Manic miner
Author: o | 2025-04-23
Manic Miner (Complete Game) Remixes Maniac Miner by donkeycartwheels; Manic Miner (Complete Game) manic edition by KingBoozle; Manic Miner 09 by vaclavneumajer09; Manic Miner (Complete Game) remix by Zach ; Manic Miner Modification by themario4; good days maria like enjoy BK by BkBuSh; Wacky Miner (2025) by Joshua8381 Manic Miner (Complete Manic Miner at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Manic Miner at GameFAQs
Manic Miner PC - Manic Miner [Remakes] - Jet Set Willy Manic Miner
However, the task is far from easy, as each screen is packed with deadly hazards that can end Willy’s journey in an instant.To add to the challenge, Willy is equipped with limited oxygen supply, making it crucial for players to complete each screen swiftly. Failing to collect all the items or running out of oxygen results in the loss of a life, and once all lives are exhausted, players must restart from the beginning.Key Gameplay Features1. Precision Platforming: Manic Miner’s success largely stems from its precise and responsive controls, enabling players to execute pixel-perfect jumps and maneuvers. The game demands impeccable timing and dexterity to traverse the perilous screens successfully.2. Unique Level Design: Each screen in Manic Miner introduces new obstacles and arrangements, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. From moving platforms to disappearing floors, the diversity of challenges ensures players never experience monotony.3. Time Pressure and Oxygen Management: The oxygen meter adds an extra layer of urgency, urging players to maintain a fast pace while collecting items. This feature heightens the tension and adrenaline, making Manic Miner an exhilarating experience.4. Easter Eggs and Secrets: Manic Miner is renowned for its hidden Easter eggs and secret passages, rewarding curious and adventurous players with surprises and shortcuts.5. Charming Graphics and Sound: Despite the limitations of early 8-bit systems, Manic Miner’s graphics were vibrant and distinctive. The game’s catchy, chiptune-inspired soundtrack also became iconic among fans.Reviews and Cultural ImpactUpon its release, Manic Miner garnered widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. The combination of challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and charming visuals struck a chord with gamers, elevating it to classic status.ZX Spectrum Magazine praised the game’s addictive nature, commending its level design and character design. The magazine highlighted the game’s difficulty as a significant factor in its appeal, stating that it provided a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.Crash Magazine, another prominent publication at the time, awarded Manic Miner a near-perfect score, lauding its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, well-designed levels, and the uniqueness of the protagonist, Miner Willy.The success of Manic Miner led to numerous unofficial clones and fan-made levels, showing its significant cultural impact on the gaming community. Miner Willy became an enduring character in the gaming world, inspiring references in other games, fan art, and even music.SequelsFollowing the immense success of Manic Miner, Matthew Smith and Bug-Byte Software Ltd. released a sequel in 1984 titled “Jet Set Willy.” This sequel
Manic Miner ZX81 - Manic Miner [Remakes] - Jet Set Willy Manic Miner
Metadescription: Dive into the world of Manic Miner, a legendary platformer that took the gaming world by storm. Discover its genre, gameplay mechanics, reviews, and its lasting cultural impact. Explore its sequels and find examples of similar games that owe their success to this iconic title.IntroductionGenre and PlatformsGameplayKey Gameplay FeaturesReviews and Cultural ImpactSequelsSimilar GamesConclusionRelated posts:IntroductionIn the early 1980s, a little game called Manic Miner was released, forever changing the landscape of the gaming industry. Developed by Matthew Smith and published by Bug-Byte Software Ltd., this groundbreaking platformer quickly became a massive hit among gamers worldwide. With its challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and charming visuals, Manic Miner not only captured the hearts of players but also laid the foundation for future platforming adventures. In this article, we will delve into the history, gameplay, key features, reviews, cultural impact, sequels, and other games inspired by the legendary Manic Miner.Genre and PlatformsGenre: PlatformerManic Miner belongs