Dung Beetles

Name: Dung Beetles
Programmer(s): Bob Bishop
Publisher: Datasoft
Year: 1982

Description:

Dung Beetles is a 1982 action game created by Bob Bishop for Datasoft Inc. The game puts you in control of a beetle trying to survive in a dangerous underground world. Your goal is simple: roll balls of dung through maze-like tunnels while avoiding deadly enemies.

The game takes place across multiple underground levels filled with winding passages. You control a small beetle that must push dung balls to specific locations marked on each level. The catch is that other insects patrol these tunnels and will kill you on contact. These enemies include spiders, ants, and other hostile creatures that move in set patterns. You must learn their movements and time your actions carefully to survive.

Each level becomes harder as you progress. Early stages have just a few slow enemies and simple layouts. Later levels add more enemies, faster movement speeds, and complex tunnel systems. Some passages are too narrow to push the dung ball through, forcing you to find alternate routes. The game requires both quick reflexes and puzzle-solving skills.

The graphics use the Apple II's color capabilities to create distinct underground environments. The beetle and enemies are small but clearly defined sprites. Sound effects are minimal, with simple beeps for movement and death. The game runs smoothly despite having multiple moving objects on screen at once.

What makes Dung Beetles special is its unique premise. While other Apple II games of 1982 focused on space battles or fantasy adventures, this game found inspiration in nature. The gameplay combines elements from popular arcade games like Pac-Man's maze navigation and Pengo's block-pushing mechanics.

Players control the beetle using either keyboard or joystick. The controls are responsive, which is crucial when dodging fast-moving enemies in tight spaces. One wrong move means death and restarting the current level. The game tracks your score based on how quickly you complete levels and how many enemies you avoid.

Dung Beetles received positive reviews for its original concept and challenging gameplay. Computer Gaming World praised its addictive quality and clever level design. The game sold well enough for Datasoft to port it to other systems including the Atari 8-bit computers and Commodore 64.

Today, Dung Beetles remains a memorable example of early 1980s game design. It shows how developers could create engaging gameplay from unusual concepts. The game's difficulty might frustrate modern players used to save states and checkpoints, but its simple premise and tight controls still hold up. For Apple II collectors and retro gaming fans, Dung Beetles represents the creative spirit of early home computer gaming.