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Hold Onto Your Skorts – PAX Aus Has Just Dropped Their Exhibitor 2024 Line-Up

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PAX Aus Announces 2024 Exhibitor Line-Up

Go AFK, mute Discord, and pay attention! PAX Aus has confirmed that this year’s event is even bigger with more developers, more publishers, more Indie Games, the biggest Tabletop area ever and a jam-packed schedule. And don’t forget, the Classic Gaming area for your retro gaming and pinball fix!

PAX Aus 2024 will welcome back some of your favourite publisher brands and new friends, including Bethesda Softworks ANZ, Blizzard Entertainment, Devolver, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, PC Game Pass, Playside Studios, SEGA, Steam, The Sims and Ubisoft.

Some of the biggest and best hardware brands will satisfy the appetite of gaming gear connoisseurs, with AFTERSHOCK PC, ASUS – Republic of Gamers, Bluemouth Interactive, Cooler Master, Govee by Clever Gear, Intel, Keychron, LG Electronics Australia, MSI Gaming, Samsung and Secretlab joining the line-up.

Bringing the love to PAX Aus this year, Devolver and Massive Monster will host the first-ever PAX weddings. Two loved-up couples will walk down the aisle on Sunday October 13 at 11am and 3pm in a faithful, life-size replica of the Cult of the Lamb Temple featured in the popular game. For any pilgrims willing to take the plunge, check out the schedule for more sinful activations over the PAX weekend!

While on the topic of love, PAX Aus welcomes Steam for the first time ever. More on that when the show opens, you’re not going to want to miss it!

Red Bull Gameball Royale is the ultimate face-off at PAX Australia 2024. Four teams of Australian creators, led by captains Lachlan, Iamfallfromgrace, Muselk, and Loserfruit will go head-to-head in an interactive dodgeball tournament. This high-impact sport has been digitally levelled up with gamified mechanics delivered through an impressive LED court. Players will need to dip, dive, duck and dodge to advance towards being Australia’s first Red Bull Gameball Royale Champions.

Bethesda Softworks ANZ is excited to unveil an epic fan event at PAX Aus, offering attendees a deep dive into the captivating universes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Step into the heart of Tamriel at the carefully crafted Elder Scrolls Online Tavern at the PAX Pub, and then escape the hustle at The Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge.

Ubisoft will be showcasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on their booth with a playable demo and Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Director, Charles Benoit, will also be making an appearance to present Bringing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Life with Ubisoft Quebec (watch this space!). Esports fans will be able to enjoy Ubisoft’s Rainbow 6 Siege showcase at the PAX Arena from 6-10pm on Friday night in the queue hall. The Arena will feature top of the line equipment from Razer, ZOWIE and Centre Com.

The Sims is coming to PAX Aus to give Simmers a Plumbob photo zone and free tarot readings with the one and only Grim. With their newest expansion Life and Death coming soon, Grim will be ready for 3 full days of posing, reaping lost souls, and giveaways.

Blizzard Entertainment will be celebrating the launch of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred at PAX Aus, offering an activation space featuring incredible bespoke artwork from @JazzaStudios and a life-sized glaive weapon for Diablo fans to get up close and personal with! Every day of PAX Aus, two lucky winners will take home a customised Vessel of Hatred kit that introduces them to the new Spiritborn class and its Spirit Guardians.

PlaySide Studios will be featuring multiple playable titles on their booth, including KILL KNIGHT, Thrive: Heavy Lies The Crown, Age of Darkness: Final Stand and a currently unannounced Dumb Ways to Die title, in addition to an interactive experience for the upcoming MOUSE: PI for Hire by Fumi Games. You can also catch the MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough panel, which will feature a global exclusive live playthrough of the game with Game Director, Mateusz Michalak, and Producer, Maciej Krzemien.

SEGA‘s stand at PAX Australia will feature three of its highly anticipated titles to play; Sonic X Shadow Generations, Metaphor: ReFantazio and Two Point Museum. There’ll be a dedicated streaming area where attendees may catch some of their favourite content creators streaming the latest SEGA games live, and the chance to meet movie Sonic in person, as he’ll make multiple appearances throughout the weekend.

