingly-tough layers. Use your wisp to activate a tree, and guide it into the Spider larvae. It will then grow over it, and can be replaced in the storage area once it has completed its task. <br><br>Larvae which does hatch turns into Sith Spiders, which kill trees and can kill Illuminar - destroy it with your wisp. Hammerfists are also primarily a hindrance - they destroy trees, and if they hit you, you must wrestle free before the can kill you. However, they will sometimes drop strength-giving rings, and random-effect Mysteries.<br><br>Once you reach Tetragorn's lair, you must destroy the headstones that trigger him. Once he has appeared, destroy him with your wisp, but above all you must avoid contact. Again, this stage takes place on 5 levels of increasing difficulty.

[Neptune's Daughters]
Publisher=English Software Company, The
Developer=English Software Company, The
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/neptunes-daughters
Description=Players control Neptune who is exploring the depths of the ocean in search of his daughters held captive by the sea snake. The game is split into two sections. The first section has the player guiding Neptune through a series of underwater caverns while destroying jellyfish. The player also must shrink down weeds that get in their way. The weeds grow back to their original size after a few seconds, so the player must swim past them in a limited amount of time.<br><br>The second section has the player shooting crabs while avoiding falling debris. By shooting crabs, the player can pick them up and take it to the structure nearby where the player will see the daughters trapped in an aquarium guarded by the snake. To set her free, the player is required to drop the crab onto the snake's tongue. If the player repeats this enough times, the daughter is set free and the game restarts with a higher difficulty level.

[The Neverending Story]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Ocean Software Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/neverending-story
Description=The Neverending Story is a text adventure based on the movie by Wolfgang Petersen (rather than the novel by Michael Ende).<br><br>The world of Fantasia is about to be destroyed by the "All-consuming Nothing", it needs someone from the "Real World" to believe in it again in order to be saved from falling into oblivion.<br><br>The player takes control of the young hero Atreyu who is the only one who can find the savior of Fantasia. The game uses different pictures to show the player's current location as well as the items he is holding, which companions are with him and any events that might be taking place. The game's parser has been deliberately kept simple (it has a vocabulary of about 40 words) in order to allow more room for the game data.

[New York City]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/new-york-city
Description=You control Ed Hick, who decided to take a day trip to New York City in his red atomic Plymouth Continental. For a first-timer in the big city, Ed will run into some problems, namely the traffic. There are two types of vehicles that Ed must face. There are harmless cars cruising the streets, and these cars can be run over without taking any damage to yourself. There are also tow trucks that can easily damage your Plymouth. If it takes enough damaged or it runs out of gas, then it is hauled to the garage while you are recovering in the hospital. You must hot-foot it all the way to the garage to pick up your car and fork out $100 for repairs. If you run out of money, the game is over. <br><br>However, you are free to visit the bank to get some more. If you do this, then you need to avoid a series of bank robbers, who constantly fire at you and prevent you from reaching the teller on the opposite side. If you manage to reach the teller, then you are awarded $500 and the teller will close.<br><br>Your main objective is to visit two of the buildings, as indicated in your status bar. (Only two buildings are open at once.) To view a site, you must find a parking space close by, get out of the car, and walk into the building. Each building contains a mini-game that must be completed before it can be deemed as 'seen'. Meanwhile, your car is metered, and if the parking meter expires, then it is towed away to the lot and you have to make your way to the lot to pick it up. The whole game must be completed in a day.

[Night Mission Pinball]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/night-mission-pinball
Description=Night Mission Pinball is a pinball game simulation.  You can change many physical parameters of the machine to suit your playing style or your whim such as the number of balls, the incline of the machine, the kick off the bumpers, etc. It supports 1-4 players and is controlled by the keyboard or joystick.<br><br>The Atari 8-bit version made use of the keyboard click speaker for sound-effects.

[Ninja]
Publisher=Mastertronic, Inc.
Developer=Sculptured Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ninja_
Description=This is an side-scrolling beat-'em-up game consisting of a succession of fights, in which you (surprisingly) play a ninja whose job is to go through the playfield and kill everyone in his path. You are also equipped with a dagger and a shuriken which you can hurl at your enemies.<br><br>You must also collect "idols" which are left lying around), which will reinvigorate you, as well as grant you further points. Once you collect all of the idols, you will have won the game.

[North Atlantic Convoy Raider]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/north-atlantic-convoy-raider
Description=It is May 8, 1941 and you are Captain of the mighty German battleship Bismarck the single most powerful ship in the Atlantic. Hitler has given you the nearly impossible task of fighting through the British Home Fleet and sinking enough convoys to force Britain to surrender. Your level of victory will be determined by how many merchant ships and battleships you can sink. Your decisions will determine the fate of the Bismarck.

[Nukewar]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1980
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/nukewar
Description=The time is the late 20th century. You and a neighboring country have developed a nuclear capability. Your neighbor's sole objective is to utterly annihilate you. As the tension mounts while you are conducting espionage, building bombers,missiles,submarines and anti ballistic missiles either you or your neighbor launch a pre-emptive first strike.The nuclear destruction continues until either  all weapons are expended or a truce is negotiated. Victory is determined by population remaining and world political opinion which is usually against the side that started the war. If both sides lose enough people neither will win.

[Ogre]
Publisher=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Developer=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ogre
Description=A direct computer conversion of Steve Jackson's board game of supertanks going against superinfantry with superhowitzers. Plays exactly like the board game.

[Oil's Well]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/oils-well-
Description=Extend your oil-mining robotic arm deep below the earth's crust to mine oil and line your pockets.  But watch out for the monstrous bugs that lie in wait for you -- one touch of them to the robotic arm and you lose a life!

[Olin in Emerald]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/olin-in-emerald
Description=A graphical treasure hunt for children.  The first (and only) game in the Kingdom of Myrrh series.  Designed to be an educational adventure game, it covers reading, problem solving, map skills and decision making.  You write down clues in your quest to find King Olin of Myrrh, kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Vargor.  Anara the wise woman will guide you along on your search.

[Ollie's Follies]
Publisher=Fanda|Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Fanda
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ollies-follies
Description=Ollie has made the mistake of entering a factory which turns out to be ran by evil robots. It is split into 24 tough screens to complete in order, none of which are designed to be easy for a human to navigate.<br><br>Ollie's Follies is a simple 2D sci-fi platformer displaying the kind of horizontally layered environments Frank Cohen became well known for. Each level's objective is disarmingly simple - just get from one end of the screen to the other. These contain teleports, guard robots to avoid, and an array of complex ledges to navigate. Later screens add moving platforms, laser bolts and deflectors, and require a key be collected to open the door. Be careful not to fall too far, as this costs you one of your five lives, as does contact with a robot.

[One Man and His Droid]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/one-man-and-his-droid
Description=Control a droid on the planet Andromadous trying to herd Ramboids (alien sheep) into a teleporter. First the droid has to travel through a chamber filled with constantly moving Ramboids. Then the Ramboids must be herded towards the teleport receptor in a particular order. As well as the droid's standard movement mode, it can also tunnel or dig through the caverns. In later levels, the cavern designs become more complex and moving blocks create further problems.

[One-on-One]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari 7800|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=1.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/one-on-one
Description=Control either Julius Erving or Larry Bird in front of a single basket, in a game of one on one.  The user can select to play either to a certain score or for a certain amount of time.  When on offense, the player can rotate to keep away from his rival, take a shot from a distance or move in to the basket for special up-close slam-dunks.  When on defense, you can try to take your rival's ball or jump up to block a shot.  Particularly good set-ups get a slow-motion replay.  You can even smash the glass on the backboard, which will send an irate janitor onto the court to clean up the mess.

[Operation Market Garden: Drive on Arnhem, September 1944]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/operation-market-garden-drive-on-arnhem-september-1944
Description=Operation Market Garden is a recreation of the largest daylight airborne operation in history on September 17, 1944. As commander of the Allied forces you will direct the American  82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the British 1st Airborne Division and the 30th Corps to their historical objectives. The Allied player earns points for controlling and keeping supply objective hexes. They lose points for overrun airborne supply hexes and German controlled town/city hexes. The level of victory (5 levels) is determined by Allied points at the end of the game. The game can be played by 2 people or solitaire (computer as German), has four levels of difficulty and can be played as either intermediate level or advanced. Playing time is 10 hours.

[The Oregon Trail]
Publisher=Softswap
Developer=MECC
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|DOS|Macintosh|Windows|Windows 3.x
Genre=Adventure|Educational|Role-Playing (RPG)|Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/oregon-trail
Description=As a covered wagon party of pioneers, you head out west from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette River and valley in Oregon.  You first must stock up on provisions, and then, while traveling, make decisions such as when to rest, how much food to eat, etc. The Oregon Trail incorporates strategy and planning ahead along with discovery and adventure as well as action (hunting and floating down the Dalles river).

[O'Riley's Mine]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/orileys-mine
Description=As an Irish prospector named Timothy O'Riley, dig an unending series of mines searching for coal, gold, diamonds, rubies, and oil.  But watch out for the evil creatures you've disturbed and the rising underground river - don't let either one touch you or you will die!  And beware - the creatures move much faster while the moon is up.<br>The river is unstoppable, but you can kill or block the creatures with a limited supply of dynamite.<br><br>O'Riley's Mine is essentially a high-speed variant of Mr. Do! and Boulder Dash - you must race around collecting everything before returning to the top of the mine shaft while the creatures chase you and the water rises relentlessly.

[Pac-Man]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Namco Limited
Released=1982
Systems=Android|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BlackBerry|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Game Boy Advance|Game Gear|Intellivision|iPhone|MSX|Neo Geo Pocket Color|NES|PC-88|PC-98|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Wii|Xbox 360|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pac-man
Description=One of the most popular and influential games of the 1980's, Pac-Man stars a little, yellow dot-muncher who works his way around to clear a maze of the various dots and fruit which inhabit the board.<br><br>Pac-Man's goal is continually challenged by four ghosts: The shy blue ghost Bashful (Inky), the trailing red ghost Shadow (Blinky), the fast pink ghost Speedy (Pinky), and the forgetful orange ghost Pokey (Clyde).  One touch from any of these ghosts means a loss of life for Pac-Man.<br><br>Pac-Man can turn the tables on his pursuers by eating of the four Energizers located within the maze.  During this time, the ghosts turn blue, and Pac-Man can eat them for bonus points.  This only lasts for a limited amount of time, as the ghost's eyes float back to their center box, and regenerate to chase after Pac-Man again.<br><br>Survive a few rounds of gameplay, and be treated to humorous intermissions between Pac-Man and the ghosts.

[Panzer Grenadier]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/panzer-grenadier
Description=Panzer Grenadier is a solitaire wargame of German armored infantry warfare on the Eastern Front during WW II. You command a regiment of Panzer Grenadiers (elite armored infantry) attached to the Grossdeutschland Panzer Grenadier Division. You will also be given elements of a panzer regiment and an artillery battalion. Your forces include mortars, artillery, Panzer IV, Panther and Tiger Tanks. There are five historical scenarios  provided with three levels of difficulty. One of four levels of victory attained is determined after every turn and at the end of the game.

[Panzer-Jagd]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/panzer-jagd
Description=Panzer-Jagd (German for Tank Hunt) is a game of armored warfare on the eastern front of WWII. You begin the game in command of an assault force of 25 armored and infantry units with each unit representing a platoon. Your mission is to advance across a series of randomly generated terrain maps laced with ambush points. Units that survive each encounter are available for the next battle when a new map will be created. Your goal is to go as far as possible with your allotted forces. Playing time is 1-4 hours depending on your skill.

[Pastfinder]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|MSX
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pastfinder
Description=Pastfinder is a vertically scrolling action game which takes place in the year 8878. You are a member of an elite team of explorers known as the Pastfinders. Your goal is to search deadly, radiated planets for various artifacts and time capsules and to deliver them safely to a base. <br><br>At the beginning of each level, you will be presented with the map screen and can select which sector you would like to explore next. At first, only a small portion of the map will be visible but as you make your way through the game additional portions become visible. The amount of radiation in each sector may vary, and the map is color coded to indicate just how deadly a particular sector may be. Next you will have an opportunity to equip your ship with supplies; these include heavy metal (slows the rate at which your ship absorbs radiation), beam shields (protects from enemy fire), scramblers (prevent enemies from tracking you), and a deradiator (decreases accumulated radiation). Equipped items will last until your ship crashes or is destroyed, and additional items can be found on the planet surfaces.<br><br>Finally you will be able to explore the planets surface in the sector you have selected! Controlling your ship, you need to avoid walls, enemy craft and other obstacles on the surface while searching for artifacts. Your ship has the ability to jump over obstacles as well as fire lasers to destroy enemies. Each section of the planet is fill with deadly radiation; the longer you're there, the more radiation your ship absorbs. A gauge at the bottom of the screen indicates your ships radiation level, and if it gets too high the ship is destroyed. From time to time floating crystals will appear; shooting these will reduce your ships radiation level a bit. When you finally reach the end of the sector, you will be returned to the map screen where you can choose another sector and begin exploring again.<br><br>The game ends when you have lost all of your ships; additional ships can occasionally be found on the planet's surface and are also earned every 5000 points.

[The Pawn]
Publisher=Rainbird Software
Developer=Magnetic Scrolls
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pawn
Description=The aim of this interactive fiction with graphics is to escape from the land of Kerovnia, where strange occurrences are routine. The Roobikyoub dwarves have been banished from the kingdom, which is not good as they produce high-quality whisky. King Erik is not popular for this decision, as some feel that ale brewers and mineral water bottlers have influenced him. Honest John the trader and Kronos the Magician play a key role in your journey, each offering sub-quests to attempt.<br><br>The package includes a novella complete with map and decipherable hints, which are accessed by typing 'hint' followed by the code into the computer. Therefore, those with only a pirated copy would struggle to complete the game.<br><br>Your score and the number of locations visited are both displayed in the title bar. The parser allows whole words to be deleted and unaccepted previous entries to be re-edited.

[Peanut Butter Panic]
Publisher=CBS Software
Developer=Children's Computer Workshop, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/peanut-butter-panic
Description=Peanut Butter Panic is a game for two players where your goal is to create peanut butter sandwiches! To do this, you need to jump up and grab stars from the top of the screen which can be used to power the sandwich machine. Some stars are too high to reach by just jumping; on either side of the screen is a spring board which can be used to launch your partner higher. After making sandwiches, you can then eat them to replenish your energy supply. Eating sandwiches also makes your character heavier which allows you to launch your partner even higher when jumping on the spring board. On some levels you need to watch out for Snarfs which will eat your sandwiches! The game ends when you run out of energy.

[Pengo]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Coreland
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BlackBerry|Commodore 64|DOS|Game Gear
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pengo
Description=In this translation of the classic arcade-game "Pengo", you must defeat the enemy by pushing ice blocks together to crush them. You also can capture one if they are shocked and dizzy. There is also a time limit to make it a bit more difficult (you must do it in one minute).

[Pengon]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pengon
Description=Just as the name implies, Pengon is a clone of Sega/Coreland's old arcade game, Pengo. You play Willy the penguin, who is trapped in a maze filled with dangerous mutant sea lions. Willy's only defense is to push the blocks of ice that the screen is made up of, so that the blocks hit the sea lions and crush them against the walls.<br><br>Of note is the difference between the versions; the original program was made in America for the Tandy Colour, then ported to Dragon 32 and published by Microdeal, who liked the name enough to put it on Pengo clones for the Commodore and Atari which graphically have little in common with the CoCo game.

[Perseus & Andromeda]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/perseus-andromeda
Description=Perseus & Andromeda is Number 9 in the Mysterious Adventures series. As the title implies, this one involves Greek mythology involving characters Perseus and Andromeda. Hero Perseus must slay Medusa and rescue Princess Andromeda  who will then become his bride. To accomplish this, he must arm himself with a sword, shield and sandals.<br><br>This game follows the Perseus mythology story closely (as seen in the movie "Clash of the Titans" for example).  Many puzzles involve giving an object to someone, who then gives Perseus another object. Entering temples and praying can produce plot-advancing events.<br><br>Around this time, the game engine was redone to allow complete sentences instead of the more primitive 2-word Scott Adams parser that had been used previously, although early versions of the game may have still used the cruder parser.

[Phantasie]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/phantasie
Description=The island of Gelnor has been taken over by The Black Knights, who demand sacrifices and homage as they travel from town to town.  Defeat them and their master, Nikademus!<br><br>Phantasie is a classic role-playing game, and one of the first to introduce a "bank" for storing money in addition to expanding on the classic Wizardry-style gameplay of building your own adventuring party with traveling from town to town via the countryside, overhead views of dungeons, and multiple styles of attack.

[Phantasie II]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/phantasie-ii
Description=Phantasie II is the sequel to the role-playing game Phantasie. Nothing has changed substantially: the gameplay and the graphics are identical to Phantasie. The adventuring party travels from town to town using a overview map of the countryside. There are many dungeons to explore and many different monsters to battle.<br><br>Again the Dark Lord Nikademus is the players' evil opponent, having fashioned an evil orb and cast a curse on the beautiful island of Ferronrah, enslaving its people. The players' mission is to find and destroy the evil orb.

[Pharaoh's Curse]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pharaohs-curse
Description=In the centuries since the sealing of the Pharaoh's Tomb, even the dim memories of the fabulous treasure contained in the pyramid, have become infrequent whispers on the lips of mad adventurers.<br><br>For three thousand years, the tomb has been a mystery and deathtrap. It is rumored that the chambers contain dark and terrible dangers for those that would make the pharaoh's treasure their own. And even more ghastly, the pharaoh and the guardian mummy are said to walk the chambers for all eternity, destroying all trespassers in the tomb.<br><br>You've heard it all before and lived to tell about it and this is a chance of a lifetime. You've spent months finding these ruins and finally you're here at the fabled tomb. Still... what if the legends are true? As you descend into the first chamber, you hear footsteps...<br><br>Somewhere in the swirling sands of the Sahara stands an enigma. A secret tomb that has for 43 centuries stood undisturbed... untouched... unknown and unentered. The ancient pharaoh who lies buried within the vast twisting underground chambers was the 16th and last of a vast dynasty. His treasure, the gold, the art, the jewel encrusted sacred scarabs, all lie with him in the untouched chambers of the crypt. Unimaginable wealth for any but an emperor has lured you here and now you must descend...<br><br>Before his death, the pharaoh vowed that he himself and his hideous minions of the underworld must protect his treasure from all who dare defile his timeless tomb.<br><br>And so you must slip past his sentries and deathtraps that riddle the passages and shafts of his monument, and steal the treasures before you perish.<br><br>As an adventurer, you must explore the pyramid in search of these treasures, while on the lookout for both the mummy and the pharaoh, who will shoot at you if you are caught. You will be awarded an extra life for each treasure you get. There is also the winged avenger. This creature does not harm you, but if you are caught in his grasp, he will take you elsewhere in the pyramid. <br><br>There are keys that can be collected, and can open locked doors so that you can visit new chambers in the pyramid. You lose keys when you get carried away by the winged avatar or lose one of your lives. There are three levels. The higher the level, there more treasures you have to get and there are also new chambers. Higher levels require a password, which is revealed after playing the previous level.

[Picnic Paranoia]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=TI-99/4A
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/picnic-paranoia
Description=The player is guarding four full picnic tables while armed only with a fly-swatter and an occasional can of bug spray. Ants soon crawl on-screen and, in character, attempt to carry the food away. Spiders that lay delaying webs show up on round two, and can sting player, paralyzing him, if he isn't careful. A flying wasp, which also stings,  appears at random. Points are awarded for swatting any of these marauders. Each round lasts a minute and a half and, at the end of each round, bonus points are awarded for any remaining food. As soon as all food is pushed off of the screen, or a round ends with no food still on any of the tables, the game ends.

[Pinball Construction Set]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Macintosh|PC-88|PC-98|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pinball-construction-set
Description=Considered the first "construction set" game that launched the concept and genre.  Construct your own pinball game by dropping parts onto the table (or alter the table itself).  Alter world physics like gravity, bounce, kick, and speed.  Paint your own custom backboard.  Wire together targets for specials and bonus points.  Finally, save your creations for later, or generate a self-loading version of your table to distribute to friends (original program not needed to play).

[Pirate Adventure]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|PC-88|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pirate-adventure
Description=This is adventure #2 in Scott Adam's text adventure series.  In this adventure, you shuffle between three locales: an unremarkable (at first) London flat and two islands littered with dangerous critters and people.  The goal of the game is to find the two pirate treasures on the treasure island. You move about and use objects by typing one or two word commands such as NORTH, INVENTORY, or GET SNEAKERS.  You only have to type the first 3 letters of a command or object for the parser to recognize it.

[Pirates of the Barbary Coast]
Publisher=Starsoft Development Laboratories, Inc.
Developer=Starsoft Development Laboratories, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pirates-of-the-barbary-coast
Description=A business/strategy/RPG-like simulation.<br><br>You play as a captain named Articus whose daughter is kidnapped by Bloodthroat, a "lecherous pirate".  You must raise 50,000 gold pieces as ransom, by transporting goods and battling nefarious high-seas pirates.

[Pitfall!]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|MSX
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pitfall
Description=Pitfall! is a platform action game. You play Pitfall Harry who is on a quest to locate treasure deep in the jungle. With a little luck you'll be able to find money bags, silver bars, gold bars, and diamond rings. But many obstacles will get in the way, some of which merely deduct points from your score, while others are fatal. Rolling logs and falling down a hole will deduct points, and scorpions, alligators, snakes, bottomless pits, swamps, and fires will cause Pitfall Harry to lose a life. You have 20 minutes to try to collect all of the treasures on the numerous screens, if you can live that long!

[Pitfall II: Lost Caverns]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pitfall-ii-lost-caverns
Description=You play Pitfall Harry searching for the Raj diamond, his niece Rhonda, and a variety of treasures somewhere in the Andes. Poisonous frogs, eels, scorpions, bats and other hazards get in the way. Pitfall II is the sequel to Pitfall, the original platform game. Gameplay has remained pretty much the same, with each screen presenting a side view of obstacles to get past, and potentially treasures to collect. The landscape is more maze like, with a variety of paths and dead ends to search. Along the way there are checkpoints the player will encounter. When the player dies, Pitfall Harry will be sent back to the most recently crossed checkpoint.

[Pitstop]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Racing / Driving|Simulation
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pitstop
Description=Pitstop is an action racing game featuring six different race tracks. Your goal is to earn as much money as possible by winning races in the Grand Circuit which consists of a race on each of the six tracks; each time a race is completed, you'll earn money based on how you placed and the number of laps completed before moving on. While you are racing, keep an eye on your tires and fuel; if your tires become too worn (causing a blowout) or you run out of fuel, the game will be over. To prevent this from happening, you'll need to make a pitstop. Here you control the pit crew and can replace tires and refuel. While in the pit the race is still going on, of course, so repairs need to be made as quickly as possible to get back into the race without losing too much ground. Several game options are available to control the level of difficulty and the number of laps. In addition to the Grand Circuit which is the full race, you can also practice a track in a single race or enter the mini circuit which consists of three races.

[Pitstop II]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Synergistic Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo|Wii
Genre=Racing / Driving|Simulation
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pitstop-ii
Description=Race Formula-1 in several tracks while trying to beat a computer opponent.  Pay attention to your fuel and tires: It will be necessary to drive into a pitstop to swap them out and refuel.

