Do you enjoy scaling tall buildings and defying gravity? Well, back in 1980, there was a game that let you do just that - Crazy Climber! Produced by Nichibutsu, this coin-operated arcade game quickly became a sensation and paved the way for the platform game genre.
Before we dive into the crazy gameplay, let's take a moment to appreciate the game's impact. Crazy Climber was released two years before Donkey Kong, making it the original game centered around climbing. It was also one of Nichibutsu's most highly-acclaimed games in its library, cementing its place in arcade gaming history.
So, how did Crazy Climber work? Picture this - you're a brave climber armed with only your hands and determination, ready to conquer the tallest skyscrapers. Your goal? Reach the top of every building while avoiding obstacles like falling flower pots, crazy monkeys, and even pesky bird droppings. It's a challenging feat, but oh so entertaining!
With a vertical layout, Crazy Climber featured two sets of joystick controls for each hand - one for moving left or right, and the other for climbing up or down the building. This unique control scheme added an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay, requiring players to coordinate their movements.
As you climbed higher, the challenge intensified. Window washers dangling from their ropes would try to knock you off, and if that wasn't enough, residents flung objects out their windows in an attempt to deter your progress. But fear not, as a skilled climber, you could dodge these obstacles with finesse and continue your ascent.
One of the highlights of Crazy Climber was the humor and wackiness infused into the game. The unexpected obstacles and comical animations added a lighthearted touch to the intense climbing action. Who wouldn't crack a smile when a flower pot whacks you on the head, or a mischievous monkey sends you flying? It was an absolute riot!
To add even more excitement, the game featured different building layouts and varying difficulty levels. You never knew what challenges awaited you on the next climb, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Crazy Climber truly had endless replay value, guaranteeing hours of addictive fun.
Crazy Climber's popularity led to its release in North America by Taito America Corporation and UA Ltd. in 1982. It was adapted for the Emerson Arcadia 2001, as well as other video game consoles of the time. This wider availability allowed even more people to experience the joy and madness of climbing virtual skyscrapers.
While Crazy Climber may not be as well-known today as some other iconic games of the era, its influence cannot be ignored. It pioneered the concept of building-climbing in gaming, setting the stage for later classics like Donkey Kong and countless other platform games.
The world of gaming owes a debt of gratitude to Crazy Climber for being daring enough to scale new heights of entertainment. So, if you ever stumble upon this gem in an old arcade or through emulation, don't hesitate to grab that joystick, put on your climbing gloves, and embark on a wacky adventure to conquer the skyscrapers!
In conclusion, Crazy Climber was more than just a game - it was a groundbreaking experience that introduced the world to the joy of building-climbing. Its unique controls, challenging gameplay, and hilarious moments made it an instant hit in arcades around the world. So let's raise a virtual glass to Crazy Climber, the original and still one of the best games in the climbing genre.
