Big Top (video game)
| Big Top | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Developer(s) | Michael Abrash |
| Publisher(s) | Funtastic |
| Platform(s) | IBM PC |
| Release date(s) | 1983 |
| Genre(s) | Arcade |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | N/A |
| Media/distribution | 5¼" disk |
Big Top is a 1983 computer game for the IBM PC family of computers, created by Michael Abrash and published by Funtastic.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
Big Top is a standard ladder platform game similar in design to Lode Runner. It was created specifically for the PC.
[edit] Theme
Big Top features a circus or "big top" theme. The user plays the part of a circus clown and has the job of gathering up all of the hats on each level of play. To accent the circus theme, the levels are called rings, and the clowns face various types of obstacles. One of the trickiest obstacles in each ring is the presence of evil clowns. Each ring spans across at least two screens, which was an unusual feature at the time. Each ring has an upper and lower level and as the levels progress, they get bigger as well as harder. As the levels are completed by grabbing up all of the hats in each ring, the clowns become more and more evil, and the platforms themselves become more difficult to negotiate. The platforms become smaller and the gamer has to really hone his jumping skills in order to make successful leaps. The jumping portion of the game is actually very difficult from the beginning, and it only grows more so.
[edit] Levels and enemies
 |
The neutrality of this section is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (September 2010) |
The AI of the enemy clowns is very good, and the gamer really will have to think and plan in order to collect all of the ringmaster's stray hats. The baddie clowns have definite patterns to their movement, and studying these patterns will certainly help the user to avoid damage.
The levels are all very well designed and they seem to give Big Top an addictive quality. The graphics simply sparkle, and it is not difficult to find oneself going for just one more level after several hours of intense play. The user will find himself holding his breath as he makes ridiculous jumps to avoid enemy clowns, grab the ring's last remaining hat, or make a break for the hidden exits. It is a fast-paced, entertaining little play that is surprisingly satisfying and well done.
[edit] Loader
The game was distributed in a single auto-boot floppy disk and ran straight from the disk without requiring MS-DOS. Modern systems can run it under DOSBox emulation[1].