[Planetfall]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/planetfall
Description=It all started with your great-great-grandfather who was a High Admiral and one of the founding officers of the Patrol.  All generations since then have served in the Patrol.  Now it's your turn and two years into you are still a lowly Ensign Seventh Class.  Your direct report, Blather, is really making your life miserable.  Are you really Stellar Patrol material?<br><br>Difficulty Level: Standard

[Planet Miners]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/planet-miners
Description=It is January 1, 2050 and after many decades of research and development of space travel mankind is ready to reach out to the planets of the solar system to establish mining bases. One of four players compete with each other and the computer to stake valuable mining claims throughout the solar system while the mining council has stationed patrol ships throughout the system to make sure everyone follows the rules. Thus begins several weeks of intensive exploration, political maneuvering,sabotage and claim jumping which will decide the course  of the economic exploitation of outer space for the next hundred years. You have the opportunity to guide your family  to a commanding economic position in the solar system. Game can also be played solitaire against the computer.

[Plastron]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1990
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/plastron
Description=Planet Plastron is the last remaining source of fossil fuels. As Omni-Corp has been mining it exclusively for 500 years, they have excessive commercial power. To limit this, you head to the planet in the Scavenger One craft, collecting as much fuel as possible.<br><br>Gameplay is essentially Moon Patrol with a third movement dimension (steering the craft, moving it up or down the side-viewed screen). The surface is rocky and full of craters - falling into these damages the craft. There are gaps in the road, some preceded by ramps. Your craft can jump - you start with a limited amount but more can be collected alongside the fuel tokens. Some sections have enemy craft, either patrolling the ground or shooting at you from overhead. Each section must be completed within a time limit.

[Plot]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1990
Systems=
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/plot
Description=In Plot you take the part of a round head, with curly golden locks cropped close to the scalp, in a cell that has a penchant for matching symbols on tiles. Your red head will move vertically on the right side of the cell while holding a tile to you left. This tile will show a symbol on it. The symbol will match with tiles on the other side of the cell. Your goal is to shove the tile across the room and match it with tiles that share its symbol. Once you destroy a tile you'll receive a new tile, more specifically, a tile that matches one near or behind the one(s) you destroyed<br><br>You can attack the tiles directly from the right or ricochet them off an angle in the ceiling. Another devious trick up your sleeve is the lightning tile. This tile with its lightning design can mimic any other. If it touches another tile it will act as if the correct image has touched it and booth shall explode.

[Plot's]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1991
Systems=Windows
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/plots
Description=The protagonist of this puzzler is a reneged jack escaped from a box, thanks to a mutation of feet growing out of his spring. You'll control him as he kicks his way through the games puzzles.<br><br>You'll be able to make your springman wander up and down the left side of the screen pushing a tile with a symbol on it before him. This tile can be kicked to the left where a stack of tiles await. If you've lined up your tile with a matching one on the other side they all shall vanish, if any tiles are above they'll fall into the newly vacant spaces. You'll also have a limited number of lightning tiles which will act like the sort of tile that it comes in contact with after you kick it. After you clear all the blocks you will be moved to a new level with, hopefully, a new background.<br><br>Each level has a number of neutral tiles that you can bounce your tiles off to have them hit another area of the tile mass that you're trying to clear.<br><br>A two player mode is also available where you can play against someone else on the same computer. Instead of clearing levels you'll play to see who can get a certain score. After that is reached a new area will begin.

[Plundered Hearts]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/plundered-hearts
Description=(From the Infocom Home Page)<br><br>Plundered Hearts is set in the late 1600s, where you are living the genteel life of a beautiful young Englishwoman. You have received news that your dear father is ailing, and so you are travelling to the West Indies to care for him. As the story opens, the ship you are aboard is attacked by pirates, and you are carried off by the dashing pirate captain! But this does not dissuade you from your determination to find your father. Along the way, you shall encounter danger, adventure ... and more than a touch of romance.

[Pole Position]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Namco Limited
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|Intellivision|TI-99/4A|Vectrex|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pole-position
Description=Pole Position is the conversion of the arcade racing game. Enter the Grand Prix, race against other racing cars to achieve the highest score possible in the shortest amount of time.<br><br>Before the player can enter the Grand Prix, the player must first qualify by competing in the Qualifying Lap within 73 seconds or less. If the player however, does not qualify in the Qualifying Lap, the player may continue to race until the Race Timer runs after 90 seconds. The player will score 50 point per 5 meters and additionally 50 points for every racing car passed. When the time runs out - Game Over. The player will have to restart the Qualifying Lap.<br><br>Qualifying will enable the player to start in one of the eight available positions. The faster the lap time was, the better the starting position in addition to bonus score points. The number one starting position, is the Pole Position.<br><br>During the Grand Prix, the player will compete against the Race Timer as well as against other racing cars. If the player fails to beat the Race Timer in any lap, the player drops out of the race - Game Over. Completing the race by reaching finishing line will grant the player 200 points per each second left on the Race Timer, bonus score for distance covered, and passing bonus points.<br><br>Scoring<br><br>1. Every 5 meters driven: 50 points<br>Passing Car Bonus: 50 points per racing car<br>Time Bonus: 200 points per second left on the Race Timer<br><br>Positions<br><br>1. Pole Position - Lap Time: 58"50 seconds - 4,000 points<br>2nd Position - Lap Time: 60"00 seconds - 2,000 points<br>3rd Position - Lap Time: 62"00 seconds - 1,400 points<br>4th Position - Lap Time: 64"00 seconds - 1,000 points<br>5th Position - Lap Time: 66"00 seconds - 800 points<br>6th Position - Lap Time: 68"00 seconds - 600 points<br>7th Position - Lap Time: 70"00 seconds - 400 points<br>8th Position - Lap Time: 73"00 seconds - 200 points

[Pooyan]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Commodore 64|MSX|NES|TRS-80 CoCo|Wii
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pooyan
Description=In this remake of the arcade game Pooyan from the early '80s, you play the role of a pig, protecting its piglets from wolves.  <br><br>The first screen takes place near the pigs' home.  Mrs. Pig rides up and down in a cable car, shooting at wolves, who are riding balloons downward, towards the ground.  If the wolves land safely on the ground, then they can climb a ladder, near the cable-car, and catch Mrs. Pig.  But if she shoots their balloons, they splat on the ground instead.<br><br>The wolves shoot acorns at the pig.  But Mrs. Pig has a food based weapon too.  If she gets to the top, she can get meat, to toss at the wolves and make them jump off their balloons in pursuit.  Each wolf taken out this way is worth bonus points (on a doubling scheme: 400, 800 1600...)<br><br>The second scene takes place at the wolves lair.  Here the wolves have reinforced balloons--it takes multiple hits to make them fall.  Here they float upwards toward a big rock, which they push on top of Mrs. Pig, when seven wolves are present.  Additionally, an alpha wolf (wolf leader) appears and summons wolves in packs.

[Popeye]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|NES|Odyssey 2|TI-99/4A
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/popeye
Description=Popeye is a conversion of the arcade action/platform game. As Popeye, you are trying to win Olive Oyl's love! She is at the top of the screen dropping tokens of her love, and you need to collect them before they hit the ground. After you have collected the required number of items, you can move on to the next, more difficult level. There are many obstacles trying to stop you from completing your task, though! Brutus wanders around the screen and is constantly trying to catch you. If you collect a can of spinach, you can temporarily knock him out, otherwise Brutus will knock you out. Other objects such as bottles or birds are also flying around the screen and will cause you to lose one of your lives if you are hit. Each level features a different layout of platforms and ladders, and will have you collecting different items as they float towards the bottom of the screen!

[Porky's]
Publisher=Romox Inc.
Developer=Dunhill Electronic Media Corp.|Lazer Microsystems Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/porkys
Description=You play as Edward "Pee Wee" Morris, who, despite his shortcomings, strives to get revenge on Porky, the owner of the bar that dissed Pee Wee and his friends.<br><br>County Line<br>-----------------<br>You begin at the county line. You must move up from highway lane to highway lane without getting hit. You get points for dodging various obstacles on your way to Porky's.<br><br>Motor Boat=1 point<br>The Police=100 points<br>Porky's Girls=200 points<br>Attack Pigs=400 points<br>Porky's Bouncers=800 points<br>Pig Mobile=1600 points<br>Last Band=3200 points<br><br>Porky's Bar<br>-----------------<br>After you get all the way to the top, you enter Porky's Bar, where you have to travel the correct path up  the scaffolding, planting charges as you go. If you get to the top, there will be a detonator and so long Porky's! If you fall and Porky catches you, it is off to the swamp.<br><br>Porky catches you=lose 200 points<br>What points you get for exiting the scaffolding depends on the difficulty you have set the game to. The points are from 100 to 3200.<br><br>The Swamp<br>-----------------<br>If you get caught on any other screen, you end up here. You must pole vault up and release when in mid-flight to get up to one of the platforms.<br><br>The first time you are there, you have to collect bricks then place then on the wall on the other side until you can climb out. <br><br>If you are sent to the swamp a second time, you can climb out right away but look out for Porky.<br><br>Place a brick=100 points<br>Getting out of the swamp screen=100 points<br>Each pole vault jump=lose 25 points<br>Falling into swamp=lose 100 points<br>Caught by Porky=lose a random number of points<br><br>The Shower<br>-------------------<br>Push the random object that appears at center, top into the pit at the bottom without getting caught by Ms. Balbricker or falling in the pit the climb out the top back to the county line. Every time you get through the shower, you stop or slow a lane on the highway.<br><br>You get 100 points for pushing an object into the pit.<br>You lose 200 points if you fall in the pit or are caught by Ms. Balbricker.<br>Every ten seconds you are in the shower, you lose ten points so don't dawdle.<br><br>The difficulty settings:<br>Left difficulty switch set to A=Shower scene most difficult<br>Left difficulty switch set to B=Shower scene less difficult<br>Right difficulty switch set to A=Swamp scene most difficult<br>Right difficulty switch set to B=Swamp scene less difficult<br>B&W/Color switch set to black & white=Balbricker most aggressive<br>B&W/Color switch set to color=Balbricker less aggressive

[Power Down]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.9
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/power-down
Description=The task in Power Down is to infiltrate a fortress built on an asteroid by the evil Argon, inside a one-hour time limit. You have five ships, but there are many ways to lose one. Lazer beams and triangular rays toggle on and off, so require timing and planning to avoid. Argoniks patrol the area, and are fatal to the touch - however, they can work in your favour, as they activate some types of indestructible blocks on contact, changing the blocks' frames from white to red as a signal to you. <br><br>Most doors are closed by default, and are activated by firing into their brown covers. They can be closed in the same way - this is a defensive tactic to block Argoniks, but make sure you are not in the way of the door as it closes. You can collect and activate shields to deflect and block various hazards - although the ultimate challenge is to complete the game without them.

[PQ: The Party Quiz Game]
Publisher=Suncom, Inc.
Developer=Suncom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Educational
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pq-the-party-quiz-game
Description=Up to four players or teams can compete in this 2,500-question trivia game.  The box includes four hand-held quick response controllers attached to four-foot cables; there is no need for players to crowd around one keyboard.  You can choose the length of the game, the number of players (one to four), and the time allowed to answer a question.  You can also handicap advanced players. <br><br>Media for Commodore 64 and Apple II/Atari 8-Bit computers is included in the one box.<br><br>Questions comprise of general knowledge, history, music, math pop culture and American television.<br><br>Additional Question Disks Sold Seperately Include:<br>General Edition 2<br>Entertainment Edition 1<br>Sports Edition 1

[Prisoner 2]
Publisher=Edu-Ware Services, Inc.
Developer=Edu-Ware Services, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|DOS
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/prisoner-2
Description=High-resolution graphics remake of the text-based adventure game inspired by the cult-classic British television show about a former spy who is abducted and sent to a resort-themed "prison" where his captors attempt to get him to reveal why he resigned from his classified job. The game takes place on "The Island," where the player travels from building to building, each hosting a metaphorical quest in which the player's creative thinking skills are tested. Players demonstrating individual thinking eventually gain access to the Island's "Caretaker," and their ensuing conversation (using a language parser) can lead to the player's freedom.

[Protector II]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/protector-ii
Description=An arcade style game with a loose basis on the arcade hit Defender, Protector II is a side-scrolling shooter. Like Defender, there are lots of different aliens to contend with, and some ground based enemies as well. There are no smart bombs, however. You have to rescue humans as well (twice) from both an alien ship, and later a city that will be overrun with lava from a volcano that erupts during the game; all the while protecting them from aliens. You then have to drop them one at a time (unlike Defender, you can only carry one human at a time) into a teleporter tube to get them off the planet entirely.<br>   The game is quite difficult, with some very precise flying required at times (probably even more difficult than Defender or Stargate). It also has more of a &quot;plot&quot; than the arcade games it is based on, with several sub-missions of rescue depending on what stage you are at (it should be noted that there is no breaks between &quot;stages&quot; - the whole game play is continuous).

[Pub Darts]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Binary Design, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=2.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pub-darts
Description=180 is a darts simulation game and it follows the traditional darts rules where you compete against an opponent to see who scores the 501 points first on a best out of three sets.<br><br>If you play against the computer in a Championship knockout competition the computer will randomly select the players out of eight different opponents. Each player has his own characteristics and style of play as their 'favorite doubles' they like to throw.<br>Regardless against whom you play they will become better as you progress towards the final.<br><br>A practice mode helps you to become familiar and more skillful at throwing the darts.<br><br>The game can be played by one or two players.

[Pyramid of Doom]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/pyramid-of-doom
Description=Number 8 in the Scott Adams adventure series.  On an Egyptian treasure hunt, you find yourself deep inside a recently discovered pyramid.  Find all the treasures and escape alive!  This still uses the same simple 2-word parser as the other ones in the series, and is of moderate difficulty.

[Qb]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/qb
Description=Explaining Qb is simple, even if achieving your goal proves not to be. You must slide blocks in the left playing field to match the pattern in the right field. You can jump from block to block, as long as they are adjacent. When you land on a block with fruit on it, you get extra points but beware of the monsters.

[Q*bert]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=D. Gottlieb & Co.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|BlackBerry|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Game Boy|Intellivision|J2ME|Mophun|MSX|NES|Odyssey 2|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/qbert
Description=Q*bert is a conversion of the popular arcade game. The goal is to change all of the tiles on a pyramid to the target color. To do this you guide Q*bert around the pyramid, and every tile he hops on will change color. On early levels, a single hop will change the tile to the desired color, but on later levels you may need to hop on a tile multiple times or even avoid hopping on a tile multiple times! Trying to stop Q*bert are many different creatures which wander around the board, including Coily the snake, Slick and Sam, and falling balls. On the edge of the board are floating discs; if Q*bert jumps on one of these discs when the snake is in pursuit, the snake will fall off  the board while Q*bert is safely transported to the top.

[QIX]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Taito America Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari 5200|Commodore 128|Commodore 64|DOS|Game Boy|J2ME|Lynx|NES
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/qix
Description=In this game, you guide a marker which must draw rectangles and other weird objects in order to claim your territory, and you can either draw these rectangles fast or slow. Drawing the rectangles using the "slow" method awards you the most points. Once a rectangle has been made, it will be colored in to show that you have claimed your territory. While drawing the rectangles, you need to watch out for Qix (pronounced "kicks"), a series of colored lines that crawl the screen. In addition to Qix, you also need to avoid the Sparks who travel around the border, as well as any lines that you have made, as well as The Fuse, who travels along the line that you are drawing. Once you have claimed enough territory, you proceed to the next level.

[Quasimodo]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/quasimodo
Description=A hunchback atop a wall, minding his own business, is advanced upon by a man in armour climbing up a ladder from below.  Where have I seen a game start this way before?  No matter -- though its theme and trappings are strangely reminiscent of certain licensed popular contemporary videogame properties, the gameplay soon goes off in a direction all its own.  This hunchback, for instance, can fight back -- grabbing a rock from a nearby pile he handily hurls it down at the intruder, knocking him off his ladder.  But another is set up, and another... soon Quasimodo is singlehandedly fending off a veritable siege, tossing rocks left, right, down and to the lower diagonals as squirming masses of bad guys return fire with arrows that bounce off the walls!  Yet as soon as it began... all is quiet once more, your sole companion an endlessly-flapping bat (who kills you should he absentmindedly drift into your path).<br><br>The game shifts gears here, the joystick's action button switching duties from rock-lobbing to jumping.  No other humans will be seen for quite some time as you scurry up ladders and swing yourself across ropes dangling from massive ceiling-mounted bells, all in pursuit of gleaming gems to deposit in basement altars.  Every time you do so another area of the game will be opened up, and you get to undertake the grand circuit once more -- again fending off the ladder-climbers, swinging across the same pits (the only time you enjoy bat-immunity, though they don't make any conscious effort to seek out your close company), dodging the same bats (the flock increased by an extra bat each time through).  At the very pinnacle of your medieval structure you will have to climb a sheer wall face while dodging (and returning) arrows shot by archers in the window and (now the tables are turned!) boulders rolled down from the parapets.  (Parapets?  This, then, is no Notre-Dame!)  And then the gem is got, and back down again, and so forth and so on; the cycle turns on, endless labour without even a rumour of beloved Esmeralda!  What motivates this Sysiphean hunchback?  All work and no play make Quasimodo go something something...

[Quest for Quintana Roo]
Publisher=Sunrise Software, Inc.
Developer=VSS, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/quest-for-quintana-roo
Description=You are Yucatan Sam on a quest to explore the temple of Quintana Roo. Your goal is to find the vault which is hidden somewhere within and return with the treasure that is inside. You begin your quest outside the temple; climb your way up the side of the temple in order to get inside. Poisonous snakes and deadly lightning bolts will block your progress here. Once inside the temple, you have a limited air supply so you need to explore quickly. Hidden in various rooms of the temple are numerous keys which are needed to unlock the vault. The keys and some other useful items are hidden in secret rooms which you need to locate by using your trusty pick axe or the flasks of acid you carry. To help figure out which rooms may contain hidden objects, you carry a geiger counter with you;  the higher the reading, the closer you are to something of interest! The rooms you'll be exploring are guarded by snakes, spiders, and even mummies! To deal with these enemies you carry a gun, and you can also use the acid flasks against them (ammo is limited, so use it wisely). If you are successful in your mission, you may receive a secret code which can be used to begin the game at later levels. Good luck!

[The Quest of the Space Beagle]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Role-Playing (RPG)|Simulation
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/quest-of-the-space-beagle
Description=A sequel to Jupiter Mission 1999, with the same basic gameplay elements - combining story telling, RPG and arcade action. In the Space Beagle, you're lost in a strange galaxy. As you try to get back home, You have many adventures. You battle other space craft, travel the Labyrinths of Kamerra, and eventually explore the entire known universe with authentic star maps as you try to find your way back home.

[Questron]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/questron
Description=In this adventure game, the player begins as a peasant whose land is under attack by monsters.  After killing one, a princess names  the peasant champion, and issues a quest, to rid the country of enemies.  She can provide no map, but says that part of the quest involves learning the layout of the land by traveling it...and so the game begins.<br><br>The ultimate objective is to find and defeat the wizard Mantor, and recover a magic book which gives him the ability to flood the land with monsters.<br><br>The game is played on a two-dimensional scrolling map.  Everything is represented by a sprite: towns, monsters, trees, hills.  The sprite which represents the player changes, depending on which mode of transportation is used -- beginning, for instance, on foot.  Dungeons in the endgame are done in a three dimensional style similar to The Bard's Tale.<br><br>The player may be a rising hero, but even still heroes need money with which to buy tools and weapons and even food -- starvation is a real possibility!  One source of food and gold is hunting game animals -- some can be eaten, and many carry gold.  Then there are further opportunities in the various towns...<br><br>The Questron hero does not have to be perfect; the game makes concessions to moral ambiguity.  In town, the option is given of robbing the merchants -- of course, there are guards... Money can also be raised by gambling.

[The Quest]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/quest
Description=A dragon is terrorizing the kingdom of Balema, and King Galt send his champion, named Gorn, to solve the problem. The player takes the role of a nameless advisor, who has to help the strong, but not very intelligent Gorn to get rid of the dragon and save his homeland.<br><br>The Quest was one of the first graphic adventures that incorporated full sentence parsing. Unlike most other adventures, the commands the player inputs do not refer to the playable character. Rather, as the playable character, the player gives those commands to Gorn. Instead of just entering short verb commands, the player is able to type relatively complex instructions, that have to be understood by Gorn in order to perform the necessary action.

[Racing Destruction Set]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1985
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=Isometric
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/racing-destruction-set
Description=An isometric racing game that sets itself apart by the large number of customizable options.<br><br>The game comes with 50 built-in tracks, and the intuitive editor makes for infinite variety of races. Modify the existing ones or create one yourself. Set up sharp curves, crossovers, jumps (set the height), track width and more. Then set the track width and choose either ice, dirt or pavement for the surface. As if it weren't enough, gravity can also be modified, from a Moon-like low to a crushing Jupiter-like high that will keep your car glued to the ground, even after a jump.<br><br>Once the track is laid out, race in either a beat up VW Beetle, a stock car, a dirt bike, a Porsche and even a Lunar Rover. Each car has it's own characteristics and you can also choose tires and engine sizes, according to the track you're about to race in. Also, equip your cars with land mines or oil slicks to make the race more interesting.<br><br>The game allows single-player against a computer opponent, or a two-player race, both in split-screen form.

[Raid Over Moscow]
Publisher=Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Access Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/raid-over-moscow
Description=The USSR has launched a huge attack on the USA, and the only hope for the free world is for you (as leader of a US Squadron of fighters) to destroy their defense bases. This is done in a multi-stage action game with some similarities to the same developer's Beach Head. All the mini-games must be completed before the time limit on the bomb is expired.<br><br>The first thing you will see is a missile being launched; the game then takes you to your hangar, from which you must quickly launch as many ships as possible, a task made difficult by the limited gravity. You must then fly it into Soviet airspace in a side-view shoot 'em up section, in which staying low keeps you safe from radars, and quick reactions see you shoot enemy fighters and avoid trees.<br><br>The next scene takes place on a single-screen view, with five windows to shoot through, and enemies aiming at you to be avoided. You then reach the base, and must shoot out approaching enemies. Finally, you must use discs onto a wall, such that they rebound to hit maintenance robots, with the ultimate goal of causing the base to overheat, the Soviet attack to be thwarted, and the US to be saved.

[Rails West!]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Mar, 1984
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rails-west
Description=Rails West! is a simulation game about the 19th century speculation in railroad financing. It allows for 1-8 players, with up to 4 under computer control. The long scenario starts in 1870 and ends after the 1900 turn (with 31 turns total). The short scenario starts in 1890 and ends either in 1895 (6 turns) or 1900 (11 turns). The objective is to accumulate cash, stocks and bonds and to control viable transcontinental railroads through strategical decisions.

[Rainbow Walker]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|PC-88
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rainbow-walker
Description=This game is about a baby owl  tasked with coloring of the rainbow high above the clouds. The rainbow is organized as stripes of colors, which initially appear as different shades of gray. The stripes themselves are split into smaller squares. The owl navigates the playfield by jumping back, forward, left or right, one square at a time, coloring them in the process. <br><br>Some squares are in fact gaping holes and jumping on those will send the owl tumbling down to his death. Trying to stop him from accomplishing the noble task are weird looking imps, birds and other critters that seem bent on devouring the little guy as they converge on him from all directions. The only way to escape the gruesome fate is clever avoidance. <br><br>As the game progresses, not only does the shape of the rainbow become narrower and trickier, with more dead ends and pitfalls, but also the speed and number of the enemies increases. Every few stages a bonus round is offered, during which extra lives can be gained by quickly hopping on pieces of the rainbow appearing in random directions.<br><br>The game is presented in pseudo-3D perspective and features cosmetic day and night changes.

[Rampage]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Bally Midway Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 7800|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Lynx|NES|SEGA Master System|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rampage
Description=George, Lizzy and Ralph were just ordinary Americans, until an experiment went wrong, turning them into a Gorilla, Lizard and Werewolf respectively. Following this, the three of them plan to go round destroying buildings, and up to 3 human players can join in.<br><br>Smashing at the edges of the buildings for long enough will make them collapse. The police and military are after you, and will shoot at you, so try to destroy them (failing that, you can avoid the bullets). You will need to eat regularly, with things like plants on offer, to avoid shrinking back to being human

[RealSports Football]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/realsports-football
Description=Football is an action football game for two players or one player against the computer.  The game is played from a top down point of view of the field which scrolls to follow the action. There is a variety of offensive and defensive plays that can be called, along with several skill levels for each player. Each game will last for one fifteen minute quarter, whichever team has the most points at the end wins!

[RealSports Tennis]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/realsports-tennis
Description=Realsports Tennis is a tennis game for two players or one player against the computer. The game follows standard tennis rules, and allows you to hit forehand or backhand shots to all areas of the court as well as serves and lobs. You can play a game of singles or doubles, and multiple skill levels are included.

[Rear Guard]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rear-guard
Description=A side-scrolling space shooting game, a bit like Defender, in which you must blast enemy drones and their missiles before they can destroy the mothership you're protecting.<br><br>Five ships come at you from the right and are worth between 25 and 200 points. A freighter flies in the same direction as you (left to right) and is worth 300 points. In addition, a satellite identified by an F on its side that later changes to an S flies by. Hitting the satellite while it displays an F gives you a fuel recharge, while hitting it with an S gives you a shield recharge.

[Rebel Charge at Chickamauga]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rebel-charge-at-chickamauga
Description=Rebel Charge at Chickamauga is a tactical simulation of the South's last major offensive thrust during the American Civil War. <br><br>The game uses a refined version of SSI's Gettysburg game system and is played in 13 turns each representing two hours of real time over a two day period. Players are awarded points based on casualties and territorial objectives. At the end of each turn and the end of the game points are calculated and compared to a chart which determines your level of victory. The game can be played under 3 different sets of rules (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) and can be played against another person or the computer can play either side.

[Rebound]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Jan, 1987
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rebound
Description=Guide Flip Ogart, a continually bouncing blob-like creature, through several maze-like dungeons in order to rescue all the other Ogarts that have been captured by the evil RotogartEatos.<br><br>These dungeons aren't just all bare, stone walls, though - you'll have to contend with plenty of RotogartEatos patrolling the corridors, invisible walls, teleports, harmless blowers, deadly suckers, and switches that reverse everything's direction.<br><br>Rebound is a type-in game from the January 1987 issue of ANTIC magazine, one of a long line of very popular BASIC games by J.D. Casten that were published by ANTIC.

[Red Moon]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/red-moon
Description=The Red Moon Crystal is the only source of Magik in the land, and stabilizes the forces of the world. This crystal has been stolen and as a result, the land has fallen into chaos. A single powerful magician is sent to rescue the Crystal from the castle where it's hidden. <br><br>Red Moon is an graphical interactive fiction game. Players assume the role of the wizard on his quest to recover the crystal. They will have the use of many weapons and a dozen magical spells. Combat is a key element of the game: both the magician and enemy opponents have hit points, in the style of RPGs. Spellcasting requires certain objects to be collected, and many spells must also be cast on a specific target. Various objects will be found during the adventure, including garlic, pills and a mask.

[Reforger '88]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/reforger-88
Description=Reforger 88 is grand tactical game of combat between the forces of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, which takes place at the Fulda Gap in the year 1988. The game covers the first week of the war. The Warsaw Pact attacks with 12 divisions in an attempt to capture Frankfurt and destroy Rhein-Main Air Force Base. NATO, defending with 5 divisions, must fight a desperate delaying action.<br>  Each game turn consists of 12 hours of operations. Operations consist of supplying and moving combat forces, changing formation, planning assaults, air strikes, airborne missions and artillery bombardments and resolving combat situations.<br>  The game map covers the battlements in Central Germany, from Kassel in the north to Wurzburg in the south. Movement around the map is controlled by a hexagon grid system with each hexagon representing 6 kilometers<br>  The NATO forces must be commanded by a human player. The Warsaw Pact forces may be commanded by either a human or the computer.

[Repton]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/repton
Description=A side scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by Defender, but adding much to the concept. You fly across a looping horizontally-scrolling landscape aiming to protect your base. <br><br>There are a total of eight enemies on screen at any given time. The Quarriers try to build the enemy base by stealing parts of yours. The Drayns steal energy from you and then supply it to the enemy. Fortunately you can steal back the energy they take, but you can't steal back parts of your base. The other six enemies just try to kill you. The bigger the enemy base gets, the more rapidly and accurately they can launch enemies at you.

[Rescue on Fractalus!]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Lucasfilm Games LLC
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 5200|Commodore 64|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rescue-on-fractalus
Description=Rescue on Fractalus is an action game played from a 3D first person point of view. Your mission is to rescue stranded pilots on the planet of Fractalus. You begin each mission from the mother ship, and when your quota of pilots has been rescued you must return there so you can move on to the next level. To help locate the pilots and navigate the tricky terrain, your spaceship is equipped with various instruments, such as a compass, altimeter, and scanner. Your enemy, the Jaggi's, have numerous forces on this planet and will be attempting to stop you. Gun emplacements, flying saucers, and the Jaggi themselves are all capable of destroying your ship if you don't destroy them first. To defend yourself from these threats, your ship is equipped with torpedoes. As the levels progress, the Jaggi defenses become more aggressive, and you will even need to fly some night missions where visibility is limited!

[The Return of Heracles]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/return-of-heracles
Description=Player(s) travel the land of Greece to accomplish the 12 tasks assigned to them by the Zeus and the other gods. Gaining fame and fortune by fighting strange beasts and completing the tasks, the player(s) get  help on completing the quests from the Oracle at Delphi. Several human players can play together on the same computer.<br><br>You control up to 19 mythological heroes in an effort to perform all the tasks of Heracles. You can visit sites such as Mt. Olympus and Troy, recover the golden apples, and even combat famous creatures such as medusa, the minotaur, and the hydra.

[Return of the Mutant Camels]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Llamasoft Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/return-of-the-mutant-camels
Description=Jeff Minter's third camel-themed game (after Attack and Revenge) is again a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up, taking place over 100 levels. 6,000 years ago, mankind fought the forces of Zzyax, using mutated forms of common animals. Now, the Zzyaxians are back, and the 90-foot camels must defend a planet no longer accustomed to warfare.<br><br>The Zzyaxian hordes consist of typical Minter zaniness. Postboxes and letters, Pacman ghosts and microchips are all out to get you. The game allows you to fire in any direction, by moving the joystick while holding down the fire button. Additionally, you can drop miniature versions of yourself, as bombs.<br><br>After completing a level or losing a life, the player can move to a level adjacent to the current one within a 10x10 grid. You can also purchase improved shields, energy recharges, or improved weaponry such as bigger or 'smart' bullets.

[Return to Eden]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/return-to-eden
Description=The command robots of Snowball have found the colonisable planet Eden, and already set about colonising this lush verdant planet. Not easy though - native plants and animals have adapted and fought back at the threat to their territory. A walled area now encloses the city, which is crumbling around you.<br><br>When Snowball 9 reaches the planet, Commander Kim Kimberley is filmed apparently committing a murder. As Kim, you must escape from the 'justice' of crazed robot droids. Snowball 9's landing is made dangerous due to the robots malfunctioning.<br><br>Return to Eden is an interactive fiction game which sets you as Kim, and challenges you to enter and survive within the robot city. Strange and surreal outcomes about - what do you get when you plant a brick? The world includes a bank, a theme park, the Corridors of Power, and a Starbike.<br><br>Unlike its predecessor, it features graphics, with over 200 illustrative pictures featured. adds the ability to type while the screen is updating. Vocabulary is simplified - a new IT command refers to the last-mentioned object, and clothing can be WEAR'ed without being GET'ted first.

[Reversal]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/reversal
Description=Reversal is a computerized version of Othello. Your can play against the computer or another person. If You play against the computer you can choose difficulty level at which the computer will play (beginner, intermediate or advanced), amount of time the computer will take to decide on its move (from 2,5 seconds to 30 minutes) and color of your pieces.<br><br>The program switches between text and graphic displays. The Hi-Res graphic display shows the current board, the number of pieces are shown with faces. The cursor can be moved through all<br>the legal positions by using the right and left arrow keys. When you find the position you want, you press the return key which places your piece at this position and flips the appropriate pieces.<br><br>In case you find the move you just made was<br>unwise, it can be taken back. If you wish, you may continue backing up until a proper position is reached. If you are unsure<br>as to a good move, you can ask the computer for<br>help. The computer will suggest a move. If you<br>would like to see past moves, you can do so by<br>switching to text which shows the past moves in<br>standard chess notation.

[Richard Petty's Talladega]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/richard-pettys-talladega
Description=Richard Petty's Talladega is a racing game where you get to take the super speedway as you race against king Richard Petty and 18 top pro drivers. After trying to qualify for a pole position, you use strategy to plan your pit stops, draft leading cars to pick up time and save fuel and be prepared for yellow caution flags.

[River Raid]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|MSX|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/river-raid
Description=River Raid is a vertically scrolling action game. You fly a jet up a river in an attempt to destroy bridges which are vital to the enemy. The river is heavily guarded, however, with balloons, ships, choppers, and enemy aircraft trying to stop you. Along the way you will need to fly over fuel stations to refuel your jet and keep flying.<br><br>The plane is armed with a cannon with unlimited ammo. It can be used to destroy the enemy vehicles and bridges, but a careless player can accidentally destroy a fuel station. Colliding with the riverbanks or with the enemy aircraft destroys your plane and makes you lose a life.

[Robbo]
Publisher=L.K. Avalon
Developer=xLand Games
Released=1989
Systems=Atari ST|DOS
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/robbo
Description=In this puzzle game, you have to guide a robot through many levels involving such hazards as lasers and enemies. This game features smooth scrolling playfields and plenty of different things to do - from blowing up bombs to pushing crates around.

[Robotron: 2084]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Williams Electronic Games, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 5200|Atari 7800|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Lynx|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|VIC-20|Xbox 360|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/robotron-2084
Description=This is a port of the arcade game of the same name.<br><br>You are a mutant human, who by some freak of nature has the ability to shoot energy pulses from his body in eight different directions! Your job is simple: save humanity from their own creation -- the ROBOTRONS! The gameplay is pretty unique for the time. You can move and fire in any of eight directions. You get thrown in a room with various evil baddies strewn about, you've got to kill all the robots while at the same time finding some way to grab humans and avoid death.

[Rockford: The Arcade Game]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Arcadia Systems, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rockford-the-arcade-game
Description=This is a rocks'n'diamonds style game. Play in six different worlds (as a explorer, cook, doctor, etc.) of increasing difficulty, and grab the coins/apples/hearts while avoiding the boulders. And there are enemies to make your life (even more) difficult.

[Roderic]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1992
Systems=
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/roderic
Description=Godart the evil wizard has kidnapped the beautiful princess Fiscella. The valiant prince Roderic, knowing that Godart's keep is virtually impossible to infiltrate by an intruder, proposed himself as a hostage in exchange for Fiscella. Godart agreed, counting on a large ransom. Yet he forgot about young Roderic's knowledge of magic. A few spells and magical herbs, and Godart was gone for good. Now Roderic is alone in Godart's castle - and he needs to get out.<br><br>Roderic is a platform adventure game, where you have to collect items scattered throughout the castle to use them in solving puzzles elsewhere. You can carry up to 3 items at a time. With them, you can open blocked passages or avoid sudden death. There are some situations in the game which can kill you - falling chandeliers and rooms filled with deadly traps, to name a few.<br><br>The castle has three levels (1st floor, basement, roof), between which you can move with an elevator.

[Rogue]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Linux|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=0.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rogue
Description=This classic dungeon-crawl uses ASCII characters (letters and some symbols) and basic colors to depict a rogue's epic adventure through the infamous Dungeon of Doom. Using a host of weapons and items, he explores the dark dungeons one step at a time in turn-based mode. There are 25 different types of monsters, symbolized with their initial letter (L for Leprechaun for instance) and they have different abilities and modes of attack. The dungeons are different each time you play the game. In their deepest level the greatest prize awaits...

[Ruff and Reddy in the Space Adventure]
Publisher=Hi-Tec Software Ltd.
Developer=PAL Developments
Released=1990
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ruff-and-reddy-in-the-space-adventure
Description=Due to an accident involving Professor Flipnoodles' Pocket Rocket (would you trust a scientist called Flipnoodles? I certainly wouldn't, especially as mad scientists cause so many computer game plot disasters) the Hanna Barbera characters have been hurtled into space. The Lilli-Punies have kidnapped them, and will only let them free if they can rescue their missing compatriots.<br><br>The search starts on the surface of the planet, but also takes Ruff underground into the cavernous regions the Lilli-Punies live in. These have lots of water, which Ruff must avoid. Plenty of extra lives can be collected along the way, with solving puzzles as important as good reactions and dexterity.

[Rush'n Attack]
Publisher=Imagine Software
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|NES|Xbox 360|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/rushn-attack
Description=Depending on which title you use, and how you interpret it, this game is about a guy who a)rushes in before attacking b)attacks Russians (this was the mid-80s, when the US helped bin Laden do the same), or c)wears a rather goofy hat. One way or another, this arcade conversion arms you with a knife and sends you on a kamikaze mission against hordes of enemy fighters.<br><br>There are four distinct sections of gameplay, taking in a Missile Base, a Harbour, a Bridge, and an enemy Prison Camp. Extra weapons with limited ammunition can be collected along the way, which will make the task a lot easier. The level is divided into 3 horizontal levels, which can be moved between either by jumping or using ladders, and this gives a chance to avoid the more threatening mobs of enemy fighters

[Saigon: The Final Days]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/saigon-the-final-days
Description=Saigon: The Final Days is a text adventure by Jyym Pearson and Robin Pearson, the team responsible for most of the Other Venture series. This game is aimed at more mature players.  Splashing through the jungle, FNL on your tail, you crash into a clearing where a chopper is waiting. You throw yourself into the doorway as guns blaze around you. The chopper opens fire while you crouch on the floor.<br><br>Experience all the chaos of 'Nam 1975 in this game. You are an escaped American POW lost in the jungle. Your only chance to survive is to reach Saigon, before the Cong reach you. This game most likely used the same parser as earlier games in the series - that is to say, basic 2-word commands in high Adventure International style.

[Salmon Run]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/salmon-run
Description=Salmon Run can be thought of as Alley Salmon - like the same programmer's Alley Cat you play an animal ultimately seeking a mate, although this interaction is not part of the gameplay. As a salmon, you must swim (at variable speed) up a river full of jagged edges, avoiding too much contact with these. <br><br>Other hazards include waterfalls (you must jump over these), bears (dive underwater to prevent them spotting you), birds (dart around them by adjusting your speed) and fishermen (stay away from the edges to avoid being entangled). Points are awarded based on how far upstream you can progress. You start with only one life, but completing a level grants you an extra life, a points bonus for any time remaining, and a short romantic interlude animation.

[Saracen]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=IntelliCreations, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/saracen
Description=A combination puzzle/action game from Datasoft.  In each of the 100 levels, the player moves a crusader through an obstacle filled maze trying to reach the Saracen Chief and detonate a bomb next to him.  The chief does not move, instead remaining in a set position.<br><br>Along the way, he must avoid roaming guards, bouncing cannonballs, and other traps.  The crusader is armed with a bow and can pick up directionally specific arrows that are used to stop guards or destroy walls. The arrows being limited to shooting in one of the four compass directions is exacerbated by only being able to carry one object (key, arrow or bomb) at a time. For these reasons, the game's puzzle leanings and the need for a methodical approach are strong.<br><br>There is generally only one way to solve each level and proper use of the given tools is key to finding it.

[Sargon II]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sargon-ii
Description=The second of the Sargon chess games.<br><br>In this version, you can play the computer or another opponent.<br><br>To move, you type the piece's location then the destination; such as A2-A4 to move the far left pawn forward 2 spaces.<br><br>If you press a certain key, you can hide the board and see the moves that have been made so far. You can even make your moves from this screen, if you want the added challenge, without seeing the board.<br><br>When you play the computer, you must select a level of play. The higher the level, the longer the computer thinks about its moves.<br><br>In levels one through six, if you press the ? key, Sargon II will give you a hint of a good, but not necessarily the best, move.

[Sargon III]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sargon-iii
Description=The Sargon series were the connisseur's chess games at the time. This edition includes variable move times, ranging from 5 seconds to infinity. Moves can be undone and you can swap sides during the game. The search feature displays its calculations as you play, which can be useful to learn from. Special tactical situations, opening move sequences and checkmate practices can be loaded in for learning purposes.

[Savage Island Part One]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|TRS-80|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/savage-island-part-one
Description=Savage Island is the only multi-part game in Scott Adams' adventure series, all of which have a very similar parser and interface.  At the completion of this game, players receive a password which allows part two to be played. The Savage Island games are also probably the most difficult adventures in the series!<br><br>The player begins trapped on a small remote island in the ocean, which is facing a hurricane and also has an active volcano. The player can cross a river, and will also need to explore a cave network. Items are often found by running through the sand with one's hands. <br><br>The island holds a great secret, which will not be discovered until both parts of the game have been completed.

[Savage Island Part Two]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/savage-island-part-two
Description=The second half of Savage Island, this continues exactly where the other game leaves off.  It includes a mysterious code sheet which you will be able to decipher upon completing the game, revealing the ultimate secret of the island.

[Scapeghost]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1989
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scapeghost
Description=You were successful police officer Alan Chance, until you were killed during a raid on drug dealers, who managed to take a hostage in the process. People have assumed that you died as a result of your own mistakes. <br><br>Now you have returned as a ghost, with psychic powers in place of your physical ones. Starting out at your own funeral, you must follow conversations to find clues. One early task is to find items which boost your physical abilities. You have help from other deceased beings, starting with pub owner Joe Danby.<br><br>Scapeghost was Level 9's final adventure game, and it is in the same format as the existing ones, which makes for a text parser with additional graphics. Puzzles require instructions to be given to other characters. The game is split into 3 days, each of which can be played independently of each other - November Graveyard, Haunted House and Poltergeist.

[Scenery Disk 1]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-1
Description=Scenery Disk 1 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II,  Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and  2.x. It covers aeronautical sectionals in detail of Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Brownsville.<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit / C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scenery Disk 2]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-2
Description=Scenery Disk 2 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the aeronautical sectional in detail of Phoenix, Albuquerque and El Paso.<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scenery Disk 3]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-3
Description=Scenery Disk 3 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the aeronautical sectional in detail of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scenery Disk 4]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-4
Description=Scenery Disk 4 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the aeronautical sectional in detail of Klamath Falls (some of the airports provided: Redding, Eureka, Ontario), Seattle (airports: Tacoma, Portland, Renton) and Great Falls (airports: Helena, Cody, Eureka).<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scenery Disk 5]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-5
Description=Scenery Disk 5 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the aeronautical sectional in detail of Salt Lake City (some of the airports provided: Boise, Logan, Fairfield), Cheyenne (airports: Rapid City, Denver, Douglas), and Denver (airports: Aspen, Colorado Springs, Pueblo).<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scenery Disk 6]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scenery-disk-6
Description=Scenery Disk 6 is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the aeronautical sectional in detail of Omaha (some of the airports provided: Columbus, Omaha, Des Moines), Wichita (airports: Akron, Wichita, Dodge City), and Kansas City (airports: Kansas City, Springfield, Topeka).<br><br>Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 11 other Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64). Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #1: Adventureland]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-1-adventureland
Description=SAGA#1: Adventureland was an update of the text-only Adventureland. It had many additional features including: Hi-Res graphics, Text-to-Speech hardware support, upper- and lowercase support for display (but not for input). <br><br>Gameplay was very similar to the original. You still used the same one or two word commands to move about and manipulate objects. The RETURN key toggled back and forth between graphics and text.<br><br>The objective of the game is to collect all the treasures.  There are all sorts of places to explore above and below ground. You have to outwit and escape many creatures during your quest including a dragon, a bear, and a hive of bees.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #2: Pirate Adventure]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-2-pirate-adventure
Description=This is the enhanced version of the original all-text Scott Adams Adventure, Pirate Adventure.  Additions to the original game include illustrations for each location, and support for the VOTRAX voice synthesizer.  Otherwise the game remains essentially the same as the original.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #3: Secret Mission]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-3-secret-mission
Description=This is the enhanced version of the original all-text Scott Adams Adventure, Secret Mission.  Additions to the original game include illustrations for each location, and support for the VOTRAX voice synthesizer.  Otherwise the game remains essentially the same as the original.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #4: Voodoo Castle]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-4-voodoo-castle
Description=This is the enhanced version of the original all-text Scott Adams Adventure, Voodoo Castle.  Additions to the original game include illustrations for each location, and support for the VOTRAX voice synthesizer.  Otherwise the game remains essentially the same as the original.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #5: The Count]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-5-the-count
Description=This is the enhanced version of the original all-text Scott Adams Adventure, The Count.  Additions to the original game include illustrations for each location, and support for the VOTRAX voice synthesizer.  Otherwise the game remains essentially the same as the original.

[Scott Adams' Graphic Adventure #6: Strange Odyssey]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scott-adams-graphic-adventure-6-strange-odyssey
Description=This is the enhanced version of the original all-text Scott Adams Adventure, Strange Odyssey.  Additions to the original game include illustrations for each location, and support for the VOTRAX voice synthesizer.  Otherwise the game remains essentially the same as the original.

[Screaming Wings]
Publisher=Red Rat Software Ltd
Developer=Red Rat Software Ltd
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/screaming-wings
Description=A top-down vertically scrolling shoot em up with a World War 2 feel resembling 1942. You pilot your aeroplane through 9 levels of forests, fields and oceans. Youll be facing hordes of enemy planes and their bullets, contact with which costs you one of your 3 lives. You can dart slightly off the screen to dodge bullets, similarly to SWIV. A number of power-ups are available, including a drone weapon which will shoot from the opposite position as you (for example, if youre 75% of the way across the screen, it will be 25% of the way across).

[The Scrolls of Abadon]
Publisher=Access Software, Inc.
Developer=Fanda
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/scrolls-of-abadon
Description=For his own amusement, a Wizard has constructed a strange game inside his head. It takes place on a grid loaded with pieces of an Amulate, all of which must be collected. When you collect one, an arrow appears preventing you from moving back in that direction; failure to obey the Wizard sees him release a beast, which must be avoided.<br><br>You are the player in this forced 3D world. As well as Amulate pieces, there are also scrolls to collect - these produce spells which can be activated by typing the name. Spells include freezing the enemies, a level skip and a smart bomb. Other than the bomb, each one lasts for 20 seconds. <br><br>Power Disks are activated once a screen is clear, and take you to the next one. Other hazardous creatures to avoid include the Kitz and the Nim, who kill you on contact.

[Sea Dragon]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sea-dragon
Description=Sea Dragon is an arcade style side scrolling shooter. You pilot a submarine through treacherous underwater caves in an attempt to destroy a heavily guarded reactor. Mines, gun turrets, and a variety of enemies make the mission very difficult! The submarine is armed with missiles, torpedoes, and a 'Big Kill' weapon (this affects everything onscreen) to help in your mission. The air supply is limited, so when possible you will need to surface to replenish your air supply.

