Retro gaming fans will probably remember a 2D side scrolling action adventure from Core Design called Rick Dangerous. Core Design’s game was released in 1989 for many computer platforms, but not on consoles of the time. ArcadeVision are fixing that with a homage title, Risky Rick, created by Easter Egg, an independent homebrew developer. Pre-orders are under way now.

Easter Egg had to work around copyright and trademarks, so some things are not quite the same as Core Design’s original. Though, fans of the classic adventure will feel right at home here. Like Crusader of Centy’s homage to the Legend of Zelda III – fans see the similarities.

Commodore 64 Rick Dangerous

Risky Rick ColecoVision

As you can see from the screen shots above, the similarities are quite strong. I must give the edge, visually anyhow, to Easter Egg’s take on the classic. It just looks so impressive for an independent homebrew title.

One thing that stands out from Risky Rick over Rick Dangerous is that, at least on the Commodore 64 version (used in above comparison) the game screen is letter boxed somewhat. Risky Rick’s screen real estate is used much better on the ColecoVision console.

So far, it seems that only three areas are confirmed for Risky Rick.

Amazon Temple has you jumping around the jungles of Africa and taking on tribesmen. Avoiding spears, pits, and other traps.

Great Pyramid sees Rick trying to not walk like an Egyptian (whatever that means) as he attempts to loot temples that are centuries old. Though they are old, these temples are still inhabited, and those people and creatures are not happy to see you.

Finally, we have the Missiles Base where you are tasked with stopping the next world war from starting. The guards are not going to make your quest easy either so prepare to use some stealth and force as necessary.

What is interesting about Risky Rick is, this is all accomplished with a stock 32k ColecoVision compatible cartridge. No expensive expansion modules required. No hardware tricks in the cartridge either. Just straight, on point, programming by Easter Egg. Much respect.

Want to secure a copy of Risky Rick for your ColecoVision? Head over to ArcadeVision’s website and support companies making games you want to see. If enough people do that we just might see more great games.

Want to grab a copy of Rick Dangerous while you wait for your copy of Risky Rick to arrive? Head over to eBay for a deal.

Remember, a console is only as dead as the fans let it be.

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams