Could this be the best Atari 2600 game, ever?!
Written: Sep 05 '08 (Updated Sep 05 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Amazing scope; original concept; truly challenging; great graphics; very fun to play
Cons: You can't duck or crouch
The Bottom Line: If this isn't the best VCS game ever, it's certainly the best sleeper game of its time.
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| Chad9976's Full Review: Pitfall II: Lost Caverns for Atari 2600 |
How do you follow one of the greatest games in the Atari 2600 library? By making an even better one, of course! That’s what Pitfall II: Lost Caverns does – it actually manages to not only live up to its predecessor but surpass it in the process. Whereas the first game was one of the first-ever true sidescrollers, this is one of the first-ever true platformers.
PRESS FIRE TO START
Although this is a sequel, Lost Caverns does not rely on the player being familiar with the original in order to understand, follow, and appreciate this game. The basic concept is the similar to the first: you play as Pitfall Harry who must run around a huge underground cavern collecting gold while avoiding all the nasty creatures.
Whereas the original game was based on a time limit and an allotment of three lives, this game has neither and instead relies on “checkpoints.” If you touch an enemy you must go all the way back to the last checkpoint and in the process your game score is subtracted. This method can make for some very frustrating gameplay when you’re just about the reach the next checkpoint but make a simple mistake. However, since this is such a complex game it’s probably preferable to having finite lives and/or a time limit.
The other major difference to Lost Caverns is that it’s a platformer which involves moving from screen to screen not just horizontally but vertically as well. The entire field of play is all interconnected, but can be explored fairly easily.
There is even a true object of the game: to rescue your niece Rhonda, a cat, a rat, a diamond ring and 28 gold bars which are scattered throughout the caverns. The game doesn’t end when you find them, but you’ll know you’ve completed your mission when you wind up back on the first screen.
PLAYER 1 – READY!
As much fun as the original Pitfall was to play, Lost Caverns seems to be a direct response to all the minor flaws of the original. For example, in the first game there seemed to be too much finesse involved, but in this game there is much more free reign and less constrictive gameplay based on specific tasks per screen. Although much of your progress involves your ability to jump or move at the right time or place, it’s not the focal point of the game.
Lost Caverns is based more on your ability as an explorer than as a gamer with quick reflexes. You must have a good memory to keep track of where you are and where you’ve been. You must also have keen detection skills to figure out where you must go. Although making a map (or looking at one online) might be helpful, it’s much more fun to explore on your own.
For an Atari 2600 game to have this breadth of scope is quite amazing. Lost Caverns is likely an inspiration for many games of the 8-bit generation, especially Metroid. Of course, this cart can’t compare to those later games, but it vastly outshines its competition within the VCS library.
JOYSTICKING
Half the reason Lost Caverns is so much fun to play is due to its fluid controls. Those familiar with the original Pitfall will find this game plays essentially the same, but it’s much easier to jump over enemies and obstacles this time around. Also, entering and exiting ladders is much quicker and more responsive. You even have the ability to swim at a few points and the controls respond realistically.
My only complaint would be the fact you don’t have the ability to duck or crouch, since a lot of the gameplay is dependent upon standing in the perfect position in order to get the bats and birds to fly over your head.
SPRITES & PIXELS
The visual appeal to Lost Caverns lies not in its detailed graphics, but its ability to truly establish its setting with the bare essentials. I’d by lying if I said this game had intricate, detailed graphics. However, this game does look fantastic because it has a very clear, clean, iconic look that conveys the settings well.
For example, instead of having just long rectangles of colors to represent platforms, game designer David Crane adds some detail by making the ceilings irregular in shape. These little nuances give the game the appearance of detail.
I was also impressed by the usage of large bodies of water, which have realistic wave-like motion to them. And the fact you can actually get in it and swim is also remarkable. Considering the limitations of the technology, Lost Caverns is one good-looking game.
CHIPPED TUNES
Since the game is so complex in sheer scope and has impressive visuals, it’s no surprise its audio side goes above and beyond as well. Lost Caverns is one of the very few games for the Atari 2600 to utilize a continuous background score. This music is pretty catchy, and on top of that it actually changes in tone depending on what happens to you in the game (if you hit an enemy it plays a slower, deeper tone; if you pick up a gold bar it’s more upbeat and lively).
There actually isn’t a lot of variety to the sound palette here, but what it does have is original and pleasing to the ear. Since this doesn’t look like your typical VCS game, it doesn’t sound like one, either. You won’t hear any metallic “boinks” or other such grating noises.
INSERT COIN TO CONTINUE
Lost Caverns isn’t the kind of game you’ll want to replay as soon as you finish it, mostly because it can take upwards of an hour or more to solve the game. However, the game is so much fun to play, especially on initial encounter, that it holds your attention for a long time. You might be tempted to re-start in order to go for a perfect game, but it never feels the least bit repetitive. Since this is such a complex game it can be played over and over and still be truly challenging.
GAME OVER
It’s quite possible Pitfall II: Lost Caverns is the single greatest game in the Atari 2600 library. I’m not ready to crown it the champion just yet, but I haven’t seen many games that can really compare to it in terms of originality, scope, graphics and its overall sense of fun and challenge. It’s a shame it was released in the post-crash era since it’s also one of the most over-looked games as well.
Recommended:
Yes
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Chad9976
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Member: Chad Polenz
Location: Albany, New York
Reviews written: 686
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Hi, I'm Chad and I like beer.
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