''Cosmic Tunnels'' is a space-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, and platform gam ...

written by Tim Ferris and published by

Datamost Datamost was a computer book publisher and computer game company founded by David Gordon and based in Chatsworth, California. Datamost operated in the early 1980s producing games and other software mainly for the Apple II, Commodore 64 and Atari ...

in 1983 for the

Atari 8-bit family The Atari 8-bit family is a series of 8-bit home computers introduced by Atari, Inc. in 1979 as the Atari 400 and Atari 800. The series was successively upgraded to Atari 1200XL , Atari 600XL, Atari 800XL, Atari 65XE, Atari 130XE, Atari 800XE, ...

and in 1984 for the

Commodore 64 The Commodore 64, also known as the C64, is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International (first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 7–10, 1982, in Las Vegas). It has been listed in the Guinness ...

. Datamost also sold the game with '' Cohen's Towers'' as a "twin pack". It was re-released in 1986 by Databyte in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...

Gameplay

The object of the game is to collect energy bars from four different asteroids. To do this the player needs to complete four different stages. The first stage expects the player to maneuver his spacecraft from its home base to one of the four gates at the top of the screen, while avoiding falling meteors. Once through the gate, the ship enters a space warp, where the player is confronted with mines that must be shot, or they will drain the ship's energy. This stage of the game lasts 25 seconds, with the mines progressively moving faster. After leaving the tunnel, the player must successfully land on the asteroid's landing platform, while avoiding missiles fired by the enemy bases. Once on the asteroid the last stage begins: the player must navigate enemy creatures to collect energy bars and place them in the ship. When energy bars are safely stored in the ship, the player can start his journey back to his base. The player starts with three astronauts and a full tank of energy, but if he runs out of either the game ends.

Reception

David H. Ahl writing for the ''

Creative Computing ''Creative Computing'' was one of the earliest magazines covering the microcomputer revolution. Published from October 1974 until December 1985, the magazine covered the spectrum of hobbyist/home/personal computing in a more accessible format th ...

'' concluded his 1984 review: "The graphics of ''Cosmic Tunnels'' are stunning, but the sound effects are mediocre. Nevertheless, the game is a real challenge that will keep you coming back for more, and more, and more." Tracie Forman agreed in a review for ''

Electronic Games An electronic game is a game that uses electronics to create an interactive system with which a player can play. Video games are the most common form today, and for this reason the two terms are often used interchangeably. There are other common ...

'' : "''Cosmic Tunnels'' is a well-planned, enjoyable game with a cohesive plot line, nice visuals and sound, and varied play-action." Steve Panak wrote in his column in the 1984 ''

ANALOG Computing ''ANALOG Computing'' (an acronym for Atari Newsletter And Lots Of Games) was an American computer magazine devoted to the Atari 8-bit family of home computers. It was published from 1981 until 1989. In addition to reviews and tutorials, ''ANAL ...

'' holiday issue, "I found the entire game juvenile and insulting to anyone of above average intelligence. I cannot recommend this game to anyone who is not my enemy."

References

External links

''Cosmic Tunnels''
at Atari Mania
''Cosmic Tunnels''
at Gamebase 64 *{{Internet Archive game, id=Cosmic_Tunnels_The_1983_Datamost 1983 video games Action video games Atari 8-bit family games Commodore 64 games Datamost games Video games developed in the United States Video games set in outer space