ACTIVISION

The first, and arguably best, third-party 2600 publisher

PITFALL!

Curiously enough, Pitfall! is a platformer that doesn’t really have platforms, but David Crane’s classic contains more than enough platforming standards to justify its place in the genre. Specifically, hero Pitfall Harry has to jump over pits – naturally – swing on ropes over hazards, avoid creepy-crawlies, vault rolling logs and collect hidden treasure. Of course, the game’s appeal lies in its implementation, which boasts smoothscrolling, tight controls, well-constructed levels and slick presentation.

H.E.R.O.

Arguably the best Superman game never made, John Van Ryzin’s H.E.R.O. was reworked when he discovered that Atari owned the DC Comics licence. Having a vulnerable hero led John to populate the sprawling mazes of his cave-based rescue mission with indigenous threats like bats and snakes. The vulnerability of the game’s rocket-packed, laser-blasting protagonist also inspired the designer to arm his hero with dynamite that could potentially blow him up as easily as obstructive walls.

RIVER RAID

Technically a scrolling shooting gallery where opponents don’t return fire, Carol Shaw’s River Raid is never the less as tough as 2600 shooters come. The game’s challenge lies in balancing conflicting objectives, so while navigating tight ravines and dispatching river and air-based enemies are primary considerations, these goals have to be reconciled with slower-paced fuel collection. Additionally, River Raid’s infinite amount of levels are algorithmically generated, so each one is unique.

PITFALL II

David Crane chose to go ‘bigger and better’ when following-up his massively popular 2600 platformer. As well being much expanded, Pitfall II’S playfield scrolls, rather than flicking from one self-contained screen to another, and allows downwards as well as sideways travel. Aside from enhancing Pitfall’s premise, the sequel’s mechanical enhancements are something of a technical achievement, as is Pitfall II as a whole, and this likely goes a long way to explaining its glowing reputation.