Apple Cider Spider

Name: Apple Cider Spider
Programmer(s): Ivan Strand
Publisher: Sierra
Year: 1983

Description:

In 1982, Sierra On-Line released Apple Cider Spider for the Apple II computer. The game put players in control of a spider trying to protect apple cider from invading bugs. The title combined elements of both action and strategy games popular during the early 1980s.

Players controlled their spider character using either keyboard controls or a joystick, spinning webs between branches to catch insects before they could reach the precious cider below. The game featured increasingly difficult waves of bugs, requiring quick reflexes and careful web placement to succeed.

The graphics, while simple by modern standards, made good use of the Apple II's limited color palette and resolution. The spider and insects were clearly defined sprites that moved smoothly across the screen. Sound effects were basic beeps and boops typical of early 1980s computer games.

The game stood out from other Apple II titles of the era through its unique premise and mix of action-based gameplay with strategic web building. Players needed to think carefully about web placement while simultaneously dealing with the constant threat of incoming insects. As levels progressed, new types of bugs appeared with different movement patterns and abilities.

Each stage awarded points based on the number of insects caught and cider saved. The scoring system encouraged replay as players tried to beat their high scores. If too many bugs reached the cider, the game would end.

While not as well-known as other Sierra titles like King's Quest, Apple Cider Spider represented an early example of combining multiple game genres. It helped establish Sierra's reputation for creating innovative games that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on early home computers.

The game required 48K of RAM and played on any Apple II series computer. Like many games of its time, it was distributed on a 5.25-inch floppy disk and came with a simple instruction manual explaining the basic controls and gameplay objectives.