FINAL FANTASY™ XIV Online are inviting seasoned adventurers to battle against the fearsome Valigarmanda, newcomers to challenge an early primal battle and encouraging everyone to snap a picture in their special photo spot and get their hands on some goodies! Additionally, don’t miss the panel with Senior Story Designer Natsuko Ishikawa and Quest Designer Saki Takayanagi.

Speaking of getting hands-on with some special stuff, the Bandai Namco team will be bringing Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! ZERO for visitors to play. Square Enix will also be bringing a Life is Strange: Double Exposure photo activation, with the opportunity to win some amazing prizes throughout the duration of the event.

Other exhibitors include BlackMilk Clothing, Crunchyroll, Aussie Broadband, and the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence, who will be bringing 18 of New Zealand’s newest indie games.

Also on the showfloor, PAX Aus’ biggest Tabletop area ever featuring Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game; hosting ‘learn to play’ sessions inviting you on your first adventure as an Illumineer, a photo op in the Great Illuminary, questing in the Starter Deck challenge zone, and Disney Lorcana artist Matt Chapman, available for signings.

And the recently announced schedule features the very best of local and international gaming talent with panels, firesides and entertainment, kicking off with Storytime with Massive Monster’s, Julian Wilton; the first ever PAX Aus Australian Keynote.

McAfee and WWE 2K24 Are a Good Match

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I’ve seen a great deal of criticism about ESPN’s Pat McAfee getting a DLC pack for the game “WWE 2K24.” I’ve seen “WWE 2K24” players on social media calling it “annoying” and asking for a discount on next year’s game. I don’t understand what all the vitriol is about. McAfee is involved in wrestling as an announcer, so it seems like a natural fit that he has DLC pack for the newest WWE release. And the fact that you can play as his co-workers on “The Pat McAfee Show” is pretty exciting. I’ve enjoyed playing the game as Boston Connor and A.J. Hawk. I don’t see what the big deal is. Do fans of WWE take their video gaming so seriously that McAfee can’t be a part of the enormously successful game, along with his friends? It seems like “Much Ado About Nothing,” to quote a famous playwright

If fans of the game don’t want to play as anyone from “The Pat McAfee Show,” then choose not to. It’s simple. Is there too much Pat McAfee? That’s a whole other discussion. But him being a part of “WWE 2K24” makes a lot of sense to me. He has a younger crowd; and what do a great deal of young people do? Play video games.

image source: 411 Mania

I didn’t like Pat McAfee at first when I watched him on “College Gameday”; he was so different than anything else on ESPN. Then, I started watching some of his daily shows and I really enjoyed them. McAfee has a quick wit that’s rare on television, especially on sports programs. I found McAfee’s interaction with his co-hosts and friends hilarious and entertaining. I kept tuning in, and now I’m sort of hooked. I admit, the show isn’t for everyone, but it’s such a fun and fresh sports show.

I never liked wrestling video games until “W2K Battle Grounds” on Nintendo Switch. I always play “W2K” with Roman Reigns. I’m not a huge wrestling fan, but Reigns’ style is unique which makes him entertaining to watch. And in “W2K” I always seem to win my matches with him. He’s one of the brightest stars of the ring for a reason.

It’s a bit strange playing the game with non-wrestlers but I think that adds to the mystique of the matches. And A.J. Hawk seems like he could be a pro-wrestler. I hope “WWE 2K24” fans come around to the McAfee DLC pack. If not, oh well.

 

Nintendo Switch: Epyx Rogue – Game Review

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Epyx Rogue: A Timeless Classic on the Nintendo Switch!

Release Date: July 18th | Publisher: Pixel Games UK

Prepare to be transported back to the dawn of dungeon-crawling with Epyx Rogue, the game that pioneered an entire genre, now making its triumphant debut on the Nintendo Switch. Originally released in 1980, this timeless classic, developed by Imagine Software, continues to captivate players with its endless adventures and challenging gameplay.

Endless Adventure Awaits

In Epyx Rogue, you’ll embark on a thrilling quest through the infamous Dungeons of Doom, searching for the elusive Amulet of Yendor. But beware—this journey is fraught with danger. With every turn, death lurks around the corner, and survival requires sharp wits and strategic planning. Each expedition into the dungeon is unique, thanks to the game’s innovative randomly generated rooms, ensuring that no two adventures are ever the same.