[Seafox]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/seafox
Description=In Seafox, you control a submarine that must kill all hostile ships above and below the water.  You have two types of torpedoes: one that fires to the right and one that fires up.  You have a limited number of torpedoes and fuel units, so when you are running low be sure to watch for the green supply ship to release the dolphin that brings you fresh supplies.  <br><br>The enemies are varied and numerous. Enemy submarines pursue you below the water, and enemy destroyers on the surface can drop depth charges that slowly sink to the bottom and are deadly to the touch.  You must also watch out for your own torpedoes, because there are certain ships on the surface that are immune to your fire and reflect your torpedoes back down at you.<br><br>You can control your submarine with either joystick or keyboard.

[Seastalker]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/seastalker
Description=You must save the Aquadome!  But is it in more danger from an inside traitor, or a vicious sea monster? As a famous inventor and scientist, you will use your inventions and skills to save the day.

[The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13]
Publisher=Mosaic Publishing
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/secret-diary-of-adrian-mole-aged-13
Description=Sue Townsend created a phenomenon in the mid-1980s, essentially incorporating lots of sharp satire and observational humour into the diary of a confused teenager. It might sound like an odd idea for a computer game, but Level 9 felt that there was an adventure in there.<br><br>Most of the major characters from the book appear, including Adrian's warring parents and their respective flings, his sweetheart Pandora, his best mate Nigel, school bully Barry Kent, and curmudgeonly pensioner Bert Baxter. The game didn't use many typed commands. You would read passages of text (many of them from the book) and be given 3 choices as to what to do, which would lead to other events unfolding. Your aim throughout all of this was to make Adrian as popular as possible.

[Secret Mission]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|PC-88|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/secret-mission
Description=This is adventure #3 in Scott Adam's text adventure series. It takes place in a nuclear power plant. You must race against time to fulfill your mission or the reactor may be doomed. You use one or two word commands to move around and manipulate objects.

[Sentinel]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sentinel__
Description=Nuclear missile silos all over Europe are launching!  Protect the USA by firing lasers from orbiting satellites to destroy both the missiles and the silos, as well as occasional bomber airplanes and alien UFOs, while protecting your cities as well as your satellites.  <br><br>You control a crosshairs with the joystick and fire with the trigger; the closest satellite will fire a laser blast at your crosshairs and destroy whatever is underneath it, whether bomber, missile, or silo.  To complete a wave, destroy all missile silos.  You lose by either letting all your cities be destroyed or letting all your satellites be destroyed.<br><br>Sentinel plays basically like a two-screen Missile Command - on one screen is a map of Europe with several silos that launch missiles towards the top of the screen.  Your satellites are arrayed in space near the top of the screen.  Pressing a key on the keyboard will switch screens to a view of the other side of the world, the USA, where you can see your cities and any incoming missiles that you let get by on the other screen.<br><br>The dual screens adds an interesting twist to the Missile Command gameplay; you can see bombers and missiles take off in Europe and, when they leave the Europe screen, then appear on the USA screen.

[Serpentine]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/serpentine
Description=In Serpentine you control a multi-segmented snake in a maze; your goal is to survive and earn as many points as possible. At the beginning of each level, three enemy snakes will also enter the maze. To complete the level, you need to eat all of the enemy snakes. If an enemy snake has more segments than your snake, you can only eat segments that form the tail of the snake; a collision with the head is lethal! Each time you eat a segment, the enemy snake will become smaller until eventually you can devour it completely. For enemy snakes that have fewer segments than you, you can eat the tail segments or the head segment. From time to time, a frog will appear in the maze; eating this will cause your snake to grow. Both your snake and enemy snakes will leave eggs behind occasionally; left alone, these will hatch (your eggs earn you an extra life, enemy eggs will hatch another snake). Eggs can also be eaten to remove them from the playfield, so it's usually a good idea to eat enemy eggs before a new snake hatches! The maze changes for each level, and the enemy snakes progressively become larger and tougher to catch.

[Sesame Street: Letter-Go-Round]
Publisher=CBS Software
Developer=CTW Software Group
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Educational
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sesame-street-letter-go-round
Description=The Sesame Street Muppets invite a child player for a spin on the Letter-Go-Round!. By catching and matching letters on a spinning ferris wheel, children practice recognizing and matching letters, simple spelling and word formation.<br><br>There are several types of game:<br> - Upper case matching; <br> - Lower case matching; <br> - Mixed case matching; <br> - One little word; <br> - What's missing?; <br> - Spell the secret word. <br><br>At the start of each game, one of Muppet pets brings out a letter to match or word to spell and drops it on the seesaw. A letter appears on each ferris wheel bucket and as the Letter-Go-Round spins, child player should find the right letter to match or complete a word. Child may choose and try any letter, because there is no time limit to play. When a match is made or a word is completed, Muppet pets will dance and cheer a child player to the next round of play.<br><br>The game is recommended for 1 player aged 3 to 4.

[The Seven Cities of Gold]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Ozark Softscape
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/seven-cities-of-gold
Description=In the game the player took on the role of Christopher Columbus and the later Spanish conquistadors as you explored the New World (or a randomly generated map). As you established forts and missions and brought back gold to Spain you would receive promotions from the Queen of Spain. The game featured a large world to explore and came up with some clever arcade sequences to simulate the interaction of the Natives and Spanish who did not speak the same language. The historical map accurately spreads out the Native population of the New World in 1492 and some historical situations can be simulated such as whether to get the gold of the Aztec and Incas by trade or conquest.

[Shamus]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|Game Boy Color|PC Booter|TI-99/4A|TRS-80 CoCo|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/shamus
Description=A combination of Berzerk and Adventure -- explore over 120 rooms to find the evil enemy.

[Shamus: Case II]
Publisher=ariolasoft GmbH
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/shamus-case-ii
Description=You play Shamus, a sort of detective and dungeon-crawling adventurer in one.  In a previous game, you managed to get your bad guy, but now he has escaped, and you must go into his underground lair to bring him back.<br><br>Getting through the game means surviving the traps and monsters spread throughout the dungeon.  You must also get past the wrong turns.  To get by the monsters, you must either avoid them, or use a weapon (limited shots).<br><br>Throughout the dungeon are treasure chests, cache's of useful things, such as keys and hints.

[Shanghai]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Lynx|Macintosh|MSX|SEGA Master System|TurboGrafx-16|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/shanghai
Description=Shanghai is a tile-based game based on the ancient Chinese game of Mah-Jong - this was the first of many computer versions.<br><br>The gameplay involves 144 tiles, each depicting different images, which have to be removed by matching them into pairs. The tiles are arranged in a gridded pattern, which is higher near the centre. A tile can only be removed if it has no tile next to it on at least one side.<br><br>This computer implementation can generate a random board layout to take on, as well as featuring 5 preset challenges, some of which have time limits of 5 or 10 minutes, as well as a multiplayer mode.

[Shiloh: Grant's Trial in the West]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/shiloh-grants-trial-in-the-west
Description=The major battle in Western Theater of American Civil War  fought on April 6-7, 1862 near church Shiloh in Tennessee was the bloodiest battle between Union and Confederate forces. Historically Union forces lead by Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant won in the battle and finished Confederate's hopes to block the Union invasion of northern Mississippi.<br><br>The game is played as Confederates, as Unions, both sides, or having the computer choose. Two scenarios are available: the Campaign Scenario April 6-7 (Confederate's attack and Union's counterattack after Union supporting forces arrival) and First Day Scenario April 6 (Confederate's attack only). There are three difficulty levels and five levels of different options such as Conf/Union Ammo Supply, Union Arrival, Conf/Union Effeciency.<br><br>During war gameplay you move the troops on the map with rectangular grid using your tactical/strategical skills by turns, after that combat is flowing, and statistical results of the combat are shown. Map represents nature of the locality. Each turn takes some amount of time. Your actions increase your score according to successfulness.

[Shuttle Simulator]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|Dragon 32/64|TRS-80 CoCo|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=1.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/shuttle-simulator
Description=This game is an early simulation of NASA's space shuttle, on a mission to retrieve a failed satellite. Most of the controls are handled using the joystick. The mission is comprised of five different stages:<br><br>1. Launch: After an automatic lift-off out of Earth's gravity, you guide the shuttle to a rendezvous point.<br>Park: With the satellite in sight, approach it until you are right next to it.<br>Arm: Use the robot arm to catch the floating satellite and bring it into the cargo space of the shuttle.<br>Entry: Just like the launch stage, but without throttle control, you guide the shuttle to a target box indicated in the plotter instrument.<br>Final approach: From an outside view of the shuttle, try to decelerate at the same time as dropping to an altitude of zero.<br><br>The main view is from the cockpit, with a small stripe in the centre dedicated to the outside view, and the rest comprised of instruments and indicators. All of these instruments, indicating the stages of the mission, the attitude of the craft and its course, as well as altitude and speed, are functional. Certain parts of the mission are moved to an outside view for pædagogical reasons. To make the game more beginner-friendly, the mission is not aborted if a certain stage is not fulfilled, but points are awarded for how well each stage is completed.

[Silent Service]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|NES|PC-98|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/silent-service
Description=You are now a member of the Silent Service, the US Navy Submarine command. For a long while after Pearl Harbor, you are the only forces capable of striking back at the Japanese in the Pacific. Take one of the "fleet boats" and go on extended patrols of up to 2 months from Hawaii, Australia, or New Zealand. Set your difficulty/realism level and time period (early means less tech for juicier targets, later means tougher escorts, more tech, lousier targets). Contend with factors like dud torpedoes, maximum depth, and more. <br><br>You can choose among practice run against some old hulks, recreate historical convoy attacks, go on a single patrol, or go on your own campaign, which lets you go multiple patrols until you die, get promoted, or survive the war. <br><br>How well will you do when matched against history?

[Silicon Dreams]
Publisher=Rainbird Software
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/silicon-dreams
Description=This interactive fiction game is a trilogy of the Level 9's adventures Snowball, Return to Eden, and Worm in Paradise. These had previously been released for some but not all of these systems.<br><br>Silicon Dreams can be played as three separate games, but to obtain the maximum number of points, you must complete them in order (carrying your score from one adventure to the next). Snowball has graphics for the first time, and the other two games have more graphics than before, and some longer text descriptions are added to all 3 games.<br><br>Snowball: As Kim Kimberley, your mission is to safeguard the colonization ship Snowball 9 and its passengers. When you are awakened prematurely from hibernation, you know something's wrong!<br><br>Return to Eden: Your objective is to get into the new city of Enoch, and stop the Eden robots from destroying Snowball 9.<br><br>Worm in Paradise: You have to find as much information about the city as possible, obtain money, and then become a member of the governing party of Eden.

[Silicon Warrior]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Connelley Group, The
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/silicon-warrior
Description=Make a time journey into the year 2084. <br><br>The SYBORGS, a superhuman race of Technocrates, developed a computer of the 10th generation. A computer with more RAM and more artificial intelligence as all other computers built by the mankind. <br><br>The SYBORGS swore to tell the secret, which is connected with this computer, to the best and greatest computer developer of the mankind. <br><br>The managers of all prominent computer companies sent their best developers to this future war.<br><br>They have to fight against each other. One against the other one. <br><br>Only the best can experience the secret of the SYBORGS.

[Sinistar]
Publisher=AtariAge
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=Jun 16, 2010
Systems=Atari 5200
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sinistar
Description="Beware! I live!"<br><br>This is a port of the Williams arcade game.<br><br>In the game, you must fly your ship about, shooting the floating asteroids to release Sinisite crystals. These crystals must be gathered to create Sinibombs. Also gathering crystals are worker drones. They are gathering crystals to build Sinistar, who wants to destroy the universe. As the workers will sometimes steal your mined crystals, feel free to blast them. Also flying about are warrior ships who want to blast you to protect the workers and Sinistar.<br><br>Once Sinistar is completed, he will announce "Beware! I live!" and begin chasing you. Hopefully, you have made enough Sinibombs to destroy him. As he chases you, press the fire button to release Sinibombs to damage him. Once he is completely destroyed, you are off to the next, harder, level.

[Skarbnik]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1993
Systems=
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.7
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/skarbnik
Description=Skarbnik (Treasurer) is a puzzle game where your goal is to arrange gems (which come in various types) into specific designs. The design you have to make is on the right of the screen, and your current arrangement of gems is on the left. By clicking on a gem here, you turn it - and all the gems around it - into another type of gem. After a few such changes, the gem disappears and all the ones above it fall down.<br><br>Initially, the puzzles are quite easy, but later they get harder. <br>The game is divided into a few levels, each of them having a number of puzzles, which are presented to you in random order.

[Slinky]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/slinky
Description=Slinky is a game where you control a spring and jump from block to block and attempt to change all the blocks to a destination color.  The game has a very obvious Q*Bert influence.   However, there are some original elements as well.   <br><br>Various objects float about the screen, like magnets, clouds, raindrops, and other monsters.   The monsters are the only one that are a direct threat.  The magnets can only grab you if you are not moving.  The raindrops actually give you greatly increased speed, and the clouds turn you 'dusty'.  Be careful, if you get hit by both a raindrop and a cloud, then your spring rusts and is dragged off by an oil-can.<br><br>In addition to having five lives, you also must avoid running out of points.  An 8000 point bonus appears briefly over various squares, and you need to catch at least some of them, because every jump decreases your points, and getting 'killed' and knocked off the blocks decreases points even faster.

[Snake Byte]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/snake-byte
Description=The object of Snake Byte is to guide your snake to the apples that appear on the screen. Gobble up an apple, and another appears. Your snake also grows longer. Gobble up ten apples without hitting a wall or any part of your own ever-growing body, and a door to the next level opens. Thread your way through the door and you start over again, this time on a more complicated screen. As you move from level to level, the obstacles become more difficult.<br><br>As you play, bars on each side of the display inch toward the top of the screen. Should they complete their journey before you've eaten an apple, you are penalized: Three more apples are added to the total you must eat before completing the level.

[Sneakers]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sneakers
Description="Sneakers" is a variation on Atari's classic  Space Invaders. Move your ship to the left and to the right and shoot enemies who try to fall down and kill you. There are eight types of enemies, each one using a different tactic to destroy you. You start with the relatively harmless Sneakers and gradually work your way through Cyclops, Saucers, Fangs, H-Wings, Meteors, Scrambles, and Scrubs. After you finish off the Scrubs, you proceed to level 2, which follows the same pattern, but with an increased difficulty level.

[Snooper Troops]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Tom Snyder Productions, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure|Educational
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/snooper-troops
Description=The first in a series of 'edutainment' titles long before the portmanteau term was popularized by marketing executives, Snooper Troops had younger players trying to solve the mystery of "The Granite Point Ghost", an entity that is trying to scare the Kim family out of their new home.<br><br>Using the SnoopNet computer, players will comb the streets of the neighborhood looking for clues, and investigating people's houses while they're away.  Speed is of the essence, as if your Snooper Troop is caught when the owner of the house returns home, you could be thrown off the case for good!<br><br>The title encourages players to keep facts on people, map the neighborhood, review clues, receive special messages, and ultimately, find enough information to accuse and convict the criminal trying to chase the Kim family out their home.

[Snooper Troops: Case #2 - The Case of the Disappearing Dolphin]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Tom Snyder Productions, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure|Educational
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/snooper-troops-case-2-the-case-of-the-disappearing-dolphin
Description=The 2nd and final in the series of detective/problem solving games for kids.  Armed with your Snoop-mobile, the snoopNET computer, a wrist-radio, flashlight and pen and paper, you're the detective who must solve the case of Lilly, the missing dolphin.<br><br>The game requires logical thinking, planning, and note taking as you slowly comb the neighborhood gathering clues and evidence.  Once the suspect is properly identified, use the snoopNET computer to accuse and ensure that justice has been served.

[Snowball]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/snowball
Description=Snowball 9 was sent to Colonize Eridani A, with robots sent to prepare the territory around 100 years before human beings arrive, but something went wrong en route. Commander Kim Kimberley became aware of this when she was abruptly awoken from hibernation.<br><br>Snowball is an interactive fiction game, which uses compression techniques to provide 7000 rooms in computers of this size. Kim must go from her hibernation chamber to the ship controls, and then work them to guide the ship safely to Eridani. Commands like INVENTORY, EXAMINE, TAKE and USE are available. Objects include a drinks machine, a bed, green foam, Kevlar and a silver tray.

[Softporn Adventure]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/softporn-adventure
Description=Softporn Adventure is a comedic, adult-oriented adventure game, originally written by Chuck Benton for Apple II and became the inspiration for the animated Leisure Suit Larry series. Players must type the verb and the noun to do different actions and finally break virginity of protagonist. The player's name is not yet Larry, but the plot of the game is very similar to Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards. The player has to collect items to win over women in creative ways.

[Solo Flight]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/solo-flight
Description=A simulation that has you flying Mail runs from many different airports in one of 5 states of America.For a game that arrived some 24 years ago now, it still manages to feature an impressive amount of remarkable details for the time, such as VOR towers readings, DME, ILS, and coupled with the game aspect that is to deliver post,  Solo Flight is clearly quite unlike what you will have played before<br><br>Score for choices made meaning you must ponder certain things like how much fuel you might need for each delivery.Each mail delivered is to a different airport but the option is also there to carry several loads, each an additional weight that needs to be taken into account.Having a heavier payload means burning more fuel and a difference to how the plane handles, but potentially a higher score can result.It's this design that makes Solo Flight so intensely fun each time <br><br>Various weather conditions such as clear, nightime, light cloud and even a heavy cloud that requires IFR skills.It's entirely possible to fly using just instruments in total cloud blindness up until the point you pop out of a cloud to see the runway hopefully as you had planned.Indeed an accurately planned route using both VORS can have yourself precisely lined up and ready for a final descent using ILS.  <br><br>You really do need the maps though and attempting Solo Flight without them is fairly pointless - playing this seriously requires maps for VOR plotting.

[Sons of Liberty]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1988
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sons-of-liberty
Description=Three of the key battles of the American War of Independence are recreated here. The British army and American patriots can be played by either human or computer (with 3 skill levels). Each side's level of reinforcements and ammunition can be set on a 5-point scale. The smallest and shortest battle is Bunker Hill, while the Battle of Monmouth is distinguished by harsh weather, and Saratoga requires a different fighting style to the highly regimented one the British unsuccessfully used.

[Sorcerer]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sorcerer
Description=Your close friend and mentor Belboz is missing.  Before his disappearance you noticed that he wasn't quite the same.  Belboz could possible be the most powerful Enchanter in the land, and this worries you.  You must find out what has become of your good friend.  Hopefully his powers won't be used against you.<br><br>Difficulty Level: Advanced<br><br>Original C=64 Grey Box Contained:<br>Booklet - Popular Enchanting, Booklet - Field Guid to the Creatures of Frobozz

[Sorcerer of Claymorgue Castle]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|Dragon 32/64|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/sorcerer-of-claymorgue-castle
Description=Number 13 in the Adventure series from Scott Adams, and the first which was never released in all-text format (except for BBC, Electron, Dragon and TRS-80 versions).  Solon, the Master Wizard has lost the 13 Stars of Power.  It is up to you, his faithful apprentice, to retrieve them from Claymorgue Castle.<br><br>This is similar to the other SAGA games in the series.  Additionally, there is some use of magic of course!

[Space Eggs]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/space-eggs
Description=This game was quite similar to Space Invaders & Phoenix, the game where aliens inch down the screen in waves to attack the player's tank. In Space Eggs, instead of firing shells, you shoot eggs and the invaders are monsters, space wolves, giant-bomb-throwing lips, and the most dangerous of all, killer fuzz balls. Killer fuzz balls that bounce and shake and move toward you with frantic inevitability. Space Eggs was a runaway bestseller for Sirius Software.

[Space Invaders]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Taito Corporation
Released=1980
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|J2ME|MSX|NES
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/space-invaders-
Description=Earth is under attack from rows of bomb dropping aliens, and you need to defend it! The rows of aliens begin at the top of the screen, and you control a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen. Your goal is to earn points by shooting the aliens before they can land. The aliens march back and forth, and each time the end of the screen is reached they will drop one row closer to the bottom. Shoot them all, and you move on to the next (tougher) level, but if even one of them lands the game is over. From time to time a flying saucer will pass by along the top of the screen; shoot this to earn extra points. Just above your laser canon are three shields; these can be used to hide from the alien's bombs, but will also block your own shots. You begin the game with a limited number of laser canons, and if all of them are bombed the game ends.

[Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/space-shuttle-a-journey-into-space
Description=Space Shuttle is a simulation game where you are the pilot of space shuttle Discovery. Your goal is to launch the Discovery, establish an orbit around the Earth, open the cargo bay doors and recover a satellite to perform repairs, and finally land the Discovery successfully, all while using as little fuel as possible. Each time the complete mission is accomplished, it will then repeat at a higher difficulty level (in the higher difficulty levels the satellite has a more erratic flight path). The game is played from a first person perspective in the space shuttle cockpit where you can control everything from the shuttles engines to cargo bay doors. When the game is over you will be given a ranking which is based on the number of successful dockings and the amount of fuel that was used. In addition to the full flight mode, two easier game variations (autosimulator and simulator mode) are included. The autosimulator mode is the easiest; the computer will control the flight (you can take over at any point you wish) and the controls are simplified. The simulation mode is closer to the full game, however you have an unlimited amount of fuel so there is no time pressure, and the computer will help compensate for inaccurate maneuvering.

[Space Station Zulu]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/space-station-zulu
Description=You are in command of Space Station Zulu and its 43 man crew orbiting a huge gaseous giant in a farflung corner of the galaxy. Shortly after an exploration ship leaves the station the onboard computer notifies you that the sanctity of the station has been violated by unknown alien lifeforms ( which find your crew very tasty). Now you must direct your crew in a desperate struggle against this deadly peril. There is only one way to win and that is to rid Space Station Zulu of all the alien intruders. The aliens win by taking over the ship. There are 3 levels of difficulty (normal, difficult, and little hope) and this is a one player versus the computer game.

[Space War]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Atari 2600
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/space-war
Description=In this classic vector game, two ships are controlled by two players, flying around a sun, fighting gravity and trying to blow each other to bits.  Options include variable gravity, a black hole, an extra orbiting moon, toroidal space, and playing across a modem connection.

[Special Delivery: Santa's Christmas Chaos]
Publisher=Creative Sparks
Developer=Dalali Software Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/special-delivery-santas-christmas-chaos
Description=In the main, horizontally scrolling section, Santa rides his sleigh and tries to collect presents being dropped by his helpers while avoiding clouds and mountains. The presents from the Red Devil should be avoided. If enough are collected, Santa can land on a house to deliver the presents personally. (Otherwise he can only drop them down the chimneys while flying.)<br><br>Going down the chimney means having to dodge flames from below and snowballs from above. Once inside the house, Santa can leave the presents under the Christmas tree, get the key to the door and leave. He fails if he wakes any of the sleepwalking children who are running from room to room.

[Spellbound]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spellbound
Description=Magic Knight's second game (after Finders Keepers) sees him travelling through time to rescue 8 people including his tutor Gimbal, who have become locked in time thanks to a faulty spell.<br><br>The game invented a whole new control system, essentially pioneering the use of icons and windows in adventure games. You control a pointing finger, which can be moved onto each of the menus to reveal sub-menus, which contain the main options for object manipulation. <br><br>All objects can be examined in detail, which produces a visual display of them, and possible clues as to their usage. You must look after your character's health and energy levels - carrying too many objects will progressively weaken him. You must also look after and direct the trapped characters once you locate them.

