Impossible Mission: A Deep Dive into the Classic Commodore 64 Game
Impossible Mission, released in 1984 by Epyx, is a truly iconic and influential game for the Commodore 64. It’s a blend of action, puzzle-solving, and a healthy dose of tension, all wrapped up in a unique and memorable presentation. Here’s a comprehensive look at the game:
Gameplay & Story
You play as a highly skilled secret agent tasked with infiltrating the fortress of the evil Dr. Maybe (a play on Dr. Evil). Dr. Maybe has constructed a doomsday device and is demanding a massive ransom. Your mission: find the device, disarm it, and escape before time runs out.
The game isn’t a straightforward run-and-gun. It’s broken down into several key elements:
- Exploring the Fortress: The fortress is represented as a series of interconnected rooms. You navigate these rooms using joystick controls, moving in eight directions.
- Guards: The fortress is patrolled by guards who will attempt to capture you. You can either try to avoid them, or kidnap them! Kidnapping a guard allows you to use them to open doors or distract other guards.
- Password Collection: To progress, you need to find and collect fragments of passwords. These passwords unlock doors and access to new areas. The passwords aren’t simple words; they’re often fragmented and require you to piece them together.
- Energy Management: Your agent has a limited energy supply. Actions like running, being shot by guards, and falling deplete your energy. You can replenish energy by finding energy capsules.
- The “Stay Awhile and Listen” Feature: This is arguably the game’s most famous element. When you encounter a guard, instead of immediately fighting or running, you can choose to “Stay Awhile and Listen.” The guard will then deliver a unique, often humorous, line of dialogue. These lines provide clues, hints, or simply add to the game’s atmosphere. There are over 300 different lines!
- Disarming the Device: Once you locate the doomsday device, you’ll face a final puzzle to disarm it.
Key Features & What Made it Special
- Digitized Speech: Impossible Mission was groundbreaking for its use of digitized speech. The iconic voice, sampled from the game’s creator, Eugene Jarvis, saying “Stay awhile and listen” became instantly recognizable. This was a huge technical achievement for the C64 at the time.
- Non-Linear Gameplay: The fortress isn’t a linear path. You have some freedom to explore and choose your route, adding to the replayability.
- Strategic Depth: The game isn’t just about reflexes. You need to think strategically about how to use the guards, manage your energy, and decipher the passwords.
- Atmosphere & Tension: The game’s music, sound effects, and the constant threat of capture create a palpable sense of tension.
- Humor: The “Stay Awhile and Listen” lines are often funny and add a lighthearted touch to the otherwise serious mission.
- Difficulty: The game is challenging, requiring skill, patience, and a good memory.
Technical Details
- Platform: Commodore 64
- Developer: Epyx
- Publisher: Epyx
- Year: 1984
- Genre: Action, Puzzle, Stealth
- Controls: Joystick
- Graphics: While not visually stunning by today’s standards, the graphics were well-done for the C64, creating a detailed and atmospheric fortress.
- Sound: The digitized speech and atmospheric music were the standout features.
Legacy & Influence
- Inspired Later Games: Impossible Mission influenced many later games, particularly in the areas of stealth, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric presentation.
- Remakes & Ports: The game has been remade and ported to various platforms over the years, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and even modern platforms like iOS and Android.
- Cult Following: Impossible Mission maintains a dedicated cult following among Commodore 64 enthusiasts.
- Recognizable Phrase: “Stay Awhile and Listen” has become a well-known phrase in gaming culture, often used as a nostalgic reference.
Where to Play Today
- Emulation: The easiest way to play is through a Commodore 64 emulator like VICE. You can find ROMs online (though be mindful of copyright laws).
- Retro Gaming Platforms: Some retro gaming platforms include Impossible Mission in their libraries.
- Modern Remakes: There are modern remakes available for iOS and Android.
In conclusion, Impossible Mission is a landmark title in the history of the Commodore 64. Its innovative features, challenging gameplay, and memorable presentation have cemented its place as a classic and a beloved game for generations of players.
You can find more information and resources here:
- C64 Wiki: https://c64-wiki.com/wiki/Impossible_Mission
- Lemon64: https://www.lemon64.com/game/impossible-mission
- YouTube (Gameplay): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivHFP3dJAkM
Is there anything specific about Impossible Mission you’d like to know more about? Perhaps you’re interested in the development history, the secrets of the game, or comparisons to other similar titles? Just let me know!