Modern Features for a Classic Game

This Nintendo Switch version of Epyx Rogue brings modern enhancements that make the game even more engaging and accessible:

  • Display Filters: Relive the retro experience with an 80s-style CRT filter.
  • Play Modes: Choose between a standard mode with game-saving capabilities or the Iron Rogue mode for the ultimate perma-death challenge.
  • Intuitive Controls: Easily access common tasks with a single button press and navigate more complex functions via on-screen control wheels.
  • Virtual Instruction Manual: A full manual at your fingertips to guide you through the game.
  • Atmospheric Soundtracks: Select from several captivating soundtracks to enhance your dungeon-crawling experience.
  • Achievements: Unlock dozens of achievements as you progress through the game.
  • Global Leaderboards: Compete with players worldwide in the Global Hall-of-Fame.

A Genre-Defining Experience

Epyx Rogue is not just a game; it’s a piece of gaming history. The combination of random generation and perma-death was revolutionary, giving rise to the beloved “Rogue-like” genre. Now, you can experience the thrill of the original graphical port, where pixel-art brought the Dungeons of Doom to life like never before.

  • Unique Enemies: Face off against dozens of distinct and formidable foes.
  • Variety of Items: Collect a diverse array of armor, weapons, food, and other essential items to aid in your quest.
  • Hidden Secrets: Search for secret doors and traps within the dungeon’s labyrinthine rooms.
  • Magical Wonders: Discover and experiment with strange magical spells and potions, each offering a different effect in every playthrough.
  • Challenging Levels: Survive 26 randomly generated levels, each more perilous than the last, to finally claim the Amulet of Yendor and make your daring escape—if you can!

Dive into Epyx Rogue on the Nintendo Switch and rediscover the game that changed the world of fantasy gaming forever. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!

Disclaimer: Epyx Rogue game code was kindly provided by Imagine Software UK for this review.

Celebrate Prime Day 2024 with Prime Gaming’s Free Games Extravaganza!

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Get ready, gamers! Prime Day 2024 is just around the corner, happening from July 16 till the 21st. Amazon Prime Gaming members are in for an epic treat, with amazing deals leading up to and during Prime Day itself.

From June 24 through to July 16, Prime members can snag 15 fantastic PC games for free. Titles include Deceive Inc, Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart, The Invisible Hand, Forager, Card Shark, Heaven Dust 2, Soulstice, Wall World, Hitman Absolution™, STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords, Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, Call of Juarez, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Samurai Bringer.

STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords

Weekly Releases to Keep You Excited

  • Now Available:
    • Deceive Inc. [Epic Games Store] — Become the ultimate spy in this multiplayer game of subterfuge.
    • Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart [Legacy Games Code] — Embark on a puzzling adventure to recover the missing Heart of Tearstone.
    • The Invisible Hand [Amazon Games App] — Chase riches as a stockbroker, but beware the costs of greed.
    • Call of Juarez [GOG Code] — Dive into a wild western FPS adventure.
  • Available June 27:
    • Forager [GOG Code] — Explore and craft in this charming 2D open-world game.
    • Card Shark [Epic Games Store] — Outsmart your opponents in this game of cunning and deceit.
    • Heaven Dust 2 [Amazon Games App] — Survive a zombie-infested research base in this love letter to classic survival horror.
    • Soulstice [Epic Games Store] — Uncover dark mysteries in this action-packed fantasy tale.
  • Available July 3:
    • Wall World [Amazon Games App] — Mine resources and fend off monsters on a giant robospider.
    • Hitman Absolution™ [GOG Code] — Follow Agent 47 on a quest for redemption.
    • Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood [GOG Code] — The McCall brothers are back in a quest for gold.
  • Available July 11:
    • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge [Epic Games Store] — Join the TMNT in a beat ’em up adventure.
    • STAR WARS™: Knights of the Old Republic™ II — The Sith Lords [Amazon Games App] — Will you follow the light side or succumb to the dark?
    • Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX [Epic Games Store] — Relive the classic platformer with new levels and features.
    • Samurai Bringer [Amazon Games App] — Defeat legendary foes in this roguelite action game.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

More to Come!

