519th played so far
Genre: Platform
Platform: Various
Year of Release: 1982
Developer: Big Five Software
Publisher: Big Five Software
It has been a while since I’ve played Bounty Bob Strikes Back, the sequel to this game. It was a charming but essentially outdated game at the time I played it.
With Miner 2049er, then, I go back in time for this game and see how it compares.
Our Thoughts
The idea of having to walk over all parts of a level to proceed from the next feels oddly weird and special. It’s an idea that would get some recognition in an indie game today as a creative change, something different from other games. Instead, it’s a potential that sets this series apart from any others.
And on the second play of the series, I can say there’s something there. Sure, the game doesn’t look great, formed by the limitations of the platforms of the time, and I don’t think it would sustain me for a long time, but the game does do really well with what it has. The levels feel quite distinct, with different features in each – reminiscent of the way Donkey Kong mixes it up quite often – with slides in some and warping lifts in others.
Final Thoughts
While Miner 2049er is never going to top any lists for me, I’m glad I had the second chance at the series, as it did give me some further appreciation for it – although as much in the abstract for the game design as the actual implementation. It might not be something I’d consider worth going back to, but as a concept it’s well put together.
[…] next game is another early platformer. This one is inspired by Miner 2049er and will lead to future game Jet Set Willy. It’s an early platformer which looks fairly basic […]