2K Programs

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Includes: 1) Moon-landing 2) Reaction Test 3) Hangman 4) Torpedo

747

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Passengers and crew of a 747 Jumbo Jet are in your hands on a flight to land at England's busiest airport Heathrow. The huge aircraft is solely in your command as you fly in the pilot's hot seat through the suburbs of London. When you have located the position of two Heathrow runways you must start the descent and safely land the aircraft. Just how good a pilot you are will be revealed once you have completed the landing as you receive points for airmanship. Bug Byte's 747 Flight was actually written by a Jumbo Jet pilot for the Liverpool software supplier, so it earns top marks for its realism. On the screen you are confronted with various figures representing altitude, the state of the undercarriage, a compass, the rate of climb in feet per second, the speed of the aircraft in knots and the angle of the flaps in degrees, to name but a few. To help you on your flight, a map of Heathrow's environs has been included with the game. On it are marked the 10 stations (six of which are close to the two runways) and possible flight paths.

Another VIC in the Wall

Commodore VIC-20 - Released - 1982

Another VIC in the Wall is a simple Breakout variant. The player uses a paddle at the bottom of the screen to reflect a ball that bounces around the screen. The screen is constantly being filled with bricks and the idea is to destroy these by hitting them with the ball. If the ball goes past the paddle the player loses a life. He has three lives in total. The goal is simply to get as many points as possible. There is no end to it as new bricks are continuously added to the screen. The game is written in machine code and can be played with either keyboard or joystick.

Backgammon

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

BBC Chess

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1982

BBC Chess (also known as Beeb Chess, and Bug-Byte Chess) is Bug-Byte Software's attempt at an early computerized chess game for the BBC Micro. This version was released in 1982. It is single-player only.

BOP!

Microsoft MSX - Released - February 2, 1986

Breakout

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Dogsbody

Amstrad CPC - Released - 1985

Nasty Dr. Dogmush is conducting experiments on innocent puppies to turn them into kannine killers. He has 192 imprisoned in his castle. The Animal Liberation Front special agent Dogsbody is digging to the rescue. Built on red sandstone the Dogmush stronghold is protected by 50 assorted robot guards and gremlins. Dogsbody can tunnel through the soil and avoid the meanies and even dislodge rocks to crush the odd gremlin or two. Mind you the gremlins do have nasty habits. Firstly, they seek you out even if you can't see them and secondly, they will be reincarnated where they started out. Flowers will grow to block pathways when Dogsbody clears an area above a flower; a useful way to trap a meanie. Keep your wits about you, as the deeper you go, the more they will come for you. The best of luck and woof, woof, woof, woof.

Fruit Machine

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Fruit Machine is a three wheel simulation of slot machine for one player.

Invaders

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Invaders is a clone of one of the most famous arcade games of all time, Space Invaders. It was developed and published by Bug-Byte Software in 1981.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Microsoft MSX - Released - 1985

Journey to the Centre of the Earth is based on the book Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne.

Megarok

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1987

Megarok is a clone of Asteroids. Shoot all the "megaroks" and avoid them, or use your shield that protects you for a few seconds from them.

Old Father Time

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1983

A text adventure in which your mission is to rescue Old Father Time's staff and hourglass, and return them to him before the sands of time run out.

Pinball

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

Plan B

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1986

Plan B was developed and published by Bug Byte for both the BBC Micro and the Acorn Electron in 1986. It was programmed by Andrew Foord with music by Peter Foord. You control a war drone teleported inside the computer complex and must find and destroy all the computer parts and then escape, while constantly fighting off the security robots. Extra rockets can be picked up and oil cans and spanners will replenish your energy, but be careful not to shoot these before picking them up. Some parts of the scenery can be shot to allow passage, to destroy computer parts or gain access to items, although it may not be immediately obvious which sections can be destroyed. Ten keys need to be found to open the front door in addition to other keys which can be used to gain access to the other areas.

Plan B 2

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1987

Plan B 2 (also known as Plan B Part 2: Mission Unlikely) is a sequel to the first Plan B game. It was developed and published by Bug-Byte in 1987. In this one you continue in much the same way, in charge of a single war drone. Your job is to explore a Togrian Computer Complex, fighting off the security robots. Extra rockets can be picked up and oil cans and spanners will replenish your energy, but be careful not to shoot these before picking them up. Some parts of the scenery can be shot to allow passage, to destroy computer parts or gain access to items, although it may not be immediately obvious which sections can be destroyed. Keys that give access can also be obtained.

Rubicon (Bug-Byte Software)

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1987

Rubicon's plot deals with a catastrophic nuclear accident in Russia. The player must trek through seven levels inhabited by mutated super-intelligent animals in order to diffuse each nuclear reactor. Gameplay is a Gryzor style flip-screen run'n'gun shooter (with occasional jetpack flights), with fairly unrelenting action. Power-ups are issued by a canister which the player will have to control in order to gain the weapon they want. The difficulty level is pitched high, as with Project X which was released at a similar time.

