Graphically, the game is quite impressive. By using gradients instead of the usual solids, they've created a sense of depth and shadow, not often seen on the system. The ending, if you lose, is also quite impressive and features an excellent use of sprite scaling and stomping sounds as the monster storms forward towards you, the player.
If there's one major complaint with this game, it's the harsh collision detection system. For some jumps, you have to be dead on or you'll miss, fall and die. It's agonizing, but it's where the game gets much of it's difficulty from.
With out a doubt, this is one of the best games Data Age released for the 2600 and definitely worth tracking down a copy.
Ghost Manor
Punished by Xonox in 1983, Ghost Manor is your typical haunted house game consisting of 5 levels and some varied game play. The first level has you chasing down a rainbow ghost to collect spears. The next has you chucking those spears at monsters as you fight your way inside the manor. Once inside, you'll have to avoid a moving wall as you make it to the roof and fight off the boss.
The game is a fairly short and can be beaten in under 2 minutes, but on higher difficulties it can be quite challenging. Thankfully, controls are tight and collision detection is solid, so you'll only be dying when you screw up.
Artistically, the game is nothing special, with the 3rd and 4th levels being visually bland and devoid of all but one solid colour. The second level is quite nice with its higher number of sprites and more detailed backgrounds, but that's about the best of it. Interestingly ,the game gives you the option of playing as either a man or a woman, just by flicking the B/W-Colour switch.
Ghost Manor is fun for a one off play, but once you're through, you'll probably not pick it up again.
Halloween
Ah Halloween, an Atari classic and a fairly fun licensed title. Again, liberties were taken as it'd be impossible to truly emulate the film, but all in all, they've done good with what they have. Taking control of a babysitter who we can only assume is Laurie Strode, you must try to save as many children as possible while avoiding the psychotic Michael Myers. If Michael does manage to catch you, you'll be treated to one of gaming's first decapitations. Laurie's corpse even sprays blood as it runs around like a headless chicken. The experience is made all the more delectable by an incredible rendition of the film's theme music.
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