[Spellbreaker]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spellbreaker
Description=(From the instruction manual)<br><br>Welcome to the world of the Enchanter saga - a world founded on magic, where guilds of magicians have mastered the powers of sorcery; a world now threatened with destruction.<br><br>You distinguished yourself among the young Enchanters by defeating the evil warlock Krill, whose attempt to subjugate the land was thwarted by your cleverness, as your inexperience allowed you to succeed where others might have failed. This earned you a place on the Circle of Enchanters, second only to the great Belboz the Necromancer. Then Belboz himself was nearly destroyed, and your rescue of him from the evil demon Jeearr earned you the ultimate honor given a mage, the leadership of the Circle of Enchanters.<br><br>Now, a crisis has befallen the kingdom. Magic itself seems to be failing. Spells fail to work or go strangely awry, the populace is confused and restive, and even the Enchanters Guild is baffled. A great conclave of the Guildmasters is ordained, and it is at this conclave that the final conflict between good and evil begins to unfold.<br><br>Difficulty Level: Expert<br><br>Original Grey Box Contains:<br>Frobozz Magic - Magic Equipment Catalog, Enchanter's Guild Pin, Enchanter trading cards

[Spelunker]
Publisher=Micro Graphic Image
Developer=Micro Graphic Image
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|MSX|NES|Wii
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spelunker
Description=In this game, you are a spelunker who climbs deep down mountain caves in search for treasure. The levels consist of many platforms, connected to each other by a riding cart, ladders, ropes, etc. You'll have to time your jumping well, because a slight fall will lead to your death, and the abyss is near! You should jump over various obstacles, avoid ghost-like enemies, climb on ropes, and use inventory items such as bombs to create little explosions that will bring you nearer to the desired treasure.

[Spider-Man]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1984
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spider-man
Description=The second Questprobe adventure moves on from the 'verb noun' command interface of The Hulk and allows fuller sentence inputs. The in-game graphics also see some degree of advancement. You play Spider-Man, Peter Parker's crime-fighting alter-ego, as he takes on Mysterio, who can block out Parker's Spidery senses using his canisters of poison.<br><br>As in The Hulk, the Examiner plays a key part in the game, as he initially strips Spider-Man's knowledge and prepares him for the battle. Throughout the game you meet many familiar Marvel characters, using the clues in the provided guidebook to help you deal with these situations correctly.

[Spindizzy]
Publisher=Electric Dreams Software
Developer=Electric Dreams Software
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Isometric
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spindizzy
Description=As GERALD (Gyroscopic ExploRAtion Landing Device) you must explore 385 screens of Hangworld, using limited fuel. The game is viewed isometrically, which means that the controls are rotated through 90 degrees - this, coupled with the fact that many screens have huge gaps and diagonal paths, means that it's hard to get far at first. Falling off ledges loses you time, which is very limited to start with<br><br>Gerald must collect energy crystals throughout his journey - which can also be shortened by using a complex system of lifts. Sections you have travelled through are automatically mapped.

[Spitfire '40]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Novotrade International, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spitfire-40
Description=This flight simulation sets you as a young Spitfire pilot in 1940, when World War 2 is hotting up in the skies over the south of England. The program is viewed from within the cockpit, with the instrument panel viewed by pressing Space. The pilot will have to co-ordinate landing gear, brakes and ruddering, and use a map to navigate and find targets. Loops, rolls and split-S moves are all incorporated in the simulation logic.<br><br>The game can generate random combat situations - for example, 6 enemies 10 miles away, 1500 feet into the air. Once you have established a strong flight record you can take on the missions. Additionally there are practice modes for both flying and combat.

[Spitfire Ace]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spitfire-ace
Description=Aerial combat over Europe in World War II.  Man your Royal Marine Spitfire and defend London during the Blitz.

[Springer]
Publisher=Tigervision
Developer=Orca Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/springer_
Description=You are Springer the rabbit. You must jump from cloud to cloud, collecting everything you can, to reach the sun.<br><br>You must jump from cloud to cloud and touch any items or eggs to collect them. If an egg hatches into a dragon, you can kick the dragon to collect him. There is a bonus timer that counts down on the screen so don't delay. Once you reach the sun at the top, then it is off to a more challenging screen.

[Spy Hunter]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=Bally Midway Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|NES|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-hunter
Description=A conversion of the arcade game, Spy Hunter is a driving action game played from an overhead point of view. Your car is equipped with machine guns to help you get past the numerous enemies out on the road (be careful not to shoot any civilians, though!) Occasionally you will come across a weapons van, and if you drive into the back of the van your car becomes equipped with a second weapon (such as smoke screen, oil slick, or missiles.) At several points the road splits and you can enter a boathouse which transforms your car into a boat temporarily. If you drive far enough the seasons change as well (watch out for icy conditions during winter!) The enemy cars will do anything to stop you, including running you off the road, firing guns from the back of a limmo, or dropping bombs from a helicopter.

[Spy vs. Spy]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|NES|SEGA Master System|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Platform
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-vs-spy
Description=M.A.D. magazines comic strip of the same name comes to life in this game which was designed for one or two players. The innovative split-screen shows both spies at the same time. Play with a friend or against the machine.<br><br>The black crow and the white crow are out to beat each other before the time bell rings. Find the needed objects by digging through drawers, closets and furniture in the house. Foil your opponent by setting creative booby traps in the various rooms (a bomb in a dresser drawer, for instance).<br><br>Fights ensue when both spies enter the same room.  Find hidden weapons in the rooms to help with those fights, since one of you will die if you run into each other.

[Spy vs. Spy III: Arctic Antics]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-vs-spy-iii-arctic-antics
Description=The third and final installment (after Spy vs. Spy and Spy vs. Spy: The Island Caper) sees the spies on an arctic island. Once again they're doing their thing - wandering round the island searching for items and setting traps to kill each other (or more frequently themselves).

[Spy vs. Spy: The Island Caper]
Publisher=First Star Software, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-vs-spy-the-island-caper
Description=A follow-up to the first Spy vs Spy game now sees the spies stranded on a desert island. This time, instead of the four items which allow you to leave for the airport, the spies must try to collect 3 pieces of a missile.<br><br>There are new traps and a single gun to take part in combat, rather than the big sticks of the previous game.

[Spy vs. Spy Trilogy]
Publisher=Databyte
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1988
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-vs-spy-trilogy
Description=This is a compilation of the first three Spy vs. Spy games for the Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.<br><br>The included games are:<br><br>1. Spy vs. Spy<br>2. Spy vs. Spy: The Island Caper<br>3. Spy vs. Spy III: Arctic Antics<br><br>The disk versions have a menu you select your desired game from. For the tape versions, you simply insert the correct tape or side.

[Spy Vs. Spy: Volumes I & II]
Publisher=Avantage Software
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/spy-vs-spy-volumes-i-ii
Description=This is a compilation of Spy Vs. Spy and<br>Spy Vs. Spy: The Island Caper, in one package.

[Squish 'Em]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Commodore 64|MSX|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/squish-em
Description=Climb up the side of a series of 48-story buildings to collect suitcases full of money, while avoiding creepy monsters and falling objects that try to knock you off. Fortunately, you can strike back against the monsters by smashing them flat, by smashing them on the head.  Don't linger too long, though, since they are soon resurrected, white and unsquishable. <br><br>Squish 'Em is similar to Crazy Climber, with much faster gameplay.

[Stack Up]
Publisher=Zeppelin Games Limited
Developer=Zeppelin Games Limited
Released=1991
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/stack-up-
Description=A good alternate title for this one would be Rows - not the kind you have when your wife finds lipstick on your shirt collar, but as an equivalent of Columns. The gameplay is essentially the same - groups of 3 variably-colored blocks fall towards the bottom of a 6x18 grid, and you must arrange them into groups of 3 of the same colour - except that the blocks are grouped horizontally rather than vertically.<br><br>Each individual brick falls as far as it can when you place the trio, so they won't necessarily all end up on the same line. Blocks fall as far as possible to fill gaps when lines are completed, so there are never gaps in the arrangement the way you get in Tetris. Each level sets you a target number of lines to form - 4 or 5 in a row count as 2 and 3 lines respectively for this calculation, a lá Klax. Horizontal lines score the least, with diagonals the most lucrative and vertical in between (this change from Columns makes sense considering the different building method).

[Star Blazer]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Star Craft
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|MSX
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-blazer
Description=Star Blazer is a basic side scrolling shooter in the style of the well known game Super Cobra by Konami. You are a fighter pilot on several hazardous missions. In each level you have to fulfill one mission like bomb the radar, destroy the tank etc. The scenery as buildings and warehouses and airborne objects as jets and rockets can all destroy your jet. Your fighter jet is armed with a limited supply of bullets for a on board machine gun and with bombs, also with limited supply. Bombs can only be dropped from very low altitude.<br>Further, your jet has a limited amount of fuel which can be refueled by picking up a parachute dropped out of another plane.

[Starcross]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/starcross
Description=The year is 2186. Humanity has established colonies on the moon, Mars, and several of the larger asteroids. Earth's sky is dotted with space habitats, and the spaceways are always busy. As usual, there is the urgent need for energy to power this advanced civilization; one of the primary sources of that energy is quantum black holes.<br><br>In STARCROSS, you are a miner of black holes, scouring the asteroid belt in your one-man survey ship. Finding and harnessing a single black hole can make a person's fortune. It's a lonely business, fraught with the known and unknown hazards of space. You've equipped your ship, the M.C.S. STARCROSS, with the best gear you could afford. You've put everything into this venture, and though you've tried before, you somehow sense that this time will be different.<br><br>The ship's computer handles the functions of navigation and routine maintenance. You watch the sophisticated mass detector as it unceasingly scans the vicinity for uncharted masses. To assuage the tedium of your long trip, you browse through the compact tape library, a compendium of human knowledge and culture. But the drone of the ship gradually lulls you into a deep sleep.<br><br>As you sleep, you dream of the riches which would be yours if your search for a quantum black hole is successful. Little do you suspect that the alarm on your mass detector is about to jolt you out of your dream - but not to grapple with the long-sought black hole. Your quest has taken an unexpected turn, for you are destined to rendezvous with a gargantuan alien spaceship from the outer fringes of the galaxy.

[Star Fleet I: The War Begins]
Publisher=Interstel Corporation
Developer=Cygnus
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-fleet-i-the-war-begins
Description=In Star Fleet I: The War Begins, you are a cadet fresh out of Starfleet Academy and have assigned to command your first U.G.A.S. Starship! The Federation is currently at war with Krellans and Zaldrons, so choose your first ship from the Federation starport and prepare for your first mission!<br><br>The graphics of the PC version of Star Fleet I: The War Begins are represented by ASCII characters. Everything from your starship, the mainframe to torpedoes are all ASCII characters. <br><br>Gameplay<br>Gameplay consists of fulfilling the target number enemy kills mentioned in the mission briefing in a specified amount of time. Higher levels demands more kills and less time requirements. Gameplay consists of 2 major areas:<br><br>1. Main Computer and Navigation<br>Your starship is equipped with state of the art navigation equipment. The main screen displays your main visual display, consisting of the main star chart map, your current position and visual displays. Other sections/information of the starship maybe accessed through the appropriate buttons.<br><br>Navigation may be conducted automatically or manually. Standard navigation (automatically) is conducted by accessing the main computer and setting out a course. Higher levels may result on random events during navigation (such as electrical storms, running into asteroids or enemy ships). <br><br>Each map is randomly generated and also uncharted. Each quadrant is represented by numbers, where each number refers to: Stars, Starbases and number of enemy ships. Your starship is also equipped with long-ranged sensors to view adjacent quadrants an well as short-ranged sensors to view your current surroundings. For even further exploration, your starship also has probes to scan far-away quadrants. <br><br>Combat: Starships, Starbases, and Marines<br>Combat is the essence of gameplay in Star Fleet I: The War Begins. Entities in a combat situation may consist of the following: Your starship, enemy Krellan starships (max 5 per quadrant), enemy cloaked Zaldron starships (usually one per quadrant), allied Starbase  and Space Marines.<br><br>Combat initiates when your starship enters a hostile quadrant (portrayed by a red number on the main map), usually patrolled by a minimum of 1 (one) Krellan starship. Red Alert is automatically set (unless configured otherwise) resulting the rising of shields and direct attack by enemy starships. <br><br>Enemy starships are either Krellan starships or the Zaldron cloaked. Krellan starships fire only phasors to soften up your shields. Although your starship is greatly over-matched compared to a single Krellan starship, numerous enemy ships will prove very dangerous. Zaldron starships are unique as they have the ability to cloak (invisible on the both map screens). Zaldrons also use phasers as their main weapon.<br><br>This type of combat consists of either eliminating all hostiles in the present quadrant (by destroying the enemy ships) or by capturing those ships (and optionally delivering them to a starbase). Your main arsenal consist of Phaser, Torpedoes and Mines. Torpedoes are reserved for direct destruction of enemy vessels. Phasers are usually reserved for the intent of disabling an enemy vessel for capturing purposes. Mines are used to damage enemy vessels that have the bad habit of moving around when eluding your torpedoes.<br><br>Capturing enemy vessels may only be conducted when the enemy vessel is disabled (by phasers or other means). Space Marines then must board the adjacent ship and automatic combat occurs between your space marines and the enemy crew. If successful, the enemy ship will be captured as well as some power reserves and enemy prisoners. Be warned that enemy prisoners or enemy spies may board your ship without your knowing and damage your ships systems (indicated by "Intruder Alert"). The enemy ship may then be towed to be transported to a Starbase.<br><br>If enemies prove to much for you and your heavily damaged ship, you can opt for "Self-Destruction". Be warned, you will survive but it may hamper your mission score greatly.<br><br>Unique combat situations refer to "Starbase Under Attack" where an allied Starbase is under attack by enemy starships, requiring your immediate attention for rescue.<br><br>After successfully completing a mission, your mission success is rated: Number of enemies destroyed, captured, starbases rescued, etc. You will then be considered for a promotion or a commendation for a medal!

[Starquake]
Publisher=Bubble Bus Software
Developer=Bubble Bus Software
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/starquake
Description=As BLOB, the Bio-Logically Operated Being, you are sent into an unstable planet and charged with the task of preventing it from exploding. This involves collecting various items (the exact combination is different every time you load the game) and taking them to the planet's core.<br><br>The game is an arcade adventure viewed from the side, with 512 screens arranged in a 16x32 pattern. A teleport system exists, so once you find the codes you can get quick access to different parts of the game.<br><br>The creatures to avoid are intelligent, getting tougher to predict as you get closer to the centre, but you are armed with a gun and can also try to avoid them. BLOB has a set of platforms which can be used to allow limited vertical movement, but these disappear after a few seconds each use.

[StarQuest: Rescue at Rigel]
Publisher=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Automated Simulations, Inc.
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|DOS|PC Booter|TRS-80|VIC-20
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/starquest-rescue-at-rigel
Description=In Rescue at Rigel, you take the part of Sudden Smith, a human adventurer teleported down by transporter beam inside a six-floor, sixty-room complex inhabited by an alien race, the Tollah. Scattered throughout the base, which has been hollowed out of an asteroid orbiting Rigel, ten humans are held captive, one in each of ten different rooms. While you can adjust the difficulty of the task, the object in all cases is the same: to search the complex, find and release as many of the prisoners as possible (by activating the transporter beam, which will teleport them back up to the ship), and get out alive-in an hour or less.<br><br>If the Tollah base can be likened to an iceberg, you begin the game at the tip: inside the top room, the only one that connects the complex with the surface of the asteroid. (Since there is no air and no escape on the asteroid itself, the door to the outside, being "off limits," is not shown on the display.) From this vestibule there are only two usable exits. The larger obviously leads to a gravshaft; the smaller looks like an ordinary doorway-but there are no other rooms on the floor. Whichever way you choose to begin your quest, there will be no turning back once you walk through the door.

[Star Raiders]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari ST
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-raiders
Description=As the pilot of an interstellar starship, your mission is to destroy all of the Krylon fighters which are closing in on your starbases! There are three different types of fighters roaming throughout the galaxy; cruisers, fighters, and basestars. With the help of your galactic map, you can find the sectors of the galaxy where these fighters are located and then warp there to destroy them. When all of the fighters in a sector are destroyed, you can warp to a new location for the next battle. Be sure to keep an eye on your starships energy; warping to new locations, being hit by enemy fire, or colliding with an asteroid will drain your energy. If you completely run out of energy, your starship will be destroyed, however you can warp back to a starbase to refuel at any time. Returning to a starbase will also repair other types of damage your starship can receive, such as faulty engines, loss of your shield, and faulty photon torpedoes. When all of the Krylon that are visible on your galactic map have been destroyed, you win this round and can advance in rank (or even be demoted if you performed poorly on a mission).  The games difficulty will gradually increase as you rise in rank from ships cook up to captain.

[Star Raiders II]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Atari Corporation
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-raiders-ii
Description=The Zylons have returned to attack the Celos IV star system. In this 3D shoot-'em-up, the player takes control of the Liberty Star and must warp to threatened planets to battle the Zylon Fly Fighters and Destroyers. The Zylon Squadrons can also be attacked while in transit, and friendly Space Stations allow refueling. To achieve victory, the Zylon Attack Bases on their own planets must be destroyed. The game ends if the Liberty Star runs out of fuel, or if all cities are destroyed by Zylons.

[STAR Scenery Disk: San Francisco Area & The Bay Area]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-scenery-disk-san-francisco-area-the-bay-area
Description=STAR Scenery Disk: San Francisco Area is a scenery add-on for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It covers the area of San Francisco in great detail through providing a higher amount of buildings, landmarks and more detailed display of airport layouts. Additionally, an optional fog layer can be turned on, which is not available in other Scenery Disks or in the standard Flight Simulator software.<br><br>STAR Scenery Disks such as this one allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are 12 other regular Scenery Disks that cover the continental US, two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure (not released for Atari 8-bit/C-64).

[Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-trek-strategic-operations-simulator
Description=Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is an arcade action game where you take control of the Starship Enterprise. Your mission is to save the Federation from NOMAD! Before you get a chance at destroying NOMAD, you'll have to battle your way through ten levels (each consisting of multiple rounds). In each round you may encounter Klingon fighters, deadly anti-matter saucers, asteroid fields, and deadly meteors, all of which are capable of depleting the Enterprises energy. The game ends when your energy supply has completely run out. To fight these dangers, the Enterprise is equipped with an unlimited supply of phasers and a limited supply of photon torpedoes. Each round also contains one or more starbases; if you dock at a starbase, some of your supplies (such as energy and torpedoes) will be replenished. The game is played from two points of view; the top of the screen contains a third person view of the Enterprise (along with the ships gauges), and on the bottom of the screen is a first person point of view

[Star Wars]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari ST|BBC Micro|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|DOS|Electron|Macintosh|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-wars
Description=Conversion of Atari Games' first-person shoot 'em up based around the original Star Wars film. You take on the role of Luke Skywalker, aiming to destroy the Death Star - which, as any fan knows, involves attacking the 'weak spot' near the exhaust. To even get to this you have to pass swarms of TIE Fighters. Complete the game and it loops back around at ever-increasing difficulty. The game uses vector graphics, which allow lots of action at high speed on comparatively slow systems.

[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Death Star Battle]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Parker Brothers
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-death-star-battle
Description="Death Star Battle" is loosely based on the events of "Star Wars, Part 6: Return of the Jedi". Your task is to destroy the Death Star before its construction is finished. You start the task outside the shield perimeter of the Death Star. There you'll have to combat different imperial vessels and avoid the death ray while waiting for an opportunity to slip through one of the random openings in the energy shield. After reaching the Death Star you must reduce its structure up to the point where you can hit the core. In the following blow up of the station you must avoid collision with Death Star debris.<br><br>After successful destruction the game will restart with increased difficulty (faster enemies, faster Death Star build up, etc).<br><br>Overall difficulty can also be adjusted before starting the game.

[Stationfall]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/stationfall
Description=(From Infocom Home Page site)<br><br>After the fall of the Second Galactic Union in 1716 GY, a ten-thousand-year dark age settled upon the galaxy. Interstellar travel was nonexistent, and many star systems descended into a near-barbaric state, buring coal and gas for energy, and growing food directly from exposed topsoil. In 11,203 GY, a treaty between the Empires of Tremain and Galium formed the Third Galactic Union. Ships of the Stellar Patrol (a pseudo-military wing of the Union government on Tremain) began exploring the galaxy, searching for the human civilizations that are the remnants of the Second Galactic Union. You are a native of the planet Gallium, one of the most politically powerful but culturally barren worlds in the Union. Your great-great-grandfather was a founding officer of the Stellar Patrol, and for five generations, your family has served in the Patrol. It was always taken for granted that you would sign up as soon as you came of age. Once in the Patrol, you discovered that the exciting career promised in all the Patrol recruitment brochures was nonsense. Your life was drudgery and demerits. The one time you got to see an exotic planet was right after a big parade, when they needed a detail to sweep up all the confetti. Then came your big moment: shipwrecked on a seemingly deserted world, you met an exuberant robotic companion named Floyd. Together, the two of you discovered the secret of that mysterious planet, Resida, and saved it from near destruction. As a result of your heroics, you were offered, and quickly accepted, a juicy promotion. Good-bye Ensign Seventh Class -- hello Lieutenant First Class! No more scrubwork! No more bathroom details! No more cleaning groth cages! Finally, your life in the Stellar Patrol would be as exciting as those brochures had promised! Oh, how naive you'd been. Your daily routine simply replaced tedious scrubwork with tedious paperwork. Since your planetfall on Resida, five long years have dragged by, without a single event worthy of note. Why, just look at today's "thrilling" assignment: scooting over to Space Station Gamma Delta Gamma 777-G 59/59 Sector Alpha-Mu-79 to pick up a supply of Request for Stellar Patrol Issue Regulation Black Form Binders Request Form Forms...

[Stealth]
Publisher=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Developer=Brøderbund Software, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/stealth
Description=You are flying above the land in a stealth airplane. You are trying to destroy the tower of darkness which is a distance of 9999 meters away. Destroy enemy military radar, bunkers,etc; to get more points. Use yellow energy fields for increasing your fuel level, but avoid the red energy fields. Once you destroy the Tower, you go onto a tougher level with the same basic objective.

[Steve Davis Snooker]
Publisher=CDS Software Ltd
Developer=CDS Software Ltd
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation|Sports
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/steve-davis-snooker
Description=Mike Lamb recreated the basic rules of the popular English game of snooker in this simulation, which can be played by one or two players, but has no computer opponent as such, unlike the later 16-bit remake.<br><br>Instead, you are scored based not only on how many points you score legitimately, but also on how many points you concede through foul shots, and how many shots you take in total. You always take the next shot, even if you've missed or fouled, so in a one player game the break-building strategies can be slightly more aggressive than in a real match, as there's no risk of leaving an opponent a chance<br><br>As in the real game you start off by trying to pot a red (there are 10 or the real 15, depending on which mode you choose), and if successful choosing one of the 6 colours (by pressing the number corresponding to its points value). Once you've lined up the direction of the shot, you will have to set the speed, and then the spin.

[The Stone of Sisyphus]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Chameleon Software
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/stone-of-sisyphus
Description=A fantasy adventure where you can create your own characters, choose from a wide inventory of weapons and armor, and use freeform input combined with making choices to explore a dungeon.<br><br>This is a dungeon crawl game - equip your character, enter the dungeon, fight monsters and win treasure.  Traps abound as well.  Many events are random.  You can save your character (assuming he survives) to use in later episodes.  This episode is touted as 'a thinking man's adventure'.

[Storm]
Publisher=Mastertronic Ltd.
Developer=Mastertronic Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/storm
Description=Una Cum has abducted Storm's wife Corrine and locked her in his well-guarded laboratory. Storm and his Wizard friend set off to have her in a top-down arcade game similar to Gauntlet. You run around rooms which are all the same size, killing monsters and collecting treasure. A simultaneous 2-player mode is on offer.

[Story Machine]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=DesignWare, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Educational
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/story-machine
Description=Story Machine is a product aimed at children for teaching language skills. <br><br>The product contains animations assigned to key nouns, and verbs. By typing phrases such as "The Girl Jumps Over the Flower" will show the player an animation of a girl jumping over a flower. Through this method, players are able to create short "stories" of about 40 words long and have the computer animate them. These stories are also limited to having 4 "actors" (animated noun objects) in each.

[Strange Odyssey]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Browser|Commodore 64|PC-88|TI-99/4A|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/strange-odyssey
Description=Strange Odyssey is the sixth game of the Scott Adams text adventures series, marketed by Scott's company, Adventure International.  It is an old-style text adventure sporting a two word parser and split screen interface.<br><br>You play a space traveller whose space ship breaks down while orbiting a remote asteroid.  Starting with only a phase pistol, space suit, and shovel, our mission is to collect 5 alien treasures and link back up with your mothership.

[Strip Poker: A Sizzling Game of Chance]
Publisher=Artworx Software Co, Inc.
Developer=Artworx Software Co, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/strip-poker-a-sizzling-game-of-chance
Description=You are a male player, who wants to undress your woman opponent playing cards. In 5-card poker, you bet own money for a round and if you are lucky, then collect winnings and watch your opponent undress. Your opponent removes clothing every time she loses one hundred dollars. You must make her strip five times to win.<br><br>The master disk contains two opponents, Suzi and Melissa, but you may acquire Data disks to add other opponents like Marlena, Candi, etc.

[Summer Games]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 7800|Commodore 64|PC-88|SEGA Master System|Windows Mobile
Genre=Action|Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/summer-games
Description=Summer Games allows up to eight players to compete in a series of summer themed Olympic events. The gameplay is similar to the other entries in Epyx "games" series. Each player can choose a country to represent, and then takes turns competing in various events to see who will win the gold medal! The game allows you to compete in all of the events sequentially, choose a few events, choose just one event, or practice an event. The events available vary slightly depending on the platform, and may include:<br><br>1. Pole vault<br>2. Platform diving<br>3. 4x400 meter relay<br>4. 100 meter dash<br>5. Gymnastics<br>6. Freestyle swimming<br>7. Skeet shooting<br>8. 100 meter freestyle<br>9. Rowing

[Super Boulder Dash]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=First Star Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-boulder-dash
Description=Super Boulder Dash is a compilation including the original Boulder Dash and it's sequel, Boulder Dash II. In each of these games you control Rockford on a quest to recover diamonds from numerous caves. The caves contain numerous (falling) boulders, walls, and assorted creatures that all get in your way! Each game contains both an action and strategy element; you'll need to run fast to avoid creatures and falling boulders, but also need to carefully plot your course through the cave to avoid becoming trapped. When you have collected enough diamonds on the current level, you can make your way to the exit for the next, more difficult round. To make the games more challenging, each level has a time limit for completion.

[Super Breakout]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Atari ST
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=2.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-breakout
Description=Super Breakout features similar gameplay to the original, but with several new game variations. Your goal is to earn as many points as possible by destroying the bricks at the top of the playfield. To do this, you need to use the paddle at the bottom of the screen to keep a bouncing ball within the playfield. There are four different game variations included. The first is 'Breakout', and plays the same as the original game. <br><br>This leaves three new gameplay concepts. In 'Progressive' the brick walls will slowly drop towards the bottom of the screen and the ball moves progressively faster and faster. When there's room, a new layer of bricks will appear at the top. <br><br>The other two games add a second paddle. In 'Double Breakout' you have two balls to keep in play and score with. In 'Cavity' there is a single ball in play when you start, but two additional balls trapped within the bricks. These are freed when their surrounding bricks are destroyed.

[Super Bunny]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-bunny
Description=A simple action game where you play a rabbit who must cross the screen initially from left to right avoiding the various nasty critters in your way.<br><br>When you reach the right hand side of the screen your goal is to claim the carrot that is being dangled in front of you. If you get the carrot you are transformed into Super Bunny and must begin your journey back across the screen. In your super powered form you can take revenge and defeat the critters standing in your way.<br><br>Super Bunny is similar to "cross the road" games such as the arcade game Frogger and Activision's Freeway.<br><br>The original box came with a complete "Super Bunny" comic book written and illustrated by air-brush artist Martin Cannon, staff artist at Datamost.

[Super Cobra]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Intellivision|MSX|Odyssey 2
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-cobra
Description=Super Cobra is a side scrolling shooter based on the arcade game. You're a chopper pilot on a surveillance mission in enemy territory; your goal is to make it through the various obstacle courses alive and score as many points as possible. Tall buildings, mountains, narrow tunnels, and various enemies (such as tanks, rockets, mines, and more) can all get in the way and destroy your chopper if you aren't careful. To help defend yourself, the chopper is armed with a machine gun and bombs which can be used to destroy the enemy tanks and rockets. To make the task more difficult, your chopper has a limited amount of fuel. Throughout the landscapes are fuel tanks; if one of these is shot or bombed, you will be awarded extra fuel. As the levels progress, the enemies become more aggressive, fuel becomes more scarce, and the landscape becomes trickier to navigate.

[Super Huey UH-IX]
Publisher=Cosmi Corporation
Developer=Cosmi Corporation
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari 7800|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-huey-uh-ix
Description=Super Huey UH-IX is a helicopter simulation game. You are the pilot of the experimental helicopter UH-1XA and you need to test it out in several game modes. In the flight school mode, you can learn how to fly. The computer will guide you through takeoff, flight, and landing. In reality mode, you will need to fly a mission to locate and bomb an enemy base and return home safely. The last mode is arcade mode where you have an unlimited amount of ammo to try and shoot down as many enemy aircraft as possible. The game is played from a first person view of the cockpit which is complete with radar and various instruments to help you fly.

[Super Zaxxon]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=Isometric
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/super-zaxxon
Description=Super Zaxxon is a three-quarter perspective, space shooter style game. You must first go over a base on an asteroid. Things located on this base include gun implacements, fuel tanks, radar stations, missiles, and fighters. After you successfully navigate this base, you will go through a tunnel to tangle with enemy fighters, mine layers, and mines. You then will have to navigate through a series of barriers on another asteroid in order to take on the Super Zaxxon's, the enemy robot dragons.<br><br>The game is very similar in appearance to Zaxxon.  The differences are:<br><br>1. Your fighter moves much faster. This makes going after ground targets a big challenge.<br><br>2. The graphics are different. Although this is more of a viewing difference, it can still change ones perspective after they have gotten used to the Zaxxon graphics.<br><br>3. There is no more outer space battle. Instead, you must go through a narrow tunnel to get to area 3.<br><br>4. Instead of 20 fighters, you now have to tangle with 25 fighters in area 2.<br><br>5. A new enemy, the Mine Layer, is introduced. As the name implies, this ship lays mines in your path. You can destroy the mines but it takes a few hits.<br><br>6. Instead of encountering one Zaxxon robot, you now have to deal with three Super Zaxxon, dragon looking robots.<br><br>7. The placement of things (fuel tanks, gun implacements, etc.) in areas 1 and 3 is different then in Zaxxon.<br><br>8. There are now indestructible, elevated guns in area 1. These guns sit on the right side and they are 2.5 units in altitude.

[Survivor]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1982
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/survivor
Description=Lost in space, in your small spaceship, you have to fight your way through endless fortresses of mounted turrets and asteroids, if you really wanna be a 'survivor'.<br><br>One of the first games made by Synapse software, famous for other well known shooters like Shamus or Shamus Case II. Survivor shares the same kind of gameplay, but also features a very large playing area for its time.

[The Survivors]
Publisher=Atlantis Software Limited
Developer=Atlantis Software Limited
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/survivors
Description=Almost a thousand people have been trapped in a hibernation dome after a nuclear war. The player takes control over three droids and must use their abilities to rescue the survivors.<br><br>Seen from a top-down perspective, The Survivors plays somewhat similar to Boulder Dash as the levels are filled with sand and rocks. Droid 1 is the only droid that can dig through the earth, Droid 2 can beam survivors to safety (by moving over them) and Droid 3 can push rocks (only one at a time). The goal in each of the seven levels is to rescue all survivors within the time limit, while paying attention not to trap or damage any of the droids. Removing sand or pushing around rocks might cause other rocks to fall down and crash the droids. There are also Guardian Droids whose circuits have been damaged by the nuclear fall-out, causing them to run rampant. They damage the players droids on contact.

[Suspect]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/suspect
Description=You are a suspected murderer and time is running out because the police are ready to throw the books at you.  If you ever want to return to your normal life of being a reporter you better prove your innocence.  However, the real murderer probably watching your every move -- so be carefull.<br><br>Difficulty Level: Advanced

[Suspended]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/suspended
Description=(From the instruction manual)<br><br>You are the Central Mentality on an advanced semi-automated planet. You were supposed to sleep - in limited cryogenic suspension - for the next 500 years, 20 miles beneath the surface of the planet, while the great Filtering Computers maintained all surface systems. But the computers have taken you out of suspension because something is terribly wrong: the weather has become brutal, food production is dangerously low, and the Transportation System is malfunctioning, causing unprecedented accidents and casualties. The planet is in chaos.<br><br>You are physically immobilized. But you have six robots at your disposal, and you must manipulate them strategically to bring the Filtering Computers back into balance. Each robot has a distinct perception of the world and offers you specific abilities - one offers you sight; a second, hearing; a third, access to information in the computer memory banks. Through the robots, you must save the planet from destruction.

[T.A.C. Tactical Armor Command]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/tac-tactical-armor-command
Description=T.A.C. is a game of WWII tactical armored combat. You pick a nation (Britain, USA, Germany or Russia), you build a combat team of tanks, assault guns and tank destroyers and you command the team you have created against the forces of the enemy. The computer handles the technical details which leaves the decision making to you. You search for the enemy, find them, aim your gun, knock them out and the results of the combat are determined by the computer. The game can be played solitaire or by two people

[Tanktics]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Avalon Hill
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/tanktics_
Description=It is September 6, 1943 following the debacle at Kursk the German Army reels back to the protection of the Dneiper River. The Red Army pursues hard trying to turn a retreat into a rout. You are in charge of a tiny Panzer Group (tank platoon) and you are the only unit capable of stopping them. You are outnumbered 2 to 1 but your orders are firm stop the Soviet tanks. You command a force up to 8 tanks or anti-tank guns in 5 different scenarios. The computer is your Soviet opponent. Tanktics is played out on a two piece full color 22" x 16" mapboard with 240 1/2" counters while the computer takes care of all the calculations.

[Tapper]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=Bally Midway Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari 2600|BBC Micro|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|PC Booter|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/tapper
Description=Tapper is an action game where you're a beer tapper (barman) and have to serve beer to demanding customers. There are four customers, each has its own lane lengthier than the previous one, whom you have to keep at bay. If they reach the end of the lane without receiving their beer, you're a goner; if you miss one and accidentally spill beer needlessly you lose a life and should one of them throw you back the mug and you fail to catch it, you lose a life as well.<br><br>Occasionally a bizarre icon will appear on one of the lines and, should you grab it, will invoke a &quot;cabarette&quot;-style show which will keep some of the customers occupied.<br><br>The Xbox 360 version includes bonus rounds, as well as co-op and versus multiplayer modes, also online, along with achievements.

[Telengard]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.|Orion Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|Commodore PET/CBM|DOS|TRS-80|Windows
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/telengard
Description=A dungeon-crawler with a rather unique, real-time combat.  Made in CYMK 4-color graphics, this RPG features you as the hero with all a good RPG should have - character statistics, improvement and inventory.  The only drawback is the quality of graphics, which makes the dungeons hardly readable.

[Temple of Apshai Trilogy]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=Epyx, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/temple-of-apshai-trilogy
Description=The Temple of Apshai Trilogy includes updated graphical versions of three classic Apshai games:<br><br>1. Dunjonquest: Temple of Apshai<br>2. Dunjonquest: Upper Reaches of Apshai<br>3. Dunjonquest: Curse of Ra

[Ten Little Indians]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ten-little-indians
Description=Number 10 in the Mysterious Adventures series of interactive fiction is inspired by the Agatha Christie book "And Then There were None". The player's aim is to find the gold statue, formed by Major Johnstone-Smythe from most of his assets shortly before his death. The Major also made 10 worthless copies in various colours, and hid them in and around his mansion. Only the 10 'little indian' figurines, assembled together, would reveal the location of the final golden one. These figurines are hidden behind and under ordinary household objects, and in various hiding places.<br><br>Around this time, Scott Adams' game engine was redone to allow complete sentences instead of the more primitive 2-word input that had been used previously. Brian Howarth gained the chance to use this in the Mysterious Adventures games, although early versions of the game may have still used the cruder parser.

[Theatre Europe]
Publisher=Personal Software Services
Developer=Personal Software Services
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/theatre-europe
Description=This game covers the first 30 days of what was then feared to be the next war in Europe. You can choose to be the supreme commander of the NATO or the Warsaw Pact. In your control are air and ground units. These are backed up by your ability to make strategic nuclear/chemical attacks.<br><br>As the Warsaw Pact commander your task is to break the lines of the NATO alliance, which you see is a powerful invasion force, poised on your border. Your first task is to take over West Germany.<br><br>As NATO commander your task is to stop the Russian invasion. Hold the lines on West Germany's border. You will achieve this by preventing the occupation of West Germany.<br><br>Your computer opponent can play in three different ways. Nuclear weapons can be disabled for a Beginner game, while the thought processes can be either rational or unpredictable.<br><br>Gameplay is turn-based and primarily strategic, but some scenes can be played out in optional action sequences.

[Threshold]
Publisher=On-Line Systems
Developer=On-Line Systems
Released=1981
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/threshold
Description=Threshold is a simple Shoot'em up game. You are in control of a spaceship at the bottom of the screen and have to shoot several formations of enemies on the top of the screen.<br>To make things more difficult you have limited time in form of a fuel tank which will get refilled after you cleared a number of waves. Besides that your spacecraft is equipped with a laser that tends to overheat. Every shot make the heat bar of the laser increase a bit. Once it reached its maximum you can't fire anymore and are forced to wait until it cooled down while slowly running out of fuel.

[Thrust]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari 2600|Atari ST|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|Electron|Vectrex|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/thrust
Description=Thrust took a unique game style by bringing realistic physics and inertia-based movement into arcade games, directly influencing titles like Oids, not to mention the same author's Exile from Audiogenic. The action is viewed from the side, with the graphics drawn in vectors, in keeping with the mathematical nature of everything that unfolds.<br><br>As a Resistance fighter, the player must fly into enemy lines in order to steal Klystron Pods to power more advanced starships, using your tractor beam to take them. A network of mounted guns are aiming to shoot the player down  these can be disabled by shooting their power source, but eventually this will explode, forcing the player to flee. Some of the later levels feature reverse gravity, which is where things really get difficult.

[Thunderfox]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Aztec Design
Released=1988
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/thunderfox
Description=Thunderfox is an attempt at bringing the gameplay of Uridium to the Atari line. Aboard the Thunderfox space fighter, you are on a mission above a transporter, which contains Disilicate energy crystals intended to power the Phalon War Machine. If you do not infiltrate the transporters and their heavily-guarded Energy Rooms, and destroy the crystals, your society is doomed. It's a race against time - a death missile is being prepared, and will launch to destroy Thunderfox when time runs out. As you fly over the transport, you will encounter enemy ships and defence lasers. Once you reach the end of the ship without destroying all encroaching enemies and bases, you are automatically reversed.

[Time and Magik: The Trilogy]
Publisher=Mandarin Software
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/time-and-magik-the-trilogy
Description=In a similar manner to Jewels of Darkness, this collection brings together three interlinked Level 9 adventures:Lords of Time<br>2. Red Moon<br>3. The Price of Magik<br>The games have all been updated into the company's later adventure system, and have longer textual descriptions and some slight puzzle tweaks. The 16-bit versions are new and inevitably feature higher-resolution and more-colourful graphics.

[Timothy Leary's Mind Mirror]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Futique, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/timothy-learys-mind-mirror
Description=Mind Mirror allows the performer to digitize (scope) any thought, compare it with other thoughts and compare thoughts with others, and to engage in simulation of various roles.<br><br>Can be considered a "party game" like Scruples.

[Tomahawk]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Digital Integration Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/tomahawk
Description=Flight simulation specialists Digital Integration turned their attention to helicopter flight in this recreation of the AH-64 Apache. All the controls are realistically simulated, so the airspeed is dependent on the height of the vehicle, and you can move horizontally using the rudder option as well as rolling left and right. If using a Sinclair joystick interface you can use both ports to have all these controls accessible on dual joysticks, just like the real thing. Either way, a full instrument panel allows monitoring of these.<br><br>You are armed with cannons, rockets and anti-tank missiles, each of which has its target set up independently, but only one can be loaded at once. Flight options include day/night, clear/cloudy and air turbulence on/off, allowing beginners and experts to find a suitable setting. Scenery includes trees, mountains and pylons, while enemy targets include helicopters, turrets and tanks.

[Top Gunner Collection]
Publisher=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Developer=MicroProse Software, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/top-gunner-collection
Description=A collection that includes three previously released flight simulators:<br><br>1. Hellcat Ace<br>2. Mig Alley Ace<br>3. Air Rescue

[Topper]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/topper
Description=Poor Topper the Turtle. He just wants to liven up things by painting his tiles. But some tiles try to resist, there is dynamite trying to blow up tiles and rabbits trying to stop him (they haven't forgotten that race).<br><br>Topper is strongly influenced by, and a variation of, Q*bert. You control Topper by moving the joystick in diagonal directions to jump from tile to tile. You must land on each tile to change its color. But the tiles do not want to be painted so some will blink out, causing you to fall and lose a life if you are standing on them or were jumping to them. Every four levels, the difficulty increases. You will later encounter dynamite that will pop from tile to tile. If you land on a tile with dynamite, it will explode and you lose a life. Further along, you will also have one or more rabbits that, if they are on the same tile with you, will cause you to lose a life. After all lives are lost, the game is over. In a two player game, play alternates.

[Touchdown Football]
Publisher=Electronic Arts, Inc.
Developer=Imagic
Released=1986
Systems=Atari 7800|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/touchdown-football
Description=A very capable football simulation, given the year and technology.  Call the plays, then run them using the keyboard or joystick.  Digitized voices enhance the game, including the crowd, calling the numbers, and referee's calls.

[Track & Field]
Publisher=Atari Corporation
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Commodore 64|MSX|NES
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/track-field
Description=Track & Field is a sports game that allows the player to have an experience based around the Summer Olympic Games. It is based on an arcade game of the same name. Events include 100 meter dash, hammer throw, the long jump and the 110 meter hurdles.<br><br>The MSX version replaces the hurdles with a 400 meter dash.<br><br>The NES version adds skeet shooting, triple jump, javelin throw, high jump, and archery as events but loses the hammer throw event. The NES version also keeps the 110 meter hurdles and forgoes the 400 meter dash.<br><br>If you want to go to the next event or round then you will have to qualify, by beating increasingly difficult maximum times or minimum distances. This game contains a two player option, in which the players take it in turns.

[Trailblazer]
Publisher=Mindscape, Inc.
Developer=Mr Chip Software
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/trailblazer
Description=An imaginative action game in which you must guide a ball-shaped craft through a succession of levels. These have a patchwork-quilt type display, with holes to avoid, and squares of various colors, which affect the craft's speed, both within its power potential and into warp, as well as a control-reverser and lots of holes. You can jump these holes by pressing fire, although you have a limited number of these for each level, and adjust the speed by pulling the joystick forward or backwards.  You face a time limit on each of the 21 levels, although your time is boosted every time you complete one. A simultaneous 2-player mode is included, similar to the split-screen mode in the Lotus games (by the same authors).

[Trains]
Publisher=Spinnaker Software Corporation
Developer=Interactive Picture Systems Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/trains
Description=Trains is a top-down managerial game. In the age of steam powered trains, there are opportunities to make money on great railroads. It will be up to the player to take control of a train on a railroad and turn a profit. The player does this by moving the train to a loading station that will supply raw material, and stopping in front of it with the appropriate car and blowing the whistle to begin the loading process. This is then delivered to the stations of industries that need them, unloading taking place the exact same way. The faster goods are delivered, the more money is made, with extra profits available when an industry is in critical need of a supply. Meters of available industry supplies can be shown on the screen. The train itself can only be stopped and move forwards and backwards, following the path of the train track, left and right movement is used only at switches, where the track splits into two directions. Each action of train movement uses coal, multiplied by the weight of the goods being carried. Coal is resupplied at the coal yard, and is loaded into the coal car the same way as other goods, spending money in order to buy coal. If the player runs out of coal while driving the train, it will cost them twice as much to have the coal delivered to the train. Every 3 minutes, $200 is deducted from the player for payroll and any crashed train costs another $200 in penalties. Each level is a unique track design, and can take place across cities, deserts, mountains and plains. As industry supplies are managed, a track is gradually built at the edge of the screen which will lead to the next level.

[Transylvania]
Publisher=Polarware
Developer=Polarware
Released=1984
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|iPhone|Macintosh|PC-88
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/transylvania
Description=Transylvania is an adventure with optional graphics, and a VERB NOUN interface. Two weeks ago, Princess Sabrina suddenly vanished and remained unseen since. King John the Good asks any travellers to help in locating her - you volunteer. <br><br>As you begin your quest in the dark forests of Transylvania, beware of the evil that lurks. You will encounter strange creatures like a vampire and a goblin, and experience strange things. Most importantly, a werewolf is constantly chasing you, until you find the pistol and bullets necessary to kill it. Remember fellow traveller, take care...

[Trivial Pursuit]
Publisher=Domark Group Ltd.
Developer=Oxford Digital Enterprises Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Amiga CD32|Amstrad CPC|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|SEGA Master System|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/trivial-pursuit
Description=This is the earliest home computer incarnation of Horn Abbot International Ltd's classic board game, Trivial Pursuit. The game involves answering questions on one of six subject categories to gain moves, and answering questions on special squares to gain one of the six 'Wedges' you need to gain the right to take on the final winning question. Questions are aimed at British players - many entertainment questions are based on British TV, and sport questions relate to popular British sports.<br><br>Two game modes are available:- single player (which involves answering questions against the clock) and multiplayer (where you can take on up to five human-controlled players). The computer reveals the answer, and you select 'yes' or 'no' to tell it whether you got it right.<br><br>The question categories are exactly the same as the board game, however two different question styles are added to take advantage of computer technology - some questions relate to a picture or diagram and some relate to a piece of music. <br><br>One additional feature not available in the board game is a statistical analysis of the number and type of questions answered correctly. This can be split into the performances of all the players, or the performance of an individual player within the six categories. It is especially useful at the end of the game, when choosing which category a player must answer to win the game.

[Troll's Tale]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/trolls-tale
Description=An evil troll has hidden all of the treasures of Mark, The Dwarf King. There are 15 treasures hidden throughout the land that you need to help locate. If you locate a treasure, but the troll is on the screen at the time, you will need to come back and find a way to make him leave. Troll's Tale is an adventure game which requires minimal typing, using the spacebar to select from several possible actions which are listed on the screen and pressing enter to perform the selected action.

[Turmoil]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600|Commodore 64|MSX|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/turmoil
Description=Turmoil is a fast-paced shooter. You pilot a ship that is trapped within a chamber of seven tunnels.  Your ship can only move up and down along a vertical corridor connecting the tunnels.  You are not alone, however.  A variety of enemies travel along these tunnels, focused on destroying you.  Therefore, the ultimate objective of Turmoil is to zoom up and down the center alley and blast aliens as they streak by.  Keep shooting and keep moving, and you will survive to live another day!  As you move quickly up and down, you must also fire your own weapons into to the left or right side.  Part of the intensity of this game is driven by the fact that you can't stay in one place for too long.  If you do, an indestructible enemy will come flying at you, forcing to move onward once more.<br><br>The enemy ships you will encounter in each of the seven tunnels travel at a variety of unique speeds.  The faster a given enemy moves, the more points you will receive if you shoot them.  Occasionally when you destroy one of the enemy ships, a flashing orb will appear at the far end of the tunnel.  This is the one exception where you are not restricted to your vertical pathway.  In these situations you are allowed to move down the tunnel to recover it.  If you grab it quickly, it is worth bonus points.  If you hesitate, it hatches into a fast moving missile and will destroy you if you get in its way.<br> <br>When you start a game of Turmoil, you are given five ships.  If you can blast all of the aliens in a level, you'll receive a bonus ship.  In addition to your current ship, you can hold as many as six reserve ships at one time.  You will loose a ship if you make contact with any of the passing aliens.  There are nine levels to the game, each with multiple waves to complete, and each one faster and more challenging then the previous level.  This is considered by many to be one of 20th Century Fox's best games.

[Tutankham]
Publisher=Parker Brothers
Developer=Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|ColecoVision|Intellivision|Odyssey 2|TI-99/4A|VIC-20
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/tutankham
Description=Tutankham is an arcade action game played from a top down point of view. You are an explorer in King Tut's tomb on a mission to retrieve as many of the valuable treasures as you can find. In addition to the treasures, you will also find a key in each of the chambers. This is needed in order to unlock the entrance to the next, more difficult chamber. Be careful, for the tomb is guarded by many dangerous creatures! Cobras, bats, scorpions, and more all appear in the maze and will cause you to lose a life if you're caught! To defend yourself you are armed with a laser gun which you can fire left or right, but not up or down. In each of the mazes you are also give one "flash" which can be used to destroy all creatures currently on the screen.

[Type Attack]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64|VIC-20
Genre=Educational
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/type-attack
Description=A Space Invaders inspired typing game. Letters slowly descend from the sky, type them in order to destroy them. Any letter that is at the bottom of a column is a valid input; mistakenly inputting another drains energy. <br><br>There are 99 speeds (Anything above 80 requires a genetic mutation), and 39 lessons. These can include upper and lower case, symbols and special keys as options. Each lesson finishes with a sequence of words using the featured letters, to be input in as little time as possible, allowing for use of the delete key.<br><br>Score is based on WPM, letters destroyed, minus mistakes. There is a savable high score table plus you can save your game at any time. The package includes finger placement diagrams for all variants of the host platform.

[Ultima]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.4
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ultima
Description=Created by 2 teens in 1980 for the Apple ][ system and later ported and remade into many other platforms, some call this the Mother of the Role-Playing Genre. Combining an original 2D tile-based world map, a 3D vector-line dungeon system and an early space combat simulator, this game was revolutionary for its time.<br><br>The story:<br>Over 1,000 years ago, the wizard Mondain, intent on world domination, created an evil gem which made him invincible and immortal. Your quest in Ultima is to travel the lands in search of a time machine, go back in time to the days before Mondain created the gem, and then to destroy him. The land of Sosaria is depending upon you - you must not fail!

[Ultima II: Revenge of the Enchantress]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC-88|PC-98
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ultima-ii-revenge-of-the-enchantress
Description=The sequel to Ultima featured several improvements over the original, such as separate town and world maps, and the concept of traveling through time gates into different eras on Earth. Other than that the gameplay is pretty much the same as in Ultima I, with your single character roaming the land fighting monsters and looking for key items.<br><br>In the original Ultima a hero from a certain third rate blue planet orbiting an insignificant yellow sun came to the world of Sosaria and slew the evil wizard Mondain before he could fulfill his dreams of universal domination. Thus peace was brought to Sosaria, and the hero hailed as a champion of the people of all time. <br><br>Unfortunately, Mondain happened to have a young apprentice/lover named Minax who is understandably upset over his death. Using her considerable powers, Minax travels through time and space to the hero's homeworld of Earth and instigates a nuclear war, thus serving the dual purpose of working out her frustration as well as erasing the hero from history. Of course, as the hero, this works out rather badly for you, and so with the help of Lord British you must travel through time and somehow find Minax and prevent the events which culminate in the destruction of Earth.

[Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar]
Publisher=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Developer=ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|MSX|NES|PC-88|PC-98|SEGA Master System
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/ultima-iv-quest-of-the-avatar
Description=The fourth game in the now well-established Ultima series featured an improved game engine, with color graphics and better character interaction (you could now have actual conversations with NPCs). But what really makes Ultima IV shine is its radical departure from any other RPG made before or since in terms of the story and goal. <br><br>Instead of building up your character by any means possible in order to face the Ultimate Evil in a big bang up showdown, in Ultima IV you were trying to become the Avatar, a role model of sorts for the people of the land. This meant upholding the "eight virtues" and basically trying to become a better person. In most RPGs you chose to be a just/nice hero because the people you'd help would usually provide you with some nice equipment for your services, but in Ultima IV you helped people not for a reward or to advance the plot but simply because it was the "right thing to do". The game actually frowns on behavior that was typical of most other RPGs, such as backstabbing fleeing monsters or picking up everything that wasn't nailed down even if it didn't belong to you. The game keeps track of all your actions, so if you went about killing and looting like in most RPGs, you'd never finish the game.<br><br>This VERY different approach to the game's ultimate goal is what makes Ultima IV famous so many years later, and became the sort of design philosophy that made all the following Ultimas so unique in their genre. <br><br>Of course, the game still has plenty of traditional RPG elements such as dungeons to explore and hostile monsters to kill, as well as a typical final "Holy Grail" type quest where you had to find the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom to complete your transformation into Avatarhood.

[Universe]
Publisher=Omnitrend Software, Inc.
Developer=Omnitrend Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=4.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/universe_
Description=OVERVIEW<br><br>Omnitrend's Universe is an incredibly detailed and complex science fiction role-playing game strongly reminiscent of the original Traveller hard science fiction pen-and-paper role-playing game, the likes of which have not been seen since.  It is based in the same fictional universe as Omnitrend's well-regarded Rules of Engagement (1991-93) and Breach (1987-95) series, and was the basis for two sequels, Universe II (1987) and Universe 3 (1989).<br><br>Running in the same vein as games like Elite (1985), Starflight (1989) and SunDog: Frozen Legacy (1984) (as well as more modern ones like the X: Beyond the Frontier series (1999-2005)), its gameplay involves freelance space exploration, trading, space combat, planetary mining, and other economic activities.  However, where its similarly-themed contemporaries focused on graphical interfaces and, to varying degrees, action, Universe was sparing with graphics and left more to the imagination, instead focusing on deep gameplay, strategic elements, and sophisticated modeling.  Indeed, at least half of gameplay is conducted via textual menus.<br><br>THE STORYLINE<br><br>In Universe, you are a new independent starship captain in the Local Group, a cluster of stars colonized by Earth in the relatively near future.  Mankind has had the hyperdrive for almost four hundred years, but hyperdrives have ship size and range limitations that effectively prevented exploration and colonization beyond a 40-light-year radius.  However, in distant orbit around Tau Ceti, an exploration ship found an enormous alien artifact called the hyperspace booster, which allowed one-way travel at a distance of thousands, rather than tens, of light years.  The discovery of the hyperspace booster allowed a great Second Interstellar Expansion, and Axia, a star system specially noted in the hyperspace booster's starmaps, was colonized.  The Local Group is the cluster of stars surrounding Axia.<br><br>For over two hundred years, Axia has received regular packages from earth via the hyperspace booster, but the packages mysteriously ceased arriving four months ago.  The Local Group, considerably behind Earth technologically, is dependent upon the packages and has its own political and economic problems, so this is a grave problem.  Panic is spreading as rumors fly about what happened to earth.<br><br>Recently, Axian Central Educational Institute announced that there is evidence of a second hyperspace booster in the Local Group.  You, with your new ship and your enormous new debt, are one of those who hope to find the hyperspace booster and collect on the large reward for it.  However, operating a starship is expensive, and you will receive no funding.  Thus, you must make your own way however you see fit.<br><br>THE GAMEPLAY<br><br>When you begin the game, you must choose the terms of your 300,000-credit mortgage and select a starship hull from various models that differ in size, layout, visibility to other ships (and therefore the likelihood of receiving undesirable attention) and sturdiness.  Then, after a copious bit of disk-swapping, you proceed to drydock, where you can equip your ship and place all your ship's parts (hyperdrive, bridge, crew quarters, weapons, shuttles, cryogenic storage, et cetera) in its different sections (each of which has differing capacity and visibility -- this matters when a hostile starship hits you and the game must determine where you got hit and what got damaged).<br><br>From there, the Local Group is wide open.  Trading, passenger transport, ore mining, smuggling, contract cargo transport, and even piracy (or pirate-hunting) are all lucrative options, and gameplay for all of these is deep and has a Traveller-esque feeling to it.<br><br>As is oft-said, the game is complex.  Of course, there is the much-cited fact that you must plot your own orbits, calculating the minimum safe orbit (planetary diameter plus five percent) yourself to avoid wasting energy in long and inefficient transits to the planet's surface.  This is less difficult than it sounds in the game, but does take some thought.<br><br>Beyond that, a good example of Universe's gameplay is how planetary surface mining is handled.  To go into mining, you must first equip your ship with ore processors, and, if you want to mine low-tech populated planets, assault capsules.  You must also hire sufficient crew to run them all.  Then, you must find a planet rich in resources and go into a low orbit around it; start the computer's Resource and Amphib Assault software packages (which may necessitate turning off Hyper Navigation or Sub-C Navigation to make space); convert Ore IV to energy to charge up the assault capsules; and launch them.  When you have done this, an abstract isometric grid representing the landscape is displayed, with each assault capsule is shown with a vertical line extending from it to the landscape representing its altitude (see the screenshots).  Here, you give them orders as they go down to the planetary surface to secure the area, being careful to scan the landing surface repeatedly to ensure it will support the ore processors (the scanners aren't 100% accurate, and you don't want your landers to sink into a swamp, fall into a thermal vent or tip over on jagged landscape).  Combat is conducted abstractly, in a manner vaguely similar to a strategic board game.  If you win this fight and secure the landing sites, you then charge up, crew and launch the ore processors.  Once they land (assuming they landed safely), choose which type of ore each one mines, and then let 'em rip until they run low on energy or until they are too damaged to continue, at which time you launch them and they return to the ship with their valuable cargo.  If you've done well, you've got a substantial load of precious ore you can sell at the next starport.<br><br>Finally, Universe is noteworthy for its rich texture, which can be seen in the way the game designers handled trade commodities and the different brands of ship parts you can purchase.  You can buy and sell cargoes of such exotic goods as Ghan Eggs (very tasty, don't you know), KCLA Lambate, Instashelters, Replent 433-435, Arbist PECIL, and the exotic and mysterious Pupbapy.  Indeed, throughout the game, all items are named as they normally would be in a commercial context.  When you buy shipboard weaponry, you can choose from such items as the Franklin IV laser, the Sunstorm laser, or even a Giaparelli missile launcher.  When you upgrade your starship's hard drive (an irony given the game's frequent disk-swapping), you'll sell off your Skandis and purchase a Datar, which can run more operational software simultaneously and require less software swapping, which you must do manually (more irony).

[Upir]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1992
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=1.8
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/upir
Description=The eponymous Upiór (Ghoul) has invaded your castle along with his monstrous buddies. Your task is to search the labyrinthine castle for 20 gems, which will allow you to enter the ghoul's chamber and deliver some well-deserved punishment to him. <br><br>On your way, you'll face numerous monsters, some stationary, some moving. You have to defeat them by punching or kicking. The monsters have variable amounts of resistance to your blows, and variable strength with which they hit you. You've got to battle them carefully; approach them, punch and then move away before they retaliate. If hurt, you can heal yourself by picking up the chalices which can also be found in the castle. <br><br>Your health, the health of the current enemy and the amount of gems you've collected is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Note that falling from big heights will harm you too. You have only one life - if you run out of health, you instantly die and it's game over.

[Up 'n Down]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Action|Racing / Driving
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/up-n-down
Description=This is a home port of a 1983 Sega arcade game that was distributed by Bally Midway.<br><br>The object is to drive around a twisty course and collect all the colored flags. You can jump over gaps and over or onto other cars. If you land on another car, you kill them and collect points. You can also collect things like balloons and ice cream cones for bonus points. The faster you collect all the flags, the bigger a time bonus you get.<br><br>In later levels, there are dead-ends or gaps and a vehicle that is carrying a flag you need, so you will need to jump on him. If you are hit by another vehicle or go off the course, you lose a life. In two player games, play alternates.

[U.S.A.A.F. - United States Army Air Force]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/usaaf-united-states-army-air-force
Description=U.S.A.A.F. is a detailed day by day simulation of the daylight strategic bombing offensive against the Third Reich and Nazi Europe during WWII. The action is broken down into daily decisions and raids with results so specific that every single serviceable aircraft is accounted for at the beginning and end of every mission. You can play a full length campaign game starting on August 1, 1943 or 3 shorter 1 month campaigns. You can either play as the American Commander of the 8th Air Force in England and the 15th Air Force in Italy bombing primary and secondary targets of 12 different types spread over 91 cities. As the German Commander of the Luftwaffe on the defensive you direct your planes for interception. Victory in the game is determined by several factors including aircraft loss ratios but is mainly based on the Axis Industrial Damage Level (AIDL).There are 5 levels of play for up to 2 people.

[VC]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|DOS|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/vc
Description=VC (Viet Cong) is a distinctive simulation which puts the player in a position to manage both military pacification forces and the public civilian political climate.  Your task is to manage a Province with ARV (Army of the Republic of South Vietnam) forces along with U.S. Air Calvary and U.S. Field Artillery Battalions.  The NVA (North Vietnamese Army) and VC controlled by the computer will make this guerilla/terrorist warfare difficult and try to turn the civilian population against you.  Your goal will be to destroy all enemy forces while preventing half of the civilians you are here to protect from joining forces with the NVA and VC.  This must be accomplished in turn based fashion of one week per turn.

[Video Chess]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=3.6
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/video-chess
Description=This is an early home chess game. The standard U. S. chess rules are used in this game. To move a piece, place the X on the board onto the piece to be moved then press the red button. Next, move the X to where you want the piece to go and press the button again. If the move is illegal, the 2600 will give a warning sound and not make the move.<br><br>To castle your king, the king and rook must not have been moved. You move your king two squares in the direction of the rook to castle with. The 2600 will then automatically move your rook around your king, completing the move. You cannot castle out of check and you cannot castle to the king's side if any squares between the king and rook are threatened.<br><br>Another maneuver is called en passant. This move is used to counteract the enemy pawn's initial double move on a adjacent square.  To carry out the en passant, you must advance your<br>pawn to the fifth rank.  Your opponent then has the option of moving<br>his or her pawn one square (where it would be under attack) or two<br>squares.  If you opponent elects to move two squares, the en passant move allows you to take that pawn by diagonally moving your pawn to the square that was skipped over.<br><br>Skill levels<br>These determine how long the computer will think on its move. These times are approximate and may vary slightly, depending on what move you did.<br>Level 1=15 seconds<br>Level 2=30 seconds<br>Level 3=45 seconds<br>Level 4=2 minutes, 45 seconds<br>Level 5=3 minutes, 15 seconds<br>Level 6=12 minutes<br>Level 7=10 hours<br>Level 8=10 seconds<br><br>Level 8 is a beginner level.

[Video Easel]
Publisher=Atari, Inc.
Developer=Atari, Inc.
Released=1979
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/video-easel
Description=Video Easel is an early drawing game that allows the player to create a basic design. The computer AI then expands on this and continually creates ever evolving graphics much like a screen saver might look like. It will continue forever, or until you reset to create a new image for the computer to run away with.

[Voodoo Castle]
Publisher=Adventure International
Developer=Adventure International
Released=1984
Systems=Browser|Commodore 64|PC-88|TI-99/4A|TRS-80|VIC-20|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/voodoo-castle
Description=The Count of Monte Cristo was eventually consumed entirely by his drive for revenge.  Count Cristo, on the other hand, is merely the victim of a Voodoo curse an enemy hexed him with... an external plague more possible to reverse.  Starting the game standing over his coffin, you wander the length and breadth of his castle in pursuit of a recipe and the verbal and material components needed to cast an antidote to counter his occult menace.  It contains good-luck charms, the sorts of mad scientist chemical concoctions that might well yield a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation, a flighty medium and her crystal ball, and no small quantity of juju, useful for all sorts of voodoo applications.  All that and a chimneysweep trapped in the flue!  The player will navigate all these and more with the trademark Adventure International VERB NOUN two-word text parser.

[Voyager]
Publisher=Avalon Hill
Developer=Microcomputer Games, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore PET/CBM|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/voyager
Description=Voyager is a solitaire computer game  that challenges  the player to explore the 4 levels of an alien spacecraft's maze like corridors and rooms in 3-D simulated graphics all the while evading robots programmed to blast any intruders. To win the player must destroy all power generators and escape or hunt down and annihilate the killer robots.

[Wargame Construction Set]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Amiga|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation|Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wargame-construction-set
Description=WCS lets you design and play turn-based strategic battles. You can create scenarios in many different time periods including modern day, ancient times, 1800's, and in the future. You have complete control over all the units, and can customize their firepower, movement points, strength, aggressiveness, etc.<br><br>Supports 1 or 2 players. Comes with 8 pre-made scenarios.

[WarGames]
Publisher=Coleco
Developer=Coleco
Released=1984
Systems=ColecoVision|Commodore 64
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wargames-
Description=Greetings, Professor Falken. Shall we play a game?<br><br>This strategic game is based on the popular 1983 movie of the same name, starring Matthew Broderick. It might remind people of Missile Command but the action is slower and spread over six screens which represent different areas of the U.S.A. Enemy missiles, planes, and subs will attack and you must direct your own forces, which include missiles, planes, subs, and satellites, to intercept them. Each type of defense has strengths and weaknesses (missiles are fast but limited in range, planes are slower but have unlimited range). Satellites are a better all-around defense but are only available every so often. Some weapons aren't available in certain areas, and some enemies are resistant to certain weapons, so you must alter your strategy accordingly. <br><br>As your bases and cities are struck, a DefCon indicator for each area will count down and when the overall DefCon reaches 1 for a minute or when all cities and bases are destroyed, a counterstrike is launched and the game is over. The game is won by preventing a counterstrike long enough for a cease-fire to be reached. There's eight different difficulty levels to progress through as you get the hang of it. A two-player mode on the Colecovision lets one player to use the Roller Controller to guide and fire weapons, while the second player inputs keypad commands.

[Warrior of Ras: Volume I - Dunzhin]
Publisher=Screenplay
Developer=Intelligent Statements, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/warrior-of-ras-volume-i-dunzhin
Description=Dunzhin is a simple rpg adventure game that is similar to Rogue. Your goal is to enter a dangerous, multi level dungeon and return with a valuable treasure. The game uses simple keyboard commands to move about and interact with the environment. As you explore the maze like dungeon, you will come across various enemies which you can attempt to fight, bribe, hide from or even run away. Different creatures have different weaknesses, so to improve your chance of success you should note the best approach to dealing with a particular enemy. You begin the game with a limited number of hit points, and if you lose them all the game will be over. In addition to the main treasure you are after, you may also discover some additional bonus treasures hidden in various rooms or by bribing creatures. Good luck on your quest!

[Warriors of Ras]
Publisher=All American Adventures
Developer=Screenplay
Released=1986
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Adventure|Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/warriors-of-ras
Description=This compilation combines the first two volumes in the Warriors of Ras series into one package:<br><br>1. Warrior of Ras: Volume I - Dunzhin<br>2. Warriors of Ras Volume II: Kaiv

[Warriors of Ras Volume II: Kaiv]
Publisher=Screenplay
Developer=Intelligent Statements, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=3.2
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/warriors-of-ras-volume-ii-kaiv
Description=This is the sequel to the first part of the Warriors of Ras series, Dunzhin. All games in this series are early graphical Roguelikes. The story is quite simple: Enter the mystical monster-infested dungeon Kaiv, slay monsters and grab treasures. <br><br>You explore the dungeon in a turn-based manner by entering commands in text adventure, like "MOVE NORTH" or "LIGHT TORCH". The commands may be abbreviated by one or two letters. You can also move several squares at once (like "MOVE EAST 3") to speed up your quest. Another very helpful command is "SPEED", which makes the game's messages go by faster. Your progress is hindered by traps (acid pools, slimey floors etc., some of which you can escape by quickly pressing a key), thieves who rob you, random teleports and, of course, by a variety of 24 different monsters, ranging from simple Zombies, Wolves or Dwarves up to Wyverns and Vampires.<br><br>The combat system makes the Warriors of Ras series stand out from other roguelikes: Apart from your total hit points, you and the monsters also have hit points and armor for each body party separately. If the hit points of one body part reach zero, you're dead. Each attack must be directed to one of the body parts, some of which are easier to hit than others. You may also "AIM" a hit (which costs some time, but makes the attack more likely to hit) or "FORCE" an attack (this makes it more difficult to hit, but increases the damage). This and the body parts result in a quite tactical combat -- you have to guess or find out the weak parts of your opponent and choose the right way of attacking.<br><br>Kaiv extends the originally quite simple game of Dunzhin by adding a shop at the dungeon entrance where you can equip yourself. You now also have a bigger variety of items like torches, crosses (against Vampires) and mirrors (against Gorgons), and you can also find magical items: several rings, wands or potions that improve your magical or physical protection or increase you fighting skills. You also need to take enough food and drink with you to prevent dying from hunger or thirst.<br><br>The difficulty level of the game is quite high with new characters -- you often die just by being hit once by a low-level monster or by stepping into some trap. The game is generous in allowing you to save your progress at any time.

[Warship]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Strategy
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/warship
Description=Tactical wargame of naval engagements in the WW2 Pacific theatre. There are four historical battles to choose from, plus a custom scenario builder to make 'what-if' scenarios. Both, IJN and USN forces, can be controlled by humans. The game-engine is much the same as the one used in SSI's Battle Cruiser, which wasn't released for IBM PCs.

[Wavy Navy]
Publisher=Sirius Software, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wavy-navy
Description=Battle 30-foot waves, enemy fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters while dodging mines in this Galaxian clone that has a few novel twists. Your P.T. Boat can be moved left or right and can fire missiles to bring down enemy aircraft, but it also moves up and down, staying on the surface of the huge, slow-moving waves.

[Waxworks]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Browser|ZX Spectrum
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/waxworks_
Description=Number 11 and final entry in the Mysterious Adventures series. You've spent a fun day at the local fair.  Now you decide to head over to the waxworks for some fun.  But you are tired.  You lie down for a snooze...<br><br>It turns out you are trapped in the Waxworks.  Is it all a dream though?   Around this time, the game engine was redone to allow complete sentences instead of the more primitive 2-word Scott Adams parser that had been used previously although early versions of the game may have still used the cruder parser.

[Wayout]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1982
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wayout
Description=Wayout is an early use of first-person 3D perspective, featuring a small gameplay window but smooth 360-degree movement. You are trapped inside one of 26 mazes (composed of 90-degree direction changes) and must find the exit. The game records how many movement units you use up, and saves the best scores to disk. Up to nine in-progress games can also be saved.<br><br>You have a compass and a map-making kit, enabling the game to automatically map the areas you explore. These can be stolen by the Cleptangle beast, but you can chase him to get them back. <br><br>You can't push against the wind without finding a special way of overcoming it. Fireflies automatically move with the wind, and can serve as a clue to its direction.

[Western U.S. Scenery Set]
Publisher=subLOGIC
Developer=subLOGIC
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Simulation
Perspective=1st-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/western-us-scenery-set
Description=Western U.S. Scenery Set is a compilation of scenery add-ons for subLOGIC Flight Simulator II, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 and 2.x. It contains the Scenery Disk 1 through 6, which allows the pilot to fly in the following aeronautical sectionals:<br>Scenery Disk 1: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Brownsville<br>Scenery Disk 2: Phoenix, Albuquerque, El Paso<br>Scenery Disk 3: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas<br>Scenery Disk 4: Klamath Falls, Seattle, Great Falls<br>Scenery Disk 5: Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Denver<br>Scenery Disk 6: Omaha, Wichita, Kansas City<br><br>Scenery Disks such as in this set allow the pilot to experience an enhancement of the flying environment through added airports, landmarks, visual details and navaids. They are derived using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sectional Aeronautical Charts and Airport/Facility Directories. Scenery Disks can also be used with subLOGIC UFO, Jet Simulator and Stealth Mission. <br><br>There are six other Scenery Disks that cover the Eastern U.S., and two additional Scenery Disks cover Western Europe and Japan, and one special Scenery Disk: Hawaiian Odyssey Scenery Adventure. Also there are Star Scenery Disks that cover a specific area in great detail such as San Francisco.

[Whistler's Brother]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/whistlers-brother
Description=The story began years ago on the campus of a large university. You were a first-year student who spent more time learning how to sufi dance with a local whirling dirvish than studying. Your brother, while always a bit more clumsy and scatter-brained than you, somehow managed to graduate with a doctorate and was immediately offered a research position in the archeology department.<br><br>Trouble began when your brother returned from a year-long research expedition in the rain forests of South America. Not only did he return without any of the tools he'd borrowed from the university, but he had no notes documenting how he had spent his year. Out of concern for your brother's future and intrigued by his repeated mumbling about priceless ancient artifacts, you decide to retrace his steps.<br><br>You earn points in the game a number of different ways: retrieving artifacts and tools, protecting yourself or your brother, and completing levels. The joystick button lets you whistle or whirl. Whistling will keep your brother safely at your side. Whirling will make you impervious to any dangers in your path. You can't whirl until you have recovered the two tools from the current level.<br><br>Play the game by maneuvering through all 16 levels, collecting artifacts and the tools. Make sure to keep your brother nearby or he may stumble into trouble. If you or he gets into trouble, you loose a life. Once you've collected the two tools use whirling to blaze past any obstacles.

[Who Dares Wins II]
Publisher=Tynesoft Computer Software
Developer=Alligata Software Ltd.
Released=1987
Systems=Amstrad CPC|BBC Micro|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/who-dares-wins-ii
Description=Eight invaded townships must be brought back under your control in this Commando-style shoot 'em up, which progresses vertically using a flick-screen system. You are armed with a rifle (activated by a short tap of the fire button) and five grenades (used via a longer press), and must not only kill off the enemy forces, but also rescue your comrades who have been tied to trees along the way. You begin at the bottom of the first screen and slowly make your way upwards; enemies pop up from all sides, walking around and shooting, and you have to dodge their shots while trying to shoot them yourself. The foes make good use of the decoy opportunities of the terrain, and you must do the same to have a chance. The levels include rivers with narrow bridges, potholes, and train-lines.<br><br>Extra supplies are dropped in as you progress through the game, as are extra lives in addition to your starting 5.

[Will Harvey's Music Construction Set]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Apple IIgs|Atari ST|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/will-harveys-music-construction-set
Description=Compose and play a musical score using an easy graphical interface and toolkit.  Use a pointer to drag notes, sharps, and other music nomenclature directly onto a staff, then play your creation.  You can cut, copy, and paste entire sections of music, as well as print your masterpiece.

[Winter Challenge: World Class Competition]
Publisher=Tynesoft Computer Software
Developer=Tynesoft Computer Software
Released=1988
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Sports
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/winter-challenge-world-class-competition
Description=This is a winter sports game that lets you compete in five Olympic events:  Downhill skiing, Biathlon, Slalom, Ski Jump and Bob Sled. It is very similar to offerings like Winter Games from Epyx.<br><br>In Downhill skiing, you must avoid the obstacles and make it to the bottom of the hill, by swerving left and right and adjusting your speed by pushing the joystick forward and back. The Slalom is similar, involving skiing around flags.<br><br>In the ski jump, you must position the skis for a proper landing. In the bobsled event, you must carefully control the angles so your bobsled doesn't flip.  The Biathlon event combines skiing to shooting ranges and shooting the targets archery-style.

[Wishbringer]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wishbringer
Description=(From the Infocom Home Page site)<br><br>In Wishbringer, you're a postal clerk in a small seaside village called Festeron. You deliver a strange envelope to a magic shop, and discover that an old woman's black cat has been kidnapped by "the Evil One." The old woman asks for your help, and when you leave the magic shop, you find yourself trapped in a nightmare world. Your once-quit town is now full of goons, trolls, vultures, fortress-like towers, and assorted wickedness. You become entangled in the struggle between Good and Evil; extraordinary help is found only in unusual places. Everyone seeks to possess a magic stone of dreams known as Wishbringer; but only you can find it and use its powers to make your town safe again. And you only have a few hours! <br><br>Difficulty Level: Introductory<br><br>Original C=64 Grey Box Contents:<br>Booklet - Local History Series No. 4 - The Legend of Wishbringer, Wishbringer Glow-In-The-Dark Stone, Primary Postal Grid (Map) Postal Zones of Festeron, Antharia & Vicinity, Letter from The Evil One to the proprietor of Ye Olde Magick Shoppe demanding the return of the stone.

[The Witness]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|PC Booter|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/witness
Description=In The Witness, you are a police detective working near Los Angeles. The year is 1938, and on this stormy February night a wealthy but frightened man has asked you for protection. In spite of your best efforts, a death will occur, and you will have twelve hours to solve the mystery and try to arrest the killer. If you think you have enough evidence against one or more suspects to convince a jury of their guilt, you can arrest them and conclude the case.

[Wizard of Id's WizType]
Publisher=Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Developer=Sydney Development Corp.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64
Genre=Action|Educational
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wizard-of-ids-wiztype
Description=The Wizard of Id's WizType is an edutainment title based on the comic strip created by artist Brant Parker and writer Johnny Hart. The title is designed to give keyboard novices lessons on how to improve their typing accuracy and speed.<br><br>The game is broken into two sections: The first section pits players as the Wiz, matching wits against the Evil Spirit, an apparition that lives in the Wizard's vat. The Wizard must quickly type out the words that the Evil Spirit gives him in order to diminish the Spirit and win the round.  Failure to spell words properly, or taking too long to spell results in the Evil Spirit morphing into a dragon, and singing the Wizard to a crisp.<br><br>The second part of the game has the player trying to keep up with Bung the Jester.  In this segment, players must type out a pre-written paragraph in order to keep pace with Bung, who is hopping along the words on a pogo stick.<br><br>WizType has multiple skill levels to match different levels of typing ability, and increases in challenge as players progress through their lessons.

[Wizard of Wor]
Publisher=Roklan Corporation
Developer=Bally Midway Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Atari 2600|Atari 5200|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wizard-of-wor
Description=Wizard of Wor is an arcade shooter played from a top-down point of view.<br><br>The player controls a warrior who is trapped in a dungeon. The goal is to earn as many points as possible by shooting the numerous enemy creatures which wander about the maze like corridors. The creatures wander about at various speeds, may shoot darts at the player, and some even have the ability to disappear temporarily. At the bottom of the screen the player has a radar which can be used to locate creatures that are invisible.<br><br>When the the player completes a maze, a Worluk sometimes appears. This creature moves rapidly and will only be on the screen momentarily. If the player destroys the creature before it escapes, the next dungeon will become a double score dungeon and all creatures will be worth twice as many points. Occasionally the Wizard of Wor himself may appear! He moves quickly and can teleport around the maze. If they destroy him, the player will earn a large amount of points.<br><br>The game may be played by one player or two players simultaneously.

[Wizard's Crown]
Publisher=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Developer=Strategic Simulations, Inc.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS
Genre=Role-Playing (RPG)
Perspective=Top-Down
Score=4.3
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/wizards-crown
Description=Perilous quest for a priceless crown! Create a band of adventurers and cover the land for the stolen crown of the Emperor.<br><br>Tactical combat, top down role playing fun in the very classic SSI mould.<br><br>Your party of 8 characters must travel the scrolling landscape, combing towns, villages, mazes of streets and descend into dungeons.

[Word Spinner]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/word-spinner
Description=Word Spinner is an educational game about pattern recognition and English language skills. The game features a "game show" feel to it, as the word spinner itself resembles a simple Wheel of Fortune and "prizes" are won during the course of the game. The goal is to form new words from the "clue" given. This clue can be blank spaces (e.g. form a three letter word) or include already assigned letters (e.g. form a three letter word, that starts with "t"). The goal is find 6 different words for each level, which will fill up the "word spinner", which represents a simple spinning wheel. Points are assigned for successful words, and every 300 points, the player is allowed to go to the prize spinner to select their winnings. Difficulty can be assigned between three and four letter words, and with different letters already embedded inside the word for the player to work with. Players are given the option of printing out the words they have found on the Word Spinner.

[World Cup Manager]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1987
Systems=
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/world-cup-manager
Description=World Cup Manager recreates the role of a manager in the 1986 football World Cup - by default the 24 teams have the same names as the real-life qualifiers. The competition format is the same - there are two group stages, whittling the teams down to 12 in the second round, then a knock-out semi final and final. Matches are played out via a running commentary.<br><br>Your team is pre-selected and there are no substitutions; the player's main impact is tactical. You must choose one of the three formations provided, and have three options for each aspect of match play. Should you defend using a sweeper system? Should you play corners to the near post? Should you make fast attacking breaks? Before the tournament starts, you choose four teams to scout, gaining crucial information on their tactics.

[World Karate Championship]
Publisher=Epyx, Inc.
Developer=System 3 Software, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|PC Booter
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/world-karate-championship
Description=World Karate Championship is pretty much the same as International Karate (Editor's note:  International Karate never came out for the PC), with the exception that in WKC you're given the choice to compete in either Australia or Egypt. But the looks, the moves and everything else is identical. <br><br>The objective of WKC is to get the highest possible dan (karate grade, determined by belt colour) and become the world champion. And of course, to get the highest score. <br>In between all the fighting, there are action-sequences where you have to deflect bouncing balls etc, which gives you extra points.

[The Worm in Paradise]
Publisher=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Developer=Level 9 Computing, Ltd.
Released=1986
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Adventure
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/worm-in-paradise
Description=Eden has been successfully colonised, by creating several domed cities. Society is rigidly functioning, unemployment, crime and poverty all non-existent. The economy functions on fines rather than taxes, making for a plethora of petty rules and no penal punishment. Robot employees make everything run cheaply. Body part reselling allows hospitals to turn a profit. Robots can even control human reproduction. The end result is a society in which humans have no useful role. Who would live in a 'paradise' like this?<br><br>The Worm In Paradise is the culmination of the Silicon Dreams series of interactive fiction. The game relies on strict timing and a day/night cycle (using a decimal clock with 10 100-minute hours)  return to your home before darkness falls, and don't expect robots to help with tasks which will not be finished in the day. Vital buildings can be located using colour-coded co-ordinates, but these change every time you load the game, so be careful to write them down.

[Worm War I]
Publisher=Fox Video Games, Inc.
Developer=Sirius Software, Inc.
Released=1982
Systems=Atari 2600
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/worm-war-i
Description=NEWS FLASH: GIANT WORMS ATTACK THE CITY OF TERIYAKI!<br><br>You command a tank at the bottom of the screen. You can move left or right but you are always moving forward. You can control the forward speed by pushing up or down on the joystick.<br><br>As worms move back and forth you must shoot them so they don't touch your tank. Also shoot any blocks in you path. Try not to shoot fuel pagodas. Touch them to refuel. You can go to the far left or right of the screen and not get touched by a worm but you can't shoot them when you are there either.<br><br>In the two player games, you have selections on co-operative or competitive. In co-op, you have the same points and fuel tank. When one tank refuels, it refuels both. In competitive, you each have a score and fuel tank. You compete to get enemies and fuel.

[Yoomp!]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=Aug, 2007
Systems=
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=5.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/yoomp
Description=Yoomp! is the winner of the 2007 ABBUC software competition. <br>Like a combination of Trailblazer and an often-seen demoscene effect, you fall down a tube, landing on each square progressively in a rhythmic manner. Landing on certain tiles will have certain effects, such as making the screen quake, decreasing the brightness or forcing you to jump. Navigating the tube itself is a matter of planning ahead and compensating for your limited movement capabilities.<br>This game is freeware and can be downloaded on the Yoomp website.

[Zaxxon]
Publisher=SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Developer=SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Released=1984
Systems=Apple II|Atari 2600|Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|Intellivision|MSX|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo|Wii|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=4.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zaxxon
Description=The Zaxxon defence system must be destroyed in this isometric-viewed shoot 'em up which was originally hugely successful in the arcades. The game has 3 stages, first taking you through Asteroid City, which is heavily protected by aircraft, guns and missiles. Many barriers are alarmed, leaving you with limited space to progress through, and fire must constantly be dodged.<br><br>Stage two is a space shoot out against hordes of enemy aircraft - those you failed to destroy in the first part of the task. Complete this and you reach the final battle with Zaxxon, with the game looping with increased difficulty if you can survive the first time. There are 3 distinct skill levels, while controls involve using forward to dive and back to climb, in the manner of flight simulation.

[Zenji]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 5200|ColecoVision|Commodore 64|MSX|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zenji
Description=Zenji is an action/strategy game where you control a rolling face throughout a maze. Each section of the maze can be rotated by the face. The goal is to turn the entire maze green by connecting each section of the maze to the source at the center of the screen. After all sections of the maze have been connected, you can move on to the next, more challenging level. In addition to having a time limit to complete your task, you need to avoid the flames and sparks which wander about the maze. From time to time a number will appear in a maze section and count down from 9 to 0. If you touch the number before it disappears, bonus points are earned. As the levels progress, the mazes become larger, trickier and more flames will appear.

[Zeppelin]
Publisher=Synapse Software Corporation
Developer=Synapse Software Corporation
Released=1983
Systems=Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zeppelin
Description=After escaping the Timelords you begin a fight for survival on the cave world of Zarkifir. This is where the Timelords have established their base from which they intend to dominate this planetary system. You must navigate the caves and undermine their forces!<br><br>You control a Zeppelin traveling through a cave system. Your goal is to survive the cave defenses, acquire a TNT bomb and unlock access to the chamber where you can detonate the bomb. Your Zeppelin is capable of firing in all directions around you.<br><br>You have limited ability to control how you progress through the caves as the screen constantly scrolls with directions shifting according to the cave layout.<br><br>The caves have many defenses from laser walls to falling rocks. Most of these can be disabled by shooting switches on the cave walls.<br><br>In order to access the room where the bomb can be detonated you have find a hamburger and use it to bribe the hamburger creature that blocks the entrance.<br><br>Two player mode has one player controlling the Zeppelin movement while the second player controls the guns.

[Zombies]
Publisher=BRAM Inc.
Developer=BRAM Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Apple II|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Adventure
Perspective=Isometric
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zombies_
Description=A platform game, where you have to fight zombies, snakes, spiders and an array of other creatures in order to survive.<br><br>The real catch in this one is that the dungeons you must go through make use of visual effects, similar to those in M.C. Escher's work, to create physically impossible scenarios, hence the name, that make for some intriguing puzzles aside from the fighting.<br><br>The game features a total of 13 dungeons with 129 different rooms, and even let's you jump in the game in cooperative mode with another player.

[Zone Ranger]
Publisher=Activision, Inc.
Developer=Activision, Inc.
Released=1984
Systems=Atari 5200|Commodore 64
Genre=Action
Perspective=3rd-Person Perspective
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zone-ranger
Description=Zone Ranger is an arcade action game somewhat similar to Asteroids. You are the pilot of a spaceship in a deadly region of space. Large killer rocks, rogue satellites, boomerangs, and more all fill this region of space. Using your ships lasers you need to destroy as many of these as you can to earn points. Each level also contains some warp holes; enter one of these and you will be transported to a new location, which could be useful if you get in trouble. You will also occasionally come across some sonic sparklers; touch one of these, and you will temporarily become invincible. Another oddity you may come across is a super portal, which will transport you to the inner sanctum where bonus dots can be found. Lastly, on level one only a warp to the seventh dimension can be found. Lots of points can be earned there, but it's quite difficult so if you take this warp you probably won't last long!

[Zork III: The Dungeon Master]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=2.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zork-iii-the-dungeon-master
Description=In the third game of the famous adventure game series  Zork, you are once again a nameless adventurer, only this time you won't travel through a beautiful magical land, but are immediately cast into a deep dungeon. Like in a dream, you hear a mysterious voice telling you that you have passed all the tests but one. When conscience returns to you, you find yourself on the endless spiral of stairs, with only your trusty lantern near you... will you be able to survive the horrors of the Dungeon?<br><br>Like its predecessors, "Zork III: The Dungeon Master" is a text adventure game. You read descriptions of rooms and then interact with the game by typing commands. As all early Zork games, it is very easy to get stuck in the game, so you'll have to reload several times in order to find the correct way.

[Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=0.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zork-ii-the-wizard-of-frobozz
Description=Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz is a text adventure, a sequel to the classic first Zork. Once again, the game is set in the Great Underground Empire, but this time the main goal is to face off against the titular Wizard. <br><br>Like its predecessor, Zork II plays like any other text adventure: there are no graphics - only text - and the player types commands such as "lift cage" or "examine robot".

[Zork: The Great Underground Empire]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1983
Systems=Amiga|Amstrad CPC|Apple II|Atari ST|Browser|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh|MSX|PC-98|PC Booter|TRS-80|TRS-80 CoCo
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=1.5
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zork-the-great-underground-empire
Description=Zork: The Great Underground Empire is a classic text adventure game.  The player begins as an "adventurer" standing near a white house in a nice forest, but soon descends into the Great Underground Empire, where most of the game takes place. The player's quest is to collect the Nineteen Treasures of Zork. <br><br>As was typical for adventure games of its era, Zork does not use graphics. Instead, it communicates with the player via text, and the player interacts with the game by typing commands, such as "examine mailbox" or "take torch". For movement, the player types in geographical directions (such as "north" or "east" - or just "n" and "e"), and can check what items are being carried with the "inventory" command (or just "i"). <br><br>Zork was ported over from mainframes in the late 1970s. It is one of the first "text adventures" and is widely considered to be one of the great classics of the genre which reached the peak of its popularity in the '80s.

[Zork Trilogy]
Publisher=Infocom, Inc.
Developer=Infocom, Inc.
Released=1987
Systems=Amiga|Apple II|Atari ST|Commodore 64|DOS|Macintosh
Genre=
Perspective=
Score=0.0
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zork-trilogy
Description=The Zork Trilogy is a compilation of all three of Infocom's original Zork games - Zork I, Zork II and Zork III -- and including the famous and ultimate feelie: the "Zorkmid Coin". This pioneering IF work was originally called Dungeon; it was too large for most computers at the time, and was broken into three sections, which became the original Zork Trilogy.<br><br>The Original Zork Trilogy<br><br>Zork I: The Great Underground Empire<br>This is the first game in the trilogy that started it all, in which you are introduced to the Land of Quendor, also known as the Great Underground Empire. Your only starting equipment is an Elven sword, and an old brass lantern. You must battle the Thief and the Troll, and outwit the Cyclops, as well as sail the mighty Aragain River, and go Over The Rainbow. You must fetch each of the twenty treasures of Zork, return them to the Trophy Case, and then find the entrance to Zork II.<br><br>Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz<br>Here you meet the Wizard of Frobozz, a senile mage who can only cast spells beginning with the letter "F".  These include "Freeze", "Fatigue", and "Fudge." (The last one turns things into... fudge.)  Also found here is the infamous Carousel Room, the unicorn, and the dragon. Your mission is to get all three orbs and free the demon, so you can get the wand from the wizard and move on to Zork III.<br><br>Zork III: The Dungeon Master<br>Zork III ties up the loose ends left by the first two Zorks. Here, you find out your purpose for being in Quendor. Also, you finally find the spot where you must utter the words "Hello Sailor", a phrase that has become a running gag in the series.

[Zorro]
Publisher=Datasoft, Inc.
Developer=Datasoft, Inc.
Released=1985
Systems=Amstrad CPC|Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action|Strategy
Perspective=Platform
Score=...
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zorro_
Description=All the ingredients from the Zorro story feature in this action game - a kidnapped senorita, an evil enemy leader (Colonel Garcia) and his henchmen and of course the obligatory swordfight!<br><br>This computer version of Zorro is a strange beast, he can leap across buildings, fall 50 feet and land like a feather, with neither a scratch to his head or a crease in his cape. He can also perform masterful tricks, such as balancing a large plant pot on his head, while simultaneously climbing up a ladder.<br><br>Zorro has similar platform gameplay to the same company's Bruce Lee game, but with a slower pace and more puzzle elements. There are 20 different screens in the game, with The Ole Hotel screen being used continually throughout the game. The player must overcome various puzzles, including the branding of a bull and catapulting into the air via a conveniently left spring board and a dazed Garcia guard!

[Zybex]
Publisher=
Developer=
Released=1988
Systems=Commodore 64|ZX Spectrum
Genre=Action
Perspective=Side-Scrolling
Score=4.1
Controls=
Players=
Rating=
Url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/atari-8-bit/zybex
Description=Zybex is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up inspired by Side Arms and Nemesis/Gradius. The players took control of prisoners trying to win freedom from a galactic prison. At the end of each level they earned a crystal, opening access to the later levels of the game.<br><br>There are 16 levels in total, with numbers 2-12 immediately available after completing the first - the player can go through them in any order. However, levels 13-16 are locked until the player earns enough crystals.<br><br>The weapon system is quite unique - the player constantly fires, and the fire button is simply used to change the current weapon. The basic weapon is the Orbiter, which the player always has. Picking up weapon icons increases the power of a weapon by 1 up to the maximum of power level 4. Dying reduces the current weapon by 1 power level, or loses it if the weapon is power 1 (with the exception of the Orbiter). As the weapons get more power, their fire rate becomes faster and the bullets stronger. The five weapons are Orbiter, 8-way (upgrades from 2 to 4 to 6 to 8 way fire), Railgun (powerful single bullet which gets longer) Pulse (fires straight forward and gains diagonal fire at power 3/4) and Wall (another forward fire, which gains size).