Stay tuned for even more thrilling offers on Prime Day itself! And don’t miss out on the current Free Games with Prime, including The Lullaby of Life, STAR WARS™ Battlefront II (Classic, 2005), Weird West Definitive Edition, Genesis Noir, Everdream Valley, MythForce, Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread, and Projection: First Light.

Join the Fun

To keep up with all the latest Prime Gaming content and offers, follow the official Prime Gaming blog and their social media channels. This Prime Day, the gaming world is your oyster!

Visit the Prime Gaming blog for more details and get ready for an unforgettable Prime Day 2024!

Epic Games and Disney Collaboration

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

In February, The Walt Disney Company put out a press release that Disney and Epic Games would collaborate on all-new games and an entertainment universe that will “further expand the reach of beloved Disney stories and experiences.” Epic Games is the video game and software developer that gave us “Fortnite” and “Gears of War.”

I feel like the two companies coming together and collaborating didn’t get much attention. The business possibilities for both seem limitless. What does the merger mean for parks? Could Disney have a “Fortnite” theme park that incorporates some of the features of the popular game? What “Fortnite” fan wouldn’t want to visit a park that encapsulates the game with a Disney twist? It could be very successful. And you already have two established brands that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Does this merger of giants in entertainment mean that we’ll be able to play or have Disney character skins in “Fortnite”? That would be something that would bring in new fans for both Disney and “Fortnite.”

There are several Disney characters I would like to use to play “Fortnite” with. Donald Duck would be interesting, because visually it would be hilarious, and you know he’d have some cool weapons and a cigar in his mouth. Playing with Disney villains would be fun. Captain Hook would be a savage skin to use when navigating “Fortnite” terrain. Ursula would be cool as well. She would be ruthless and strategic in a game where you must use your intellect. She may have a difficult time dodging fire from opponents with all her tentacles. Her powers could be limitless in the game being a powerful sea witch.

Playing as one of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” could be thrilling as well. Rocket and Drax would make for one hell of a tag team.

 

 

Play A Huge Pinball Machine In The Centre of London Courtesy Of PlayStation UK

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A giant PlayStation pinball machine you can play in the middle of London 👀

PlayStation UK has teamed up with the UEFA Champions League Festival to bring lucky Londoners a huge interactive Astro Bot pinball machine!

This is all in celebration of this weekend’s UCL Final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Whatever you do, do not rage tilt this thing!

 

‘The Epyx Collection: Handheld’ Brings 6 Classic Lynx Games to Nintendo Switch

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Six Classic Lynx Games Arrive on Nintendo Switch this April in ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’

Releasing April 25th 2024.

Pixel Games UK is pleased to announce ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ — a collection of six classic Atari Lynx games coming to Nintendo Switch™ on April 25th. The collection includes fond favourites ‘California Games’, ‘ElectroCop’, ‘Blue Lightning’, ‘Gates of Zendocon’, ‘Todd’s Adventures in Slime World’, and ‘Zarlor Mercenary’.

Developed by Imagine Software, these six retro classics are packed with late 80s / early 90s nostalgia and are just as fun and challenging to play today as they were when they were first released — each of them available on Nintendo Switch for the first time.

‘California Games’ (1989)

Experience the laid-back vibe of the West Coast through a series of extreme sports challenges including surfing, skateboarding, BMX biking, roller skating, flying disc (frisbee), and footbag (hacky sack). With its vibrant graphics and dynamic gameplay, ‘California Games’ captures the essence of the 1980s beach culture, offering a fun and nostalgic trip to the sunny shores of California.

‘ElectroCop’ (1989)

Control a cybernetic police officer, step into the world of futuristic law enforcement, and restore order to a crime-ridden city. Armed with advanced weaponry and gadgets, players must navigate through hazardous environments, battle against ruthless criminals, and ultimately confront the nefarious mastermind behind all the chaos. With its combination of action-packed gameplay and sci-fi atmosphere, ‘ElectroCop’ delivers an adrenaline-fueled journey through a dystopian urban landscape.