Skyhawk

Microsoft MSX - Released - 1986

Skyhawk is a two-way side-scrolling shooter. Players fly a jet across a looping area and must shoot down attacking aircraft. A small radar at the bottom of the screen shows the enemies' position. Fuel and rockets are limited, but there are several landing platforms where the jet can be refueled and resupplied. Before the jet is able to land however, it needs to be brought to a full halt right above the platform, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. Landing platforms can also be destroyed if they are bombed or enemy planes crash into them. As the game progresses, enemies attack in increasingly large and difficult waves.

Squeakaliser

BBC Microcomputer System - Released - 1986

Squeakaliser is a platform game by Bug-Byte Software, released for the BBC Microcomputer in 1986. If you're a mouse then avoiding cats is a way of life. Now the Squeakaliser is on the case. Collect the keys and you can release the instruments of revenge. Push that giant cat trap and grab yourself a moggy. Hand over the dynamite and watch him run. Watch out as you collect your keys, or the cats will pulverise you if they can. Keep an eye on the time, as it could be the end of the chase for you.

Star Trader

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1984

In a distance galaxy is a star system containing eight planets in which profits could be made trading between each planet until space pirates came along and robbed the traders on their trade routes. The traders could fight and die or get taxed by the pirates for a 1/4 of the value of the cargo and now all the traders have given up or left the star system. You are the only trader left and you now have the opportunity to trade between all eight planets being careful to avoid any pirates on the way. You start in a starport on Planet 0 and you can see a small graphic representation of where you are and many options for how you want to spend your day like go to various traders who include wine merchants, jeweller's and a sawmill. Here you can buy goods to sell on other planets or you can go to other shops to buy weapons (and power packs for the weapons) for your ship, buy food or go to a bar for quick pint. All the shops and traders are open at specific times so if you are waiting you can stay at a hotel to rest and minimise the risk of being mugged. You must eat and drink at regular intervals and also buy enough food for any journeys in your ship in space. Once you have brought, traded and looked after yourself you can now fly to another planet. The view changes inside your ship with a 1st person perspective looking outside the cockpit. You can move the ship in various directions but the ship will keep it's course for the chosen planet. Occasionally on a flight to a planet you will encounter space pirates who will demand a large amount of credits and you can decide to pay them or fight. If you have no weapons for the ship or power packs then you have to pay. If you can fight then you see the pirates outside your cockpit and you attempt to blast them all. You have various shields on the ship and each can be hit three times before your ship is destroyed and game over. If you make it safely to the planet you have to deal with customs. You can declare your goods and pay a fee, lie and hope not to get caught or bribe the customs official. You can now explore the starport trading and buying goods, looking after yourself and repairing your ship if needed. If your ship does have damage you need to repair it or you can't take-off.

Star Trader

Commodore 64 - Released - 1984

In a distant galaxy is a star system containing eight planets in which profits could be made trading between each planet until space pirates came along and robbed the traders on their trade routes. The traders could fight and die or get taxed by the pirates for a 1/4 of the value of the cargo and now all the traders have given up or left the star system. You are the only trader left and you now have the opportunity to trade between all eight planets being careful to avoid any pirates on the way. An early example of the space trading genre. The game involves a single player moving from star to star on a map of the galaxy, buying and selling quantities of six types of merchandise in order to make money.

The Castle

Oric Atmos - Released - 1983

As the wine begins to clear from your brain you start to see that it might not have been such a wise thing to do. All that bragging about your exploits in the Gr'n Xanth wars would be the death of you one day - and from the look of the place that time might be right now! "Easy", you'd said, "All I need are my brains and lift up to the castle. I'm more than a match for your fairy stories. All those tales of travelers who have never returned - hah! If there is any treasure to be found then I'm the man to do it." The locals had muttered into their mugs about how fools rush in, which had only gotten your temper up to the extent that you made your rash bet. And now you look around the dismal throne room and shake your head in disbelief. The dank smell of the dripping, stone walls, the slime on the floor that surrounds the pools of water has a peculiar sheen to it. It is almost as if it were trying to move towards the heat of your body. You remember now how no amount of whipping would river the horses any closer than a mile to the castle and how you'd had to walk the remaining distance. You jump as a wisp of mist cures round the door to the east. It curves and moves almost as if alive and seems to beckon you towards it. From the distant clock tower you can hear the bell tolling eleven times. One hour to go before the witching hour and you're alone in the castle. Or at least you hope you are. The mist slowly starts to get thicker.