to the platformer genre, a category of video games that revolves around controlling a character who must navigate various levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and hazards. The main objective is to reach the end of each stage while collecting valuable items and power-ups. Platformers are known for their focus on precise jumping, timing, and quick reflexes, making them both challenging and immensely rewarding.Platforms:Manic Miner originally debuted on the ZX Spectrum, a popular home computer system in the 1980s. It later saw releases on various other platforms, further extending its reach and popularity:Commodore 64: The game was ported to this iconic 8-bit computer, gaining a new set of fans.Amstrad CPC: Another successful port brought the mining adventures to Amstrad’s line of computers.Atari 8-bit: Owners of Atari computers were also able to enjoy the excitement of Manic Miner.BBC Micro: Acorn Computers’ platform was also graced with a version of this classic title.Dragon 32/64: The Dragon computers joined the list of platforms where Manic Miner was made available.Thanks to its multi-platform releases, Manic Miner reached a broad audience, making it a memorable part of many gamers’ childhoods.GameplayManic Miner follows the adventures of its protagonist, Miner Willy, an intrepid miner with a penchant for danger. The game consists of 20 challenging levels known as “screens,” each featuring a unique layout and set of obstacles. Willy’s objective is to collect all the flashing items scattered throughout the screen, such as keys, pots of gold, and other treasures, to progress to the next level.Manic Miner (Dragon) - Manic Miner [Originals] - Jet Set Willy Manic
Belts and collapsing platforms; level 14, the Skylab Landing Bay, forced the player to dodge Skylab space stations that fell from the top of the screen; level 19 featured a set of moving mirrors that reflected beams of light which sapped the player's air. Smith's odd sense of humour was also very much to the fore. Level five featured a caricature of bespectacled former Bug-Byte executive Eugene Evans, whose lair was filled with lethal toilets that had been demanded by Smith's three-year-old brother. Levels eight and twelve featured an alien Kong Beast, a kind of green-skinned version of Donkey Kong who you could drop into a vat, although you didn't have to do this because Matthew Smith did not like violent computer games. Other levels featured hopping Pac-Men, and Ewoks from the hot new blockbuster film Return of the Jedi. The overall impression was of a game that had never in front of a committee, or indeed one that had not been near a lawyer (some later ports removed Kong).Manic Miner was ported for almost all of the contemporary 8-bit machines that were sold in the UK, including such oddballs as the Oric 1 and Dragon 32. The Commodore C64 port was generally faithful, presented in an odd-for-the-C64 "windowboxed" format, although the graphics had a strangely washed-out look. There was also a Commodore C16 port that retained all of the levels, albeit in simplified form, which was impressive given that the game had never been released for the 16K version of the ZX Spectrum. Manic Miner was even ported for the 16-bit Commodore Amiga, in 1990, although this version received mixed reviews. The graphics were enlarged and Miner Willy grew a huge nose, but oddly the designers chose to make the levels larger than the screen, so that the display. Manic Miner (Complete Game) Remixes Maniac Miner by donkeycartwheels; Manic Miner (Complete Game) manic edition by KingBoozle; Manic Miner 09 by vaclavneumajer09; Manic Miner (Complete Game) remix by Zach ; Manic Miner Modification by themario4; good days maria like enjoy BK by BkBuSh; Wacky Miner (2025) by Joshua8381 Manic Miner (Complete Manic Miner at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Manic Miner at GameFAQsManic Miner - new for 2025, Manic Miner on the PC from
