''Captain Sticky's Gold'' is a

scuba diving Scuba diving is a Diving mode, mode of underwater diving whereby divers use Scuba set, breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface breathing gas supply, and therefore has a limited but variable endurance. The word ''scub ...

themed

action game An action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction time. The genre includes a large variety of sub-genres, such as fighting games, beat 'em ups, shooter games, rhythm games and ...

written by Steven A. Riding and published by English Software for

Atari 8-bit computers The Atari 8-bit computers, formally launched as the Atari Home Computer System, are a series of home computers introduced by Atari, Inc., in 1979 with the Atari 400 and Atari 800. The architecture is designed around the 8-bit MOS Technology 650 ...

in 1983. Riding also wrote ''

Airstrike An airstrike, air strike, or air raid is an offensive operation carried out by aircraft. Air strikes are delivered from aircraft such as blimps, balloons, fighter aircraft, attack aircraft, bombers, attack helicopters, and drones. The official d ...

'' and '' Airstrike II'' for the same publisher.

Gameplay

In ''Captain Sticky's Gold'' the player controls a scuba diver attempting to retrieve gold bars from the bottom of the ocean. The game plays on a single screen, with most of it covered by water. Gold bars randomly appear in three seabed mines on the bottom. The player needs to avoid obstacles to reach a gold bar, use the rope to retrieve it, and then reach the surface to refill the limited oxygen supply and get a new rope. There is a time limit for retrieving each bar. In the first levels, obstacles include fish that can be shot with a harpoon and leeches that drain oxygen. Later levels add an enemy helicopter attempts to bomb the player, monster crabs, missiles, and force fields. Collecting ten bars of gold advances to the next level. After eight levels, the next zone is introduced.

Reception

''Home Computing Weekly'' in a review from 1984 praised the graphics and concluded: "If arcade games are your forte you will enjoy Captain Sticky. If not, you could find the game soon becomes repetitive." ''Personal Computer Games'' wrote: "Despite the silliness, it's fun to play." Bob Chappell wrote a review for ''Personal Computer News'' and he gave the following verdict: "Colourful graphics with plenty of action and bags of sound effects (loved the theme tune) make this an enjoyable game."

References

External links

* *{{Internet Archive game, id=a8b_Captain_Stickys_Gold_1983_English_Software_GB_k_file
Review
in

Page 6 ''Page 6'' (subtitled ''Atari Users Magazine'') was a British magazine aimed at users of Atari 8-bit computers and Atari ST home computers. The first issue was in 1982, and it was renamed to ''Page 6 Atari User'' and then ''New Atari User'' be ...

1983 video games Action games Atari 8-bit computer games Atari 8-bit computer-only games Scuba diving video games Video games developed in the United Kingdom English Software games