A-VCS-tec Challenge
| A-VCS-tec Challenge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Simon Quernhorst |
| Publisher(s) | AtariAge |
| Platform(s) | Atari 2600 |
| Release date(s) | 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Mode(s) | single player |
| Distribution | Cartridge |
A-VCS-tec Challenge is a video game developed for the Atari 2600 video game console. The game was inspired by the 1980s Commodore 64 game Aztec Challenge. A-VCS-tec Challenge was written by Atari 2600 homebrew developer Simon Quernhorst, with music by Paul Slocum.[1]
Gameplay
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The game features two alternating levels based on the first two levels of Aztec Challenge, called "The Gauntlet" and "The Stairs". In the first level, the player dodges spears while running toward a pyramid displayed on the horizon. In the second level, the player climbs to the top of the pyramid while avoiding rocks that fall from above. If the top is successfully reached, the gameplay starts over.[1][2]
Release and reception
A-VCS-tec Challenge was first released in 2006 as a limited run of 55 boxed, numbered and signed copies.[3] Following the run of the limited edition, the game was sold unboxed as a standalone cartridge with a manual.[3][4] Separate versions were created for NTSC (North American) and PAL (European) regions.[3]
The Video Game Critic gave A-VCS-tec Challenge a mixed review, praising the game for "some of the best graphics and audio you'll experience on your 2600", but criticizing it for its single difficulty level and lack of pay-off once the two game levels are completed.[2] The Video Game Critic gave the game a "C" rating, but noted that despite the repetitive gameplay, the "amazing soundtrack" "totally rock[s]".[2]
Design
The game was created as a homebrew project[5] using 8 kilobytes of ROM,[3] the same amount used by early 1980s-era Atari 2600 games such as Asteroids.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Yarusso, Albert. "A-VCS-tec Challenge". AtariAge. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Atari 2600 Reviews 0-A: A-VCS-Tec Challenge". The Video Game Critic. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Doctorow, Cory (July 10, 2006). "New Atari 2600 game cartridge released". BoingBoing. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
- ↑ "Classic Gaming: Lady Bug and A-VCS-tec Challenge". GameSpy. August 28, 2006. Retrieved March 21, 2011.
- ↑ Weiss, Brett (2007). Classic home video games, 1972-1984: a complete reference guide. McFarland. p. 283. ISBN 0-7864-3226-8. Retrieved March 21, 2011.
- ↑ Wright State University (2004). "TEXT technology" 13. p. 54. Retrieved March 21, 2011.
External links
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