Release date(s) 1980 Initial release date 1980 Genre Action game Publishers Atari, Atari, Inc. | Mode(s) One-Player, Two-Player Designer Carla Meninsky Developers Atari, Atari, Inc. | |
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Platforms Atari 2600, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows Similar Demons to Diamonds, Canyon Bomber, Air‑Sea Battle, Double Dunk, RealSports Volleyball | ||
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Dodge 'Em is a 1980 Atari 2600 driving game based on a single screen of four concentric roadways, the same as in Sega's Head On (1979). The game was programmed by Carla Meninsky.
Contents
The Dodge 'Em cartridge includes three versions of the game, accessible through the Game Select switch on the Atari 2600. The first game is for one player, and the remaining two are for two players. The second game has the two players, one player playing the role of the player's car, alternating turns. In the third game, one player plays one car the other player controls the other car at the same time, alternating turns.
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Gameplay
The player controls one car and has to drive counter-clockwise, avoiding computer-controlled cars whose sole aim is to produce a head-on collision. Each roadway of the maze has four gaps in it — at the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen — the player can use the gaps to change lanes in order to pick up other dots or to avoid the computer-controlled cars.
The player's car can travel at two speeds, a normal speed which is the same speed as computer-controlled cars, or if the player presses the controller button, his or her car travels at a fast speed—double its normal speed. The computer-controlled cars have only one speed. Players change lanes by pushing the controller in the appropriate direction when their car is near one of the gaps in the roadway.
The difficulty switches adjust the speed and the starting position of the computer-controlled car. Screens 1 and 2 have a single opposing car; 3 through 5 feature two. Screen 6 is as if going back screen 1, losing one life. The point counter resets at 1,000, although it reads as " 00" (with the hundreds digit blank) due to an error. A kill screen occurs at " 80" (1080 points) even if a player plays perfectly.
Reception
Dodge 'Em was reviewed by Video magazine in its "Arcade Alley" column where it was described as "one of those rare videogames that is exciting in either one- or two-player versions". Although the reviewers suggested that "the early stages of each Dodge 'Em game can become predictable" for some players, the game was recommended to arcade game fans who were familiar with frequently replaying early levels in order to master them. It would go on to be given Honorable Mention in the category of "Best Solitaire Game" at the 3rd annual Arkie Awards.