Frostbite: Chilling Adventures on the Atari 2600
In 1983, Activision released Frostbite, an action-packed game for the Atari 2600. This exciting game is centered around a daring protagonist who must survive the freezing cold by building an igloo to stay warm. Players must navigate a series of icy obstacles and avoid dangerous creatures to gather the necessary blocks to construct the igloo. With each level, the challenges become increasingly difficult, pushing players to the limit as they strive to complete their frosty mission.
The game screen features four rows of ice blocks floating on the water. Players control the character by jumping from one row to another, changing the color of the ice block from white to blue in the process. As the ice changes color, a piece is added to the igloo on the shore. Once all the ice blocks have been turned blue, they revert to white, and the player must continue to gather pieces until the igloo is complete.
The direction of the ice flow can be altered using the joystick button, but at the cost of a piece from the incomplete igloo. Occasionally, fish appear on the ice blocks, which can be collected for bonus points.
Each level must be completed within 45 seconds, represented by a decreasing temperature gauge on the screen. The faster a level is completed, the more bonus points are awarded. As players progress through the game, they will encounter levels with larger ice blocks and smaller ice pieces. The larger blocks have gaps that the player can fall into, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.
Starting from the fourth level, a menacing polar bear patrols the shore, providing yet another obstacle for players to overcome. Frostbite is a thrilling, fast-paced game that tests players’ reflexes and strategy as they race against time to survive the icy tundra. With its engaging gameplay and captivating premise, Frostbite remains a classic action game for the Atari 2600, sure to entertain and challenge gamers of all ages.