Cosmic Tunnels

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Cosmic Tunnels
Cosmic Tunnels Cover Art.jpg
Publisher(s) Datamost
Databyte
Designer(s) Tim Ferris
Programmer(s) Atari 8-bit
Tim Ferris
Commodore 64
Jay Ford
Platform(s) Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64
Release1983: Atari 8-bit
1984: C64
Genre(s) Action

Cosmic Tunnels is a space-themed action game written by Tim Ferris [1] and published by Datamost in 1983 for Atari 8-bit computers [2] and in 1984 for the Commodore 64. Datamost also sold the game with Cohen's Towers as a "twin pack". [3] It was re-released in 1986 by Databyte in the United Kingdom. [3]

Contents

Gameplay

Cosmic Tunnels Atari 8-bit PAL screenshot 1.png
Cosmic Tunnels Atari 8-bit PAL screenshot Stage 2.png
Cosmic Tunnels Atari 8-bit PAL screenshot Stage 4.png
Cosmic Tunnels Atari 8-bit PAL screenshot Stage 3.png
Stages clockwise from upper left (Atari 8-bit)

The object of the game is to collect energy bars from four different asteroids. To do this the player needs to complete four different stages. The first stage expects the player to maneuver his spacecraft from its home base to one of the four gates at the top of the screen, while avoiding falling meteors. Once through the gate, the ship enters a space warp, where the player is confronted with mines that must be shot, or they will drain the ship's energy. This stage of the game lasts 25 seconds, with the mines progressively moving faster.

After leaving the tunnel, the player must successfully land on the asteroid's landing platform, while avoiding missiles fired by the enemy bases. Once on the asteroid the last stage begins: the player must navigate enemy creatures to collect energy bars and place them in the ship. When energy bars are safely stored in the ship, the player can start his journey back to his base.

The player starts with three astronauts and a full tank of energy, but if he runs out of either the game ends.

Reception

David H. Ahl writing for the Creative Computing concluded his 1984 review: "The graphics of Cosmic Tunnels are stunning, but the sound effects are mediocre. Nevertheless, the game is a real challenge that will keep you coming back for more, and more, and more." [4] Tracie Forman agreed in a review for Electronic Games  : "Cosmic Tunnels is a well-planned, enjoyable game with a cohesive plot line, nice visuals and sound, and varied play-action." [5]

Steve Panak wrote in his column in the 1984 ANALOG Computing holiday issue, "I found the entire game juvenile and insulting to anyone of above average intelligence. I cannot recommend this game to anyone who is not my enemy." [6]

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References

  1. ↑ Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
  2. ↑ "Cosmic Tunnels". Atari Mania.
  3. 1 2 "Twin Pack - Cohen's Towers / Cosmic Tunnels". Atari Mania.
  4. ↑ Ahl, David H. (May 1984). "Thirteen Great New Games". Creative Computing: 116.
  5. ↑ Forman, Tracie (November 1984). "Cosmic Tunnels". Electronic Games: 40.
  6. ↑ Panak, Steve (December 1984). "Panak Strikes: Cosmic Tunnels". ANALOG Computing (25): 55.
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