Continued the adventures of Miner Willy, now tasked with tidying up his mansion after throwing a wild party for his mining colleagues. Jet Set Willy maintained the same addictive platforming gameplay while introducing new challenges and an expanded game world.The game’s reception was mixed, with some praising its ambitious scope and level variety, while others criticized its high difficulty and occasional glitches. Nevertheless, Jet Set Willy remains a noteworthy continuation of Miner Willy’s adventures and a classic in its own right.Similar GamesManic Miner’s groundbreaking gameplay and critical acclaim paved the way for numerous platformers that drew inspiration from its mechanics and design. Some of the notable examples of games influenced by Manic Miner include:1. Jetpac (1983): Developed by Ultimate Play the Game (now known as Rare), Jetpac is a sci-fi themed shooter-platformer that shares similarities with Manic Miner in its precise controls, challenging gameplay, and level design.2. Monty Mole Series: The Monty Mole series, developed by Peter Harrap and Gremlin Graphics, features platformers with a similar focus on precise jumping and quirky characters. Titles like “Monty on the Run” and “Auf Wiedersehen Monty” showcase the influence of Manic Miner’s gameplay.3. Rick Dangerous (1989): Rick Dangerous, developed by Core Design, is a platformer that mirrors Manic Miner’s demanding gameplay and unique level design. Players control the adventurous Rick as he embarks on dangerous expeditions and must navigate treacherous terrain.4. Chuckie Egg (1983): Nigel Alderton’s Chuckie Egg shares the same intense platforming action, presenting players with challenging levels and a protagonist (Hen House Harry) on a quest to collect eggs.ConclusionManic Miner remains a landmark title in the history of video games, with its innovative platforming gameplay, challenging levels, and enduring cultural impact. As a pioneer of the genre, it laid the foundation for future platformers, inspiring countless developers to create their own challenging and captivating adventures. Even today, its influence can be seen in modern games, ensuring that the legacy of Miner Willy continues to thrive. So, why not grab a joystick or a controller and venture into the mines to relive the classic gaming experience that is Manic Miner? Happy mining!Manic Miner - bbcmicro.co.uk
To flicker like mad. It had been submitted on spec to Liverpool-based Bug-Byte Software, and although it was only a modest success the company had enough faith in Smith to release his next title. He wrote Manic Miner over a period of eight weeks on a TRS-80, waking in the evening and coding straight until lunchtime the next day, at which point he crashed out until waking again. Thank fuck the Lord almighty goddamn cocksucker that Everything2 now puts in paragraph breaks without the god-shit Shatner fuckheading paragraph shitmother etc. Look, I do music too, you can forgive me. I have talent.The game was directly inspired by the arcade hit Donkey Kong, and by Miner 2049er, an Atari 800 title that had been written by Californian Bill Hogue, a man who let his body move to the music. Matthew Smith had been a fan of Hogue's earlier TRS-80 games, and had learned most of his programming nous by disassembling his code. On the suggestion of Bug-Byte, Smith set out to make a game with a miner and some caves, and jumping, and at some point his imagination took over and added lethal toilets and falling Skylab space stations and Pac-Men with legs. Miner 2049er itself was never released for the Spectrum, which led to urban legends amongst Spectrum owners that Smith's game was a direct copy; in reality the two were very different. 2049er was far closer to the fast-paced action of Space Panic and Donkey Kong, whereas Manic Miner placed much more of an emphasis on timing puzzles. Ultimately ZX Spectrum players had to wait until A'n'F's Chuckie Egg before they got a decent Miner 2049er clone, and until 2011 before they got a decent sustained piece of writing about Manic Miner WHICH YOU ARE READING. Once more IGitHub - mrcook/manic-miner: Manic Miner: Retro! - pixel perfect
Catalyse the mental speed, frogrush my friends! 'tis the dead cat blues oh mother of mine.Manic Miner was released in September 1983 for the 48K ZX Spectrum, at a regular full price of £5.95. It attracted glowing reviews and was a big success, remaining in the charts for months afterwards whilst contemporary hits such as Jet Pac and Football Manager and Ant Attack rose and fell. The game earned Bug-Byte a lot of money, although Smith's contract ensured that he saw only a small percentage of this. As a result of his dissatisfaction - interviews imply that the company had been using creative accounting to hide the game's profits - Smith left Bug-Byte to set up a new software house with some veterans of the local software scene. He had been under a freelance contract for Bug-Byte when he wrote Manic Miner, with a clause that allowed him to withdraw the game from circulation on written request, at which point the rights would revert to him. In retrospect this was a terrible mistake on Bug-Byte's part, and from early 1984 onwards the rights to Manic Miner were transferred to Software Projects, Smith's new home. The two editions had a few graphical differences, and were sold with different cover paintings. Bug-Byte went bust a year later. I can get away with the beat poetry and the emanations here, because you expect it; not on the blog, which is aimed at normal people from all over the world. They trap me, I am trapped by them. "He wears a mask and his face grows to fit it." I channel the emanations as they break through. The universe cannot predict my next motion if it surprises me; I cannot communicate through the fabric unless there is a tear, or two holes mesh.The basicManic Miners V0.3.0: The Miners and Machines : Baraklava :
And for a few years Clive Sinclair seemed like the future of British industry. Although the machine flopped in the important US market he was knighted in 1983 and became Sir Clive. Almost immediately he fell back into his bad old ways, producing a string of flop products that culminated in the Sinclair C5, a wobbly plastic electric scooter that became a national joke. Sinclair was forced to sell his business off in 1986, and nowadays he is a champion poker player and member of high-IQ society MENSA who is famous for having his way with numerous women who are younger than him. He also designs electric bicycles that nobody buys and wears a shirt and tie all the time, like a one-man Gilbert & George. That's enough about Clive Sinclair. In the next section, which is a few lines down the page, I will talk about Manic Miner. Cock. Yeah, but Sir Clive wanted the ZX Spectrum to be taken seriously as an educational tool and spearhead for the serious business machines he was going to make; the people - the goddamn people - wanted Manic Miner. And they got it.Still, I would pay money to see Clive Sinclair do something on telly with Gilbert & George. They could call themselves Gilbert & George & Clive. I picture them in matching C5s, doing something both artistic and scientific with silicon chips and frozen turds.Manic Miner (Nineteen Eighty-Three)It is impossible to separate Manic Miner from its author, eccentric loner genius oddball Matthew Smith. British games writers of the period tended to fit into three basic groups. There were the former mainframe programmers who had decided to try their hand at games, such as Geoff Crammond; these were serious men who produced serious games that involved physics. There were the kids. Manic Miner (Complete Game) Remixes Maniac Miner by donkeycartwheels; Manic Miner (Complete Game) manic edition by KingBoozle; Manic Miner 09 by vaclavneumajer09; Manic Miner (Complete Game) remix by Zach ; Manic Miner Modification by themario4; good days maria like enjoy BK by BkBuSh; Wacky Miner (2025) by Joshua8381 Manic Miner (Complete Manic Miner at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Manic Miner at GameFAQs
Manic Miner 2025 - bbcmicro.co.uk
LCD display. As with the Amiga version this had to scroll in order to fit the game onto the screen, and although it was probably not very entertaining I imagine that the feat was impressive enough. Yeah, A4. Not your stupid "letter" bollocks that you have in your country. A-fucking-4, scientifically based on the wavelength of light! How big is a letter, anyway? It just doesn't make sense, and that's why the International Standards Organisation is based in Switzerland. Not Texas. Manic Miner was also reworked for the Hewlett-Packard HP-48 graphing calculator, and the Sinclair ZX81, a machine with 1K of base memory (expandable to 16K).Although Manic Miner is still fondly remembered, it was overshadowed by its sequel, Jet Set Willy, which preserved the same core gameplay but greatly expanded the playing area, and remains a towering achievement of the early British computing gaming scene. And that will probably be my next writeup. In 2017. It's not that I'm slow; I'm not slow at all. I'm fast. I wrote this in no time, although the research took ages. It's just that after the bang there is a crash, and.Manic Miner - World of Spectrum
