Burger Time

BurgerTime was a popular arcade game that came to the Apple II in 1982, bringing fast-paced food-making action to home computers. Players controlled Peter Pepper, a chef who had to build giant hamburgers while avoiding angry food enemies. The game became one of the most memorable titles in the Apple II library.

In BurgerTime, you move Peter Pepper across platforms and ladders to walk over hamburger parts. When you step on a bun, lettuce, meat patty, or tomato, it falls to the platform below. The goal is to stack all the ingredients at the bottom of the screen to complete each burger. This sounds simple, but hostile hot dogs, pickles, and eggs chase you around the maze-like levels. Your only defense is pepper, which freezes enemies for a few seconds. You start with just a few pepper shakes, so you must use them wisely.

The game features six different level layouts that repeat with increasing difficulty. As you progress, enemies move faster and appear in greater numbers. Smart players learn to drop burger parts onto enemies for bonus points and to clear paths. You can also trap multiple enemies under falling ingredients for even bigger scores. The challenge comes from planning your route while reacting to enemy movements.

The Apple II version used simple but effective graphics. Characters were small but easy to identify. The game ran smoothly despite the Apple II's limited processing power. Sound effects were basic beeps and boops, but they worked well to signal danger and successful moves. The keyboard controls were responsive, using arrow keys for movement.

BurgerTime stood out because it mixed puzzle-solving with action. Unlike shoot-em-up games common at the time, it required strategy and quick thinking. Players had to balance offensive moves, like crushing enemies, with defensive tactics, like saving pepper for emergencies. The food theme was unusual and fun compared to the space and war games flooding the market.

Data East created the original arcade version, while Mattel Electronics handled the Apple II port. The home version stayed faithful to the arcade game, keeping all the key features that made it successful. It sold well and received positive reviews from computer gaming magazines.

BurgerTime proved that Apple II games could deliver arcade-quality entertainment at home. It showed developers that creative themes and clever gameplay mattered more than advanced graphics. The game influenced many later titles that mixed action with puzzle elements. Today, it remains a favorite among retro gaming fans who appreciate its simple concept and challenging gameplay.