‘Blue Lightning’ (1989)

‘Blue Lightning’ thrusts players into the cockpit of an advanced fighter jet as they engage in high-stakes aerial combat across a variety of landscapes. With fast-paced gameplay and a standout graphical style, players must navigate through enemy territory, dodge incoming fire, and unleash devastating firepower upon enemy targets. As they progress through increasingly challenging missions, players must showcase their piloting skills and strategic prowess to emerge victorious in this adrenaline-pumping arcade flight experience.

‘Gates of Zendocon’ (1989)

Embark on an intergalactic journey through perilous alien worlds and face off against a horde of deadly adversaries controlled by the sinister Zendocon. Armed with an array of powerful weapons and upgrades, players must navigate through treacherous terrain, blast through waves of hostile creatures, and ultimately confront the formidable bosses guarding the gates to the heart of the Zendocon empire. With its engaging gameplay and sci-fi atmosphere, ‘Gates of the Zendocon’ delivers an epic space-faring adventure that will test players’ skills and courage.

‘Todd’s Adventures in Slime World’ (1990)

In ‘Todd’s Adventures in Slime World,’ players take on the role of Todd, an intrepid explorer navigating through the hazardous depths of Slime World, a sprawling and treacherous alien landscape filled with deadly traps and monstrous creatures. Equipped with an assortment of weapons and gadgets, Todd must traverse through slime-infested caverns, solve puzzles, and fend off hostile slime creatures to uncover the secrets of this mysterious world. With its challenging gameplay and quirky charm, ‘Todd’s Adventures in Slime World’ is a unique platforming adventure that will put players’ skills and wits to the test.

‘Zarlor Mercenary’ (1990)

Step into the boots of a skilled intergalactic mercenary tasked with defending the galaxy from the relentless onslaught of alien invaders. With a powerful arsenal of weapons and piloting a customisable spacecraft, players must navigate through waves of enemy ships, asteroids, and other hazards across various planetary environments. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and intense boss battles, ‘Zarlor Mercenary’ is an exhilarating arcade-style shooter that will challenge players to prove their worth as the galaxy’s ultimate protector.


source: Imagine Software

‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ for Nintendo Switch allows players to experience these classic games once again, or dive into them for the first time. ‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ adds:

  • Display Filters — including an 80s-style CRT filter
  • Suspend Points – save and restore up to 4 suspend points per game
  • Live Rewind – rewind up to 5 seconds of live gameplay with the push of a button

‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ also features an improved user interface, featuring interactive, 3D-rendered, box art and cartridges for each game based on the original releases. Plus, fully remastered versions of each game’s instruction manual. These additions come following fan feedback, and a desire to preserve even more of the incredible history of these games.

‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ is the fourth retro release on Nintendo Switch for Pixel Games UK, having previously published ‘Chip’s Challenge’, ‘The Monty Mole Collection’ and ‘Hidden — a collection of classic games from the Commodore 64.

‘The Epyx Collection Handheld’ will be released worldwide on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop on April 25th 2024 for £11.99 / $11.99 / €13.99.

Atari’s NeoSprint Is Racing Onto PC & Consoles Very Soon!

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NEOSPRINT ZOOMS BACK TO LIFE AS A SINGLE SCREEN ISOMETRIC ARCADE RACER

As huge fans of Atari Games’ Super Sprint and Championship Sprint overhead racers, we are actually quite chuffed to hear that NeoSprint – a sort-of-sequel to the “Sprint” series, is coming to our modern gaming systems sometime this winter (Jun – Aug – Atari hasn’t as yet confirmed the exact date/time)!

According to Atari,

NeoSprint is a single screen arcade racer for up to 8 players on supporting systems. Paired with a robust track builder and intuitive sharing tools, NeoSprint provides a racing experience that will satisfy speed demons and architects alike.


source: Atari

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox , Nintendo Switch, and Steam, we honestly can’t wait for NeoSprint!

PS: If you have an Atari VCS, then we are officially jelly, as NeoSprint is already available for you to hoon around on!

Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story – Review (Steam)

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  • TITLE: Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
  • PUBLISHER: Digital Eclipse
  • DEVELOPER: Digital Eclipse
  • PLATFORMS: Nintendo Switch, PS4 / PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2024 (It’s out right now!)

We had been looking forward to Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story for a while, so when the opportunity presented itself to take the Yak’s game for a spin, we weren’t going to say no!