Playoff was apparently scheduled for Christmas of that year, but I can find no record of it ever taking place; Matthew Smith left Bug-Byte around that time, taking the game with him, so perhaps it was quietly abandoned.I hold Jim Wills in awe, because Manic Miner is a notoriously difficult game. No no notorious. I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion. Although it belongs to the platform genre it bears few similarities to the evolved style of Mario and Sonic. Its gameplay is a lot less forgiving and a lot more rigid; it resembles an ultra-hard Mario ROM hack, a kind of prehistoric ancestor of Kaizo Mario World. There is usually only one way to complete each cavern, which must be carried out with a mixture of pixel-perfect jumping and split-second timing. Nowadays, with save states, this is frustrating but not impossible, but in 1983 there were no save states, and the player had to finish it in one sitting. The first few caverns were fairly simple - although the very first room had a couple of tricky jumps - but beyond level five or so the difficulty ramped up into Ghosts & Goblins territory, at least until the player had memorised each level's pattern, which required a tonne of playing time.THERE WAS A PICTURE HERE! In the blog. TWO PICTURES! How much of this is me, and how much a subconscious imitation of Mark Prindle? Why imitate Mark Prindle? Because he has something that could be mined, underneath the rough edges. A kernel of brilliance that could be polished.Is time measured in tonnes? An aeon, then. In addition to the soundtrack and the proper end, Manic Miner also threw in a number of gameplay elements that were still quite unusual in those halcyon days. The first screen had conveyor. Manic Miner (Complete Game) Remixes Maniac Miner by donkeycartwheels; Manic Miner (Complete Game) manic edition by KingBoozle; Manic Miner 09 by vaclavneumajer09; Manic Miner (Complete Game) remix by Zach ; Manic Miner Modification by themario4; good days maria like enjoy BK by BkBuSh; Wacky Miner (2025) by Joshua8381 Manic Miner (Complete Manic Miner at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Manic Miner at GameFAQsManic Miner C64 - C64online.com
"...we came in?"You have been without guidance for three years. Now I am back. To begin, I present an adaptation of a blog post which commences precisely now. Just pause briefly. Because this is the Everything2 edition I have put in some swearing, because you like that. And I have done the thing with the brackets. AAAHHMM Four hundred thousand years ago Britain was cast from the world, when the ice that linked it to Europe melted. The country and its people subsequently developed in a non-standard way, and thus Stanley Unwin, and spanking, and the deep-fried chocolate bar, which is a chocolate bar that has been deep-fried and coated in batter. A nation where it is impossible to think about chocolate bars without also thinking of Marianne Faithfull's fanny. A nation that went abroad so that it could force foreigners to fuck facing each other instead of the OTHER way. The advent of global mass media has done much to make the country and its people normal, but there were nonetheless a few years during which Britain's ancient weirdness and the computer revolution coexisted. I call these years "the early 1980s". Motherfucker. See, I was going to send this to Hardcore Gaming 101, but I just couldn't. It would be like sending them part of my body, or some hair, or a tooth. Not ready for that yet. Need to find their address. Then send sacred dung.From this nexus arose a pair of games that are very obscure on the international scene, but are fondly remembered by British men of a certain age. Manic Miner was the first; Jet Set Willy, its sequel, was the second. They were two of the early killer apps for the ZX Spectrum, a home computer which dominated the British computing scene during theComments
However, the task is far from easy, as each screen is packed with deadly hazards that can end Willy’s journey in an instant.To add to the challenge, Willy is equipped with limited oxygen supply, making it crucial for players to complete each screen swiftly. Failing to collect all the items or running out of oxygen results in the loss of a life, and once all lives are exhausted, players must restart from the beginning.Key Gameplay Features1. Precision Platforming: Manic Miner’s success largely stems from its precise and responsive controls, enabling players to execute pixel-perfect jumps and maneuvers. The game demands impeccable timing and dexterity to traverse the perilous screens successfully.2. Unique Level Design: Each screen in Manic Miner introduces new obstacles and arrangements, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. From moving platforms to disappearing floors, the diversity of challenges ensures players never experience monotony.3. Time Pressure and Oxygen Management: The oxygen meter adds an extra layer of