Montezuma's Revenge (video game)

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Screenshot of Colecovision version of Montezuma's Revenge

Montezuma's Revenge is a videogame for the Atari, Apple II, Colecovision, Commodore 64, IBM PC, Sega Master System and ZX Spectrum (as Panama Joe), created by Robert Jaeger and published in 1984 by Parker Brothers. The title refers to a colloquial American English expression regarding an intestinal disorder which can be acquired in Mexico (See Montezuma's Revenge (medicine)).

Montezuma's Revenge is one of first platform games, an action game combining treasure hunting, multiple rooms, and puzzle solving. The player commands the game's character, called "Panama Joe" (a.k.a. "Pedro"), moving him from room to room in the labyrinthine underground of the 16th century Aztec emperor Montezuma II, filled with enemies, obstacles, traps and dangers. The objective is to score points by gathering jewels along the way. Panama Joe must find keys to open doors, collect and use equipments, such as torches, swords, amulets, etc. without losing his life. Obstacles are laser gates, conveyor belts, disappearing floors, and fire pits. Movement is achieved by jumping, running, sliding down poles, steps, chains, etc. Enemies are the skulls, snakes, and spiders.

The final aim of the game is described by the following excerpt from the original manual:

If PANAMA JOE safely navigates through all of the chambers in the fortress he'll eventually reach his ultimate goal: the Treasure Chamber. Herein lies the fabulous treasure of the emperor, Montezuma! To enter this final chamber, daredevil PANAMA JOE must leap into the darkness! Once Inside, he'll find several chains-and the infamous jewels-all awaiting his grasp. In just a matter of seconds. PANAMA JOE must jump from chain to chain while trying to collect as many jewels as possible. But beware! If PANAMA JOE misses a chain and jumps onto a pole, he immediately slides into the next Difficulty Level and misses his chance to collect more jewels. When time's up, you will automatically advance to the next Difficulty Level.

The game was a tremendous hit and is considered very addictive, despite having the comparatively primitive graphics of the time and being two-dimensional in layout. A new 3D game for the latest generation game engines has been developed by Utopia Technologies, called Montezuma's Return, which is also the title of a 2D version for the Game Boy Color.