Minit man
Name: Minit Man
Programmer(s): Greg Malone
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 1983
Description:
In 1982, Muse Software released Minit Man for the Apple II, delivering a challenging action-platformer that tested players' timing and coordination. The game shares similarities with early platformers like Space Panic but adds unique twists to the formula.
Players control a character who must climb between platforms using ladders while collecting treasure and avoiding enemies. The gameplay takes place on a single screen with multiple levels connected by ladders. What sets Minit Man apart is its time-based challenge system. Players have exactly one minute to complete each level, adding urgency to every move.
The game features 20 different screens, each with its own layout and enemy patterns. The enemies move in predictable patterns, but their speed increases as players progress through the levels. Players can dig holes to trap enemies, similar to Lode Runner, which would release later in 1983. When enemies fall into these holes, they temporarily disappear, giving players precious seconds to collect treasures or reach new platforms.
The graphics, while simple by today's standards, made good use of the Apple II's capabilities with clear character sprites and distinct platform designs. The game runs smoothly, which is crucial for the precise timing required to succeed. The audio is minimal, consisting of basic sound effects for jumping, digging, and collecting items.
Minit Man's control scheme uses the keyboard for movement, with specific keys assigned for climbing, digging, and moving left or right. The controls are responsive, though modern players might find them less intuitive than joystick or gamepad controls.
The game's difficulty curve is steep, requiring players to memorize enemy patterns and plan their routes carefully. Later levels demand near-perfect execution to complete within the one-minute time limit. While not as well-known as some other Apple II titles, Minit Man represents an interesting evolution in the platform genre, combining elements that would become standard in later games.
Popular among Apple II enthusiasts, the game showcases how developers worked within the technical limitations of early home computers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Its time-based challenges and trap-setting mechanics influenced later platform games throughout the 1980s.