urgency, urging players to maintain a fast pace while collecting items. This feature heightens the tension and adrenaline, making Manic Miner an exhilarating experience.4. Easter Eggs and Secrets: Manic Miner is renowned for its hidden Easter eggs and secret passages, rewarding curious and adventurous players with surprises and shortcuts.5. Charming Graphics and Sound: Despite the limitations of early 8-bit systems, Manic Miner’s graphics were vibrant and distinctive. The game’s catchy, chiptune-inspired soundtrack also became iconic among fans.Reviews and Cultural ImpactUpon its release, Manic Miner garnered widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. The combination of challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and charming visuals struck a chord with gamers, elevating it to classic status.ZX Spectrum Magazine praised the game’s addictive nature, commending its level design and character design. The magazine highlighted the game’s difficulty as a significant factor in its appeal, stating that it provided a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.Crash Magazine, another prominent publication at the time, awarded Manic Miner a near-perfect score, lauding its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, well-designed levels, and the uniqueness of the protagonist, Miner Willy.The success of Manic Miner led to numerous unofficial clones and fan-made levels, showing its significant cultural impact on the gaming community. Miner Willy became an enduring character in the gaming world, inspiring references in other games, fan art, and even music.SequelsFollowing the immense success of Manic Miner, Matthew Smith and Bug-Byte Software Ltd. released a sequel in 1984 titled “Jet Set Willy.” This sequel
2025-04-13Metadescription: Dive into the world of Manic Miner, a legendary platformer that took the gaming world by storm. Discover its genre, gameplay mechanics, reviews, and its lasting cultural impact. Explore its sequels and find examples of similar games that owe their success to this iconic title.IntroductionGenre and PlatformsGameplayKey Gameplay FeaturesReviews and Cultural ImpactSequelsSimilar GamesConclusionRelated posts:IntroductionIn the early 1980s, a little game called Manic Miner was released, forever changing the landscape of the gaming industry. Developed by Matthew Smith and published by Bug-Byte Software Ltd., this groundbreaking platformer quickly became a massive hit among gamers worldwide. With its challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and charming visuals, Manic Miner not only captured the hearts of players but also laid the foundation for future platforming adventures. In this article, we will delve into the history, gameplay, key features, reviews, cultural impact, sequels, and other games inspired by the legendary Manic Miner.Genre and PlatformsGenre: PlatformerManic Miner belongs to the platformer genre, a category of video games that revolves around controlling a character who must navigate various levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and hazards. The main objective is to reach the end of each stage while collecting valuable items and power-ups. Platformers are known for their focus on precise jumping, timing, and quick reflexes, making them both challenging and immensely rewarding.Platforms:Manic Miner originally debuted on the ZX Spectrum, a popular home computer system in the 1980s. It later saw releases on various other platforms, further extending its reach and popularity:Commodore 64: The game was ported to this iconic 8-bit computer, gaining a new set of fans.Amstrad CPC: Another successful port brought the mining adventures to Amstrad’s line of computers.Atari 8-bit: Owners of Atari computers were also able to enjoy the excitement of Manic Miner.BBC Micro: Acorn Computers’ platform was also graced with a version of this classic title.Dragon 32/64: The Dragon computers joined the list of platforms where Manic Miner was made available.Thanks to its multi-platform releases, Manic Miner reached a broad audience, making it a memorable part of many gamers’ childhoods.GameplayManic Miner follows the adventures of its protagonist, Miner Willy, an intrepid miner with a penchant for danger. The game consists of 20 challenging levels known as “screens,” each featuring a unique layout and set of obstacles. Willy’s objective is to collect all the flashing items scattered throughout the screen, such as keys, pots of gold, and other treasures, to progress to the next level.
