Firebug

Name: Firebug
Programmer(s): Silas S. Warner
Publisher: Muse
Year: 1980

Description:

Firebug was a puzzle game released for the Apple II computer in 1982 by Muse Software. Created by Silas Warner, who also made Castle Wolfenstein, this game put players in control of a small insect trying to survive in a dangerous environment.

In Firebug, you play as a bug that must navigate through maze-like levels filled with obstacles and enemies. The main goal is to collect all the flowers in each level while avoiding deadly creatures like spiders and other predators. The bug moves in four directions using the keyboard, and players must plan their routes carefully to avoid getting trapped.

The game featured 100 different levels that got harder as you progressed. Early levels introduced basic concepts like moving around walls and collecting flowers. Later levels added more enemies, moving obstacles, and complex maze patterns that required careful timing. Players had to think several moves ahead, similar to playing chess.

What made Firebug special was its level editor. Players could create their own mazes and challenges, then save them to disk to share with friends. This was uncommon for games in 1982 and gave Firebug extra replay value. The editor used simple commands and was easy enough for kids to understand.

The graphics were basic but clear. The bug was represented by a simple sprite, flowers looked like asterisks, and walls were solid lines. The Apple II could only display a few colors, so the game used green, orange, and white on a black background. Sound effects were minimal, with beeps for collecting flowers and a buzzing noise when the bug died.

Firebug required strategic thinking and patience. Unlike action games of the time, it rewarded careful planning over quick reflexes. Players learned to recognize patterns in enemy movement and memorize the best paths through each maze. Some levels had multiple solutions, encouraging experimentation.

The game sold moderately well and received positive reviews in computer magazines. Critics praised its challenging puzzles and the inclusion of the level editor. However, some found the later levels too difficult and frustrating.

Firebug represented the creativity of early Apple II gaming. While it lacked the fancy graphics of later games, it offered solid gameplay and innovative features. The level editor inspired similar features in future puzzle games. Today, Firebug remains a good example of how early computer games could be both simple and engaging, proving that good game design matters more than flashy graphics.