Cannonball Blitz
Cannonball Blitz is a game by Olaf Lubeck for the Apple II and released by Sierra On-Line (then known as "On-Line Systems") in 1982. It was ported to the VIC-20, and TI-99/4A computers. The game is a Donkey Kong clone, with cannonballs and cannons replacing barrels, and a soldier replacing the large ape. On the first level, the player character catches a flag instead of rescuing a girl.
Developer(s) | Sierra On-Line |
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Publisher(s) | Sierra On-Line |
Designer(s) | Olaf Lubeck |
Platform(s) | Apple II, TI-99/4A, VIC-20 |
Release |
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Genre(s) | Platform |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
There are three different levels, the third of which is particularly challenging. After completing the third level, the player views a small celebration scene and then restarts at the first level. Repeated levels only differ from those of the first round in the harsher timing patterns of the game.
Cannonball Blitz achieved some notoriety in the Apple hacking community as being rather difficult to crack. Track 17, sector D of the game contained the message "YOU'LL NEVER CRACK IT".[1]
Reception
Ron Brinkmann reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World, and stated that "In the final analysis, Cannonball Blitz is a game every bit as challenging and fun as the arcade original. It will give you hours (days, months, years) of enjoyment."[2]
Ahoy! wrote that "Cannonball Blitz [for the VIC-20], make no mistake about it, is Donkey Kong in dress blues. Not a bloody thing new here. However, you're going to find it a barrel of fun". The magazine favorably reviewed the animation and the "unbelievable" sound effects, and concluded that it was "a very good version of a fine game".[3]
References
- Krakowicz's Kracking Korner: The Basics of Kracking, Part II
- Gittleman, Barry (September–October 1982). "Micro - Reviews". Computer Gaming World. 1 (6): 42.
- Meade, E. C. (January 1984). "Cannonball Blitz". Ahoy!. pp. 56–57. Retrieved 27 June 2014.