By Alan Crossley — originally published in COMPUTE!’s Gazette Volume 1, Issue 1
“Skydiver” is an arcade-style game for the unexpanded VIC-20. We’ve added a version for the Commodore 64, and for the VIC-20 with a Super Expander cartridge. All versions require a joystick.
“Skydiver” is a game of skill and luck in which you try to control a parachutist to a safe landing. