King Kong (Atari 2600)

King Kong
Publisher(s)Tigervision
Programmer(s)Karl T. Olinger[1]
Platform(s)Atari 2600
Release1982
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)1-2 players alternating

King Kong is a platform game programmed by Karl T. Olinger for the Atari 2600 and published by Tigervision in 1982.[1] Based on the licensed King Kong character,[2] the game is a clone of the first screen of Donkey Kong.[3] It was Tigervision's first cartridge release.[3] Tiger Electronic Toys produced a handheld version, licensed to Tandy, the same year.[4]

Gameplay

The objective is to rescue the girl by climbing ladders to the top of the screen while jumping over holes and autonomous bombs.[2] Magic bombs are worth five times the points of regular bombs when jumped over. As in Donkey Kong, each level has a bonus that counts down. If it reaches zero, a life is lost.

There are settings for 1 or 2 players alternating turns, slow or fast bombs, and whether magic bombs exist.[2]

Reception

Ed Driscoll reviewed King Kong in The Space Gamer No. 58.[5] Driscoll commented that "overall, it's a fun-to-play game, with some good graphics. Not bad for a first cartridge!"[5]

Electronic Games said that the game "presents a crude imitation of Donkey Kong's first scenario and replaces the barrels and flame creatures with what look like old-fashioned toilets, some of which have lit fuses".[3] In a 4 out of 10 review, Arcade Express considered King Kong "a poor rendition of the giant ape" and said that it was somewhat easier to play than other climbing games.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
  2. ^ a b c "King Kong Manual" (PDF). Tiger Electronic Toys. 1982.
  3. ^ a b c "The Player's Guide to Climbing Games". Electronic Games. 1 (11): 53. January 1983.
  4. ^ "King Kong Handheld". Mini Arcade.
  5. ^ a b Driscoll, Ed (December 1982). "Capsule Reviews". The Space Gamer (58). Steve Jackson Games: 48.
  6. ^ "The Hotseat: Reviews of New Products". Arcade Express. 1 (6). October 24, 1982.