It’s time to dust off the old Atari 2600 or Commodore 64 because we’re about to go back in time. Paying homage to the barely-recognized but ultra-popular video game, Miner 2049er.
If you haven’t heard of this game, no need to fret. I have mentioned it over the years to friends and co-workers and 9 out of 10 times the response is, “what game?”
In the early 80s, a programmer by the name of Bill Hogue, developed Miner 2049er. He was at the time a developer for Big Five Software, who also published the game. The game’s release in December 1982, was initially for the Atari 8-bit computers. The game was later ported onto various platforms including the Commodore 64, and the Apple II.
It also rapidly increased in popularity. It won awards and received tremendous reviews from a variety of game review magazines. Even being named “1984 Electronic Game of the Year.” Do I remember any of this? No, I do not. So, to this day there’s no surprise when I get the confused face from those I ask about it.
My very first memories of this game, mind you, I was like 2-3 years old, were of my parents sitting at the Commodore 64 (connected to this little Montgomery Ward CRT television), playing Miner 2049er. Once I was old enough to understand how the controls worked, I was hooked.
The gameplay is so simple, yet engaging enough to keep you wanting more. Game developers in the 80s had one job. In the era of 8-bit graphics, you’d better be damn sure your gameplay’s fun. And Miner 2049er? Well, it was just that. It’s a mix of a little Pac Man, a little Donkey Kong, and just enough unique twists to make it its own.
Little was I aware at the time (again, maybe being so young) there is a premise to the game! You have Mountie Bounty Bob, a miner, who you navigate through 10 different levels of gameplay to collect all the ore. All while avoiding obstacles like the “mutants” and even falling off open mine shafts. There is also a race against the clock, in which case Bob will just die and you have to restart the level. Hit a mutant, die. Fall down a mine shaft, die. And each level offers a new skill to learn, constantly keeping you on your toes.
If you’re looking for a fun throwback game to checkout, and don’t have the ability to dust off the old Atari 2600 or Commodore 64, there are plenty of emulators available to play online. It’s totally worth checking one out here. Keyboard controls: Game start = spacebar. Left and right = arrow keys. Jump = ESC.
And whoever this “J.K” kid is dominating the current leaderboard, it’s time to take them out. Happy gaming!