2025-03-25Continued the adventures of Miner Willy, now tasked with tidying up his mansion after throwing a wild party for his mining colleagues. Jet Set Willy maintained the same addictive platforming gameplay while introducing new challenges and an expanded game world.The game’s reception was mixed, with some praising its ambitious scope and level variety, while others criticized its high difficulty and occasional glitches. Nevertheless, Jet Set Willy remains a noteworthy continuation of Miner Willy’s adventures and a classic in its own right.Similar GamesManic Miner’s groundbreaking gameplay and critical acclaim paved the way for numerous platformers that drew inspiration from its mechanics and design. Some of the notable examples of games influenced by Manic Miner include:1. Jetpac (1983): Developed by Ultimate Play the Game (now known as Rare), Jetpac is a sci-fi themed shooter-platformer that shares similarities with Manic Miner in its precise controls, challenging gameplay, and level design.2. Monty Mole Series: The Monty Mole series, developed by Peter Harrap and Gremlin Graphics, features platformers with a similar focus on precise jumping and quirky characters. Titles like “Monty on the Run” and “Auf Wiedersehen Monty” showcase the influence of Manic Miner’s gameplay.3. Rick Dangerous (1989): Rick Dangerous, developed by Core Design, is a platformer that mirrors Manic Miner’s demanding gameplay and unique level design. Players control the adventurous Rick as he embarks on dangerous expeditions and must navigate treacherous terrain.4. Chuckie Egg (1983): Nigel Alderton’s Chuckie Egg shares the same intense platforming action, presenting players with challenging levels and a protagonist (Hen House Harry) on a quest to collect eggs.ConclusionManic Miner remains a landmark title in the history of video games, with its innovative platforming gameplay, challenging levels, and enduring cultural impact. As a pioneer of the genre, it laid the foundation for future platformers, inspiring countless developers to create their own challenging and captivating adventures. Even today, its influence can be seen in modern games, ensuring that the legacy of Miner Willy continues to thrive. So, why not grab a joystick or a controller and venture into the mines to relive the classic gaming experience that is Manic Miner? Happy mining!
2025-03-30To flicker like mad. It had been submitted on spec to Liverpool-based Bug-Byte Software, and although it was only a modest success the company had enough faith in Smith to release his next title. He wrote Manic Miner over a period of eight weeks on a TRS-80, waking in the evening and coding straight until lunchtime the next day, at which point he crashed out until waking again. Thank fuck the Lord almighty goddamn cocksucker that Everything2 now puts in paragraph breaks without the god-shit Shatner fuckheading paragraph shitmother etc. Look, I do music too, you can forgive me. I have talent.The game was directly inspired by the arcade hit Donkey Kong, and by Miner 2049er, an Atari 800 title that had been written by Californian Bill Hogue, a man who let his body move to the music. Matthew Smith had been a fan of Hogue's earlier TRS-80 games, and had learned most of his programming nous by disassembling his code. On the suggestion of Bug-Byte, Smith set out to make a game with a miner and some caves, and jumping, and at some point his imagination took over and added lethal toilets and falling Skylab space stations and Pac-Men with legs. Miner 2049er itself was never released for the Spectrum, which led to urban legends amongst Spectrum owners that Smith's game was a direct copy; in reality the two were very different. 2049er was far closer to the fast-paced action of Space Panic and Donkey Kong, whereas Manic Miner placed much more of an emphasis on timing puzzles. Ultimately ZX Spectrum players had to wait until A'n'F's Chuckie Egg before they got a decent Miner 2049er clone, and until 2011 before they got a decent sustained piece of writing about Manic Miner WHICH YOU ARE READING. Once more I
2025-03-29And for a few years Clive Sinclair seemed like the future of British industry. Although the machine flopped in the important US market he was knighted in 1983 and became Sir Clive. Almost immediately he fell back into his bad old ways, producing a string of flop products that culminated in the Sinclair C5, a wobbly plastic electric scooter that became a national joke. Sinclair was forced to sell his business off in 1986, and nowadays he is a champion poker player and member of high-IQ society MENSA who is famous for having his way with numerous women who are younger than him. He also designs electric bicycles that nobody buys and wears a shirt and tie all the time, like a one-man Gilbert & George. That's enough about Clive Sinclair. In the next section, which is a few lines down the page, I will talk about Manic Miner. Cock. Yeah, but Sir Clive wanted the ZX Spectrum to be taken seriously as an educational tool and spearhead for the serious business machines he was going to make; the people - the goddamn people - wanted Manic Miner. And they got it.Still, I would pay money to see Clive Sinclair do something on telly with Gilbert & George. They could call themselves Gilbert & George & Clive. I picture them in matching C5s, doing something both artistic and scientific with silicon chips and frozen turds.Manic Miner (Nineteen Eighty-Three)It is impossible to separate Manic Miner from its author, eccentric loner genius oddball Matthew Smith. British games writers of the period tended to fit into three basic groups. There were the former mainframe programmers who had decided to try their hand at games, such as Geoff Crammond; these were serious men who produced serious games that involved physics. There were the kids
2025-04-17