Right off the bat, this second release in Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series ticks all the boxes, including very importantly, the nostalgia inducing and retro gamer boxes. If you are unfamiliar with Jeff Minter, that’s fine, this title will acquaint you (or reacquaint you if you had forgotten) who Jeff Minter is, and what this Llamasoft business is all about. For anyone that’s a Gen X’er, we’d be quite surprised (Ed: and appalled) if you hadn’t heard of the Great Yak and/or played any of his games over the years!

With the pedigree of Digital Eclipse, it was never in doubt that they would create a treasure-filled archive of Jeff Minter’s body of work in their uniquely interactive documentary, just as they did with their amazing titles, The Making Of Karateka and Atari 50.

The gameplay in Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story offers a unique and engaging experience that allows players to delve into Jeff Minter’s creative evolution and explore his extensive catalogue of games. Players can play through 42 Llamasoft games released between 1981 and 1994, providing a comprehensive look at Minter’s work. And before you ask, no, the Atari Jaguar game, Defender 2000, is not included in the list of playable titles. Neither Jeff nor Atari own the rights to Defender, which is a shame. Oh yeah, for those with superhero hearing, you may also notice that Llamatron 2112 sounds a tad different. Again, this was due to a couple of things, one, certain sounds had to be replaced due to licensing, and two, there were multiple versions of Llamatron 2112, each with differing sounds and effects.

This interactive documentary game not only showcases Minter’s classic games but also contextualizes them with archival material, video interviews, photos, quotes, and magazine articles. By playing these games chronologically, players can witness the evolution of Minter’s design skills and creative process in real time.

The gameplay experience varies depending on individual preferences and familiarity with retro gaming, but the controls do feel like second nature. Players can expect to encounter a diverse range of titles, from career-defining hits like Iridis Alpha to more experimental and creative games that reflect Minter’s unique style. The game offers a mix of short and longer gameplay experiences, catering to different levels of interest in gaming history.

Overall, Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story provides an unmatched journey into the mind of one of gaming’s most distinctive figures, offering a blend of entertainment, historical insight, and appreciation for Jeff Minter’s contributions to the gaming industry.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – If you are a Jeff Minter fan, then this is a MUST HAVE title!

 

Disclaimer: Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Steam review code supplied by Digital Eclipse

‘Temple of Doom’ Arcade Game

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

A few weeks ago, I watched some of the Xbox Business Update and I’m so excited for the new Indiana Jones game, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” The gameplay looks stunning.

When I was a little kid, I loved the Indiana Jones franchise. There was a roller rink not far from my house, and when I would finish my homework, I would sneak out and go there to play the “Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom” arcade game. I would play “Temple of Doom” for about an hour if I had enough quarters saved up. I would hog the game; I wouldn’t let anyone else play if I was there. It was in the corner of the roller rink, so it was sort of hidden.

In the mines, when I’m running up and down the different levels, I always wanted to make sure that I freed every slave child I could. Although, I never understood how Indy’s bullwhip unlocked the cages that they were trapped in. I thought it was strange that when you freed a slave child, you got points; and some were worth more than others. I believe the more you saved the more the point totals increased. The blades coming up out of the rocky ground didn’t help when you are freeing slaves and attempting to take out Mola Ram’s men. A version of Mola Ram could just pop up in front of you when you were least expecting it.

The conveyor belts were sometimes hard to maneuver, but I enjoyed descending the large slides that took you to another level of the mines. Mola Ram’s henchmen, or, the Thuggee, were slippery adversaries when Indy must climb up and down the ladders in the mines.

I never liked the rail-car chase scene in the film “Temple of Doom,” but it was one of my favorite parts of the home and arcade game. You had to have sharp reflexes to bullwhip Mola Ram’s henchmen and gain points as you darted down the narrow tracks.

The 1984 film frightened my friends, but I admired how edgy and violent some of the scenes were. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas pushed gore and violence to an imaginative place. “Temple of Doom” was one of the first films to receive a PG-13 rating. I still don’t see how the ritual, human sacrifice scene didn’t get the movie an instant R-rating. I remember my friends finding that scene disturbing. The arcade game shares the dark tone of the film.

I bought the game for my Atari, but it was never the same as playing the fun arcade game.