Rick Dangerous

Rick Dangerous - the 1989 platformer for Commodore 64 from Firebird
(MicroProse).

Dodge darts, spikes, and rolling boulders through four trap packed
worlds. Learn layouts, ration ammo and dynamite, and inch forward to
flip screen exits.

Core loop
- read a screen, probe safely, and commit moves with timing
- shoot, poke with the stick, or drop dynamite to clear threats
- reach the exit, then repeat through memorization heavy routes

Systems and items
- limited pistol shots and dynamite - restock from hidden crates
- wooden club - stuns or triggers floor buttons
- instant death traps - reward careful step testing

Level design and feel
Tight flip screens with gotcha hazards and precise jumps. Inputs are
snappy, deaths are frequent, and mastery is about knowledge as much as
reflex.

Why it is notable
- early Core Design hit on 8 bit - coded by Stuart Gregg
- C64 music by Dave Pridmore; published by Firebird/MicroProse in 1989

Tips
- tap forward into new screens with fire held to be ready to shoot
- place dynamite, step away two tiles, and wait; the blast is wide
- learn safe “starter” tiles for each screen to avoid spawn kills

At a glance
Year - 1989
Developer - Core Design
Programming - Stuart Gregg
Graphics - Simon Phipps - Terry Lloyd
Level design - Robert Toone - Bob Churchill
Music - Dave Pridmore
Publisher - Firebird (MicroProse)
Genre - Platformer
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2