Turmoil

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1984

Turmoil is a computer game released in 1984 for the ZX Spectrum by Bug Byte. The player takes control of Mechanic Mick who has been employed by a rich Arabian Sheikh. the Sheikh has refused to pay Mick for work done, so Mick decides to steal his collection of expensive cars in lieu of payment. He must build the cars by collecting oil from a dripping oil tank. The oil can also be used as an offensive weapon against the pursuing Arabian guards The playing area consists of a number of platforms, ladders, conveyor belts and swinging ropes which Mick must negotiate. First he must collect an oil can, which he must take to a tap which is dripping oil. The oil that has been collected must be taken to the garage. Once there Mick can empty his can, a drop at a time, to fill his car. The car is invisible initially, and is built up as each drop of oil is deposited. On the first level the car is a Mini, but as on subsequent levels the cars become more sleek and expensive. Also present on each level are a number of enemies (resembling Arabs) who will attack Mick and cause him to lose a life. Unlike other platform games, the main character cannot jump by himself, but must fall onto one of the springs which are present on each level to bounce to a different platform. The Arabs will also make use of the ladders, ropes and springs.

Turmoil

Microsoft MSX - Released - 1985

Bug Byte's Turmoil is a platform game starring Mick The Mechanic. He works for Sheik Abdul Al Kohol, the dictator of El Khazi, who is known for his fabulous car collection. Because Sheik Abdul Al Kohol doesn't pay Mick The Mechanic too well - he's getting payed in sheep's eye balls - he is going to steal the sheik's cars. To do that he has to collect oil for the car to make it drive off to the next screen. However, the sheik's cars are protected by fanatical and murderous Arabian bodyguards. Mick has to climb on and off ladders to collect the oil in his oil can and, when the can is full, pouring it down the grid into the car. Mick can also spill a drip of oil to let an Arabian bodyguard slip (or himself if done wrong). Tools that appear occasionally on various places on the screen will give special bonuses when these tools are collected and returned to the workshop. The cars in the garage are not visible at first. When oil is poured into the grid the car becomes more and more visible. The car becomes fully visible when it is full of oil. The game features 26 screens and each screen has a different maze-like lay-out that contains multiple hazards and obstacles like springboards, walls that disappear, conveyor belts, elevators and rope swings. The cars become more expensive when you progress in the game.

Twin Kingdom Valley

Sinclair ZX Spectrum - Released - 1984

Twin Kingdom Valley is a graphic text adventure where you will see a picture (with some animation) of your location before seeing a text description of what you can see, any items and any characters in that location. You type in commands to control your player. You can ask to see your score and your strength score. Your strength score is high at the start but not eating or drinking, or being attacked will weaken you and decrease your strength score, but you can wait (if it is safe) to increase it. The aim of the game is to get 1024 points.

UFO Bomber

Acorn Atom - Released - 1981

VIC Asteroids

Commodore VIC-20 - Released - January 31, 1984

The player controls a small space ship that can rotate 360 degrees, accelerate, and fires directly forwards. The player must destroy incoming spaceships and rogue asteroids. Asteroids break into 2 smaller pieces, which break into 2 smaller pieces before being destroyed. When all asteroids are destroyed, the player enters a new stage with more wandering asteroids.

VIC Backgammon

Commodore VIC-20 - Released - 1982

VIC Backgammon a computerized version of the popular board game, and was released in 1982 by Bug-Byte Software.

VIC Panic

Commodore VIC-20 - Released - 1982

VIC Panic is a clone of Space Panic. You have to trap monsters by digging holes and hope they fall into them and then you smash them with your shovel till they fall. You have limited oxygen, so you should try to win a level before your oxygen is running out.

Zagan Warrior

Commodore Plus 4 - Released - 1986

Zagan Warrior is a 1st person perspective shooter where you are an elite Zagan Warrior and you must ride your Zagan Chaser around the Crystal Forest on the planet Sirus 3 blasting Tycons. You are able to steer left or right, and accelerate or decelerate your chaser as you look for Tycons riding around. As soon as you are sitting on the chaser then your energy decreases and you must destroy a certain amount of Tycons to move to the next level. To fire your weapon you must be travelling at full speed but you must look out for poles moving towards you. As you fire at the Tycons, they will fire back and if you are hit by their weapon, hit a pole or run out of energy then you lose one of three lives. Occasionally a Mothership will appear and destroying this gives you bonus points.

Zoot

Microsoft MSX - Released - 1986

The Story So Far... Zoot's favourite game is marbles. Unfortunately, he’s lost them down the drain. Can you help him retrieve his precious collection? He and his friend Super Zip explore the caves where strange creatures roam around: So look out - the Mankins are about. THE MANKINS: Goopa's pretty dumb, Bodkin's shy, Cheeky's indestructible when his tongue is out, Spike has a habit of turning into an egg when he's scared (chicken ...!), Grimbo's really a Jekyll and Jekyll, Bogie's justdisgusting, Uggy is down right disgusting and has one-sided habits and Nevil’s got terminal B.O. GAMEPLAY: Zoot must collect his marbles without losing all his 4 lives. To pass through each cavern, Zoot must perform certain jobs. His friend Super Zip will help if you stand around and wait.