Hard Hat Mack
Name: Hard Hat Mack
Programmer(s): Mike Abbott and Matt Alexander
Publisher: EA
Year: 1983
Description: One of the best platform / Donkey Kong "like" games for the Apple ][. Hard Hat Mack was released by Electronic Arts years before they jumped the shark and went all jock on everyone. Consisting of three levels Mack, the players character must complete three different tasks.
Level one consists of finishing a building by adding missing girders and riviting them into place.
Level two Mack must collect all the lunch boxes that have been left on the job site.
Level three requires Mack to gather all the iron bars and drop them into the rivit making machine.
These tasks are hard enough but Mack must also watch out for vandals and OSHA officials who are running around on the job site.
Known cheats... at the title screen press 1 2 or 3 then start the game. You will start on that level.
Known Easter eggs... press ctrl-^ during game play for a message from the programmers.
See Also http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130129/we_see_farther__a_history_of_.php
"Hard Hat Mack" is a classic platform video game that was originally developed by Michael Abbot and Matthew Alexander for the Apple II and published by Electronic Arts in 1983. It was later ported to various other platforms, including the Commodore 64 and IBM PC.
Game Review: Hard Hat Mack Graphics and Sound - 3/5: For its time, "Hard Hat Mack" offers simple but charming graphics. The characters and environments are displayed in a colorful and playful manner, which is engaging for the era it was created in. The sound effects are quite basic, but they contribute to the overall retro vibe of the game.
Gameplay - 3.5/5: "Hard Hat Mack" consists of three different levels, each with its own unique challenges. The player controls Mack, a construction worker who must complete tasks like building frameworks, jumping over obstacles, and avoiding various enemies. While the controls can be a bit clunky and unresponsive at times, they are generally effective for navigating the game's environments.
Difficulty - 3/5: The game offers a moderate level of challenge, especially considering its era. The obstacles and enemies can be difficult to overcome, and the absence of any save feature means that players must complete the game in one sitting. This can be frustrating for modern players, but it reflects the arcade-style challenges that were common in early video games.
Replay Value - 2/5: With only three levels, "Hard Hat Mack" doesn't offer a significant amount of content. Once you've mastered the game's mechanics and challenges, there's not much reason to revisit it. However, for those looking to experience a piece of gaming history, it can be fun to play through a few times.
Nostalgia Factor - 4/5: For retro gaming enthusiasts, "Hard Hat Mack" offers a nostalgic trip back to the early days of video gaming. Its old-school graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics will certainly resonate with those who have a soft spot for the arcade games of the 1980s.
Overall - 3/5: "Hard Hat Mack" is a charming relic from the early days of video gaming. While it may not hold up to modern standards in terms of complexity or polish, it offers an enjoyable and nostalgic experience for those interested in exploring the roots of the platforming genre. Its simplicity and limited content may turn off some players, but for those who appreciate the history of video games, it's worth a look.