Aztec (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Aztec


developer = Paul Stephenson
publisher = Datamost
designer =
engine =
released = 1982
genre = Action-adventure
modes = Single player
ratings = N/A
platforms = Apple II, Atari 400/800, Commodore 64
media = 5¼" disk
requirements =
input = Keyboard

"Aztec" is a 1982 computer game, created by Paul Stephenson and published by Datamost. It was originally developed for the Apple II, but was later ported to the Atari 400/800 and the Commodore 64.

Premise

"Aztec" is a platform adventure game very much in the style of Indiana Jones. The game's introduction gives the following background:

"A few weeks ago a rumor surfaced that professor G. Von Forster, noted tomb robber and archaeologist, had discovered the entrance to the tomb of Quetzalcoatl. Inside this tomb there is a jade idol worth a fortune to any one who can find it and return alive."

"You are now standing at the entrance to the tomb. Before you enter, remember that the tomb is guarded by terrible monsters and men without mercy. Also, don't forget about Von Forster's nasty streak... he may have left some deadly surprises behind..."

"One more thing... The value of the idol is high right now, but dropping steadily. The faster you return under the greatest difficulty the larger your reward will be. If you are good enough you could well become a millionaire..."

The tomb's many levels are filled with traps, dangerous animals, Aztec guards and other hazards. Using a machete, a pistol and sticks of dynamite, the player must recover the jade idol and escape the tomb.

Gameplay

Before beginning play, the game prompts the player to select a difficulty level from one to eight. Increasing the game's difficulty boosts the number and aggressiveness of the enemies the player will face, but also increases the reward they'll gain from retrieving the idol.

Each level in the tomb is shown from the side, with steps often connecting the levels and piles of bones and debris scattered along the floor. Searching these piles, or occasional boxes or chests, may yield useful items such as a pistol or ammunition, a machete, dynamite, health potions or the idol.

If the player dies, the game allows them to resume from the last level they were in. It also allows them to resume a game from a previous session.

Controls

The game is controlled by pressing keys on the keyboard.

External links

*moby game|id=/aztec|name="Aztec"
* [http://www.textfiles.com/apple/DOCUMENTATION/aztec.txt Aztec Help File]