Chips Challenge

I used to play this game on my first PC, and I remember that I got addicted very quickly. It was given to me by a friend who had a powerful machine and used to play some new releases. But that’s not important.

When I first heard the name, I thought that this would be a game with food, but when I played it, I realised that the "chips" were computer hardware. In this game, you take the control of a little guy who must collect a certain number of cosmic computer chips to unlock a passage to complete the level. For 1989, this game is terrific. Don’t think that all you have to do is walk around collecting chips. The later levels are hard, and you must plan every step very carefully, so you can finish the level. On the first levels there are hints, and I suggest that you read them.

There are monsters ranging from balls to some strange-looking creatures. There are six different terrains, and each has its own effect on your character. Normal terrain and mud don't affect you, but there are also ice, fire, water, and something that is like a moving sidewalk. To pass through these terrains, you need to get special shoes. Be careful not to pass by the "guy", as he will take all the shoes you have. He can also be pretty useful sometimes.

Some of the machines are teleporters, switches, doors, and circles that you will stick to. To unlock a door, you’ll have to get the key of the same colour as the lock symbol on the door. For the sticky circles, you have to push a block on a switch, which will make the circle normal. I almost forgot: there are bombs, too. To pass through, you’ll have to make them explode. This is achieved by pushing a block on them or activating an object that will move towards them. There are also chips behind moving blocks. Sometimes you’ll have to push blocks into the water so you can cross and retrieve your chip.

As for the graphics, I think they're good for 1989 - maybe very good. There is an option for sound effects, but they don’t play on my system. There is background music which sounds great and which resembles the music in Charlie Chaplin movies.

I give this game a 4, because it was a great game for 1989; however, despite the monsters and unexpected bits, it can become monotonous collecting chips. It’s quite difficult to pass the later levels and takes a lot of time and patience. A level editor would have been great, but this game doesn’t have one.

Try this game, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s great fun when you have nothing to do.

Thanks, mouse31e, for giving this game to me.