Genre(s) Action Publisher Commodore International | Initial release date 1981 | |
Developer(s) Commodore Business Machines, Inc. Similar Radar Rat Race, Jupiter Lander, Cosmic Cruncher, Voodoo Castle, Omega Race | ||
Tooth Invaders is a video game released by Commodore Business Machines, Inc. which is now known as Commodore International for the VIC-20 in 1981 and the C64 in 1982. It was developed in association with Camelot Marketing Group in order to positively reinforce the pros of brushing, flossing, and healthy dental care. Seen as a fun way to teach children the importance of dental care, players fight as "Plaqueman" to fight plaque using a toothbrush and dental floss. It was also made in association with the American Dental Association, released during National Dental Month, and supported by dentists.
Contents
A different version of the game was re-released by Luminov on December 19, 2013 for Android users in the Google Play App Store.
The game was included in the "Open Wide! Tooth Toys That Made Us Smile" exhibit at the National Museum of Dentistry.
Tooth invaders commodore 64 gameplay
Gameplay
Using the "weapons", a tooth brush and dental floss, the player must keep the teeth clean while avoiding contact with the Plaque Germ. If the Plaque touches a player they are eliminated. The brush needs tooth paste to work so the player must apply tooth paste. Floss is used for the space between teeth. If the teeth aren't cleaned properly and start to decay a warning bell sounds.
Critical reception
Ready: A Commodore 64 Retrospective described it as a "simple game", a "standout" of Commodore's first generation of educational software, and a "pioneer in the serious games and games for health fields". However, the book also noted that the game aged relatively quickly due to the rapid improvement in game quality in the following years. Microcomputing considered the game an "excellent" example of how computer software could be used educationally to create behavioural change. Games Village wrote that behind the patently idiotic facade, it instead proves to be a balanced and enjoyable puzzle game.
Manual
[1]- Full text of the game manual
