Montezuma’s Revenge is a pioneering game in the Metroidvania genre, released in the early 1980s. The player takes control of a character named Panama Joe (also known as Pedro), who explores the underground pyramid within the 16th-century Aztec temple of Emperor Montezuma II. This maze-like structure is filled with enemies, obstacles, traps, and various dangers.
The primary objective of the game is to score points by collecting jewels and defeating enemies along the way. To progress through the game, Panama Joe must find keys to unlock doors and gather various equipment such as torches, swords, and amulets to help him overcome the challenges he encounters. Obstacles in the game include laser gates, conveyor belts, disappearing floors, and fire pits.
Montezuma’s Revenge offers an engaging and challenging gameplay experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and action elements, which are characteristic of the Metroidvania genre. The game’s success and influence helped pave the way for future titles in this genre, blending platforming with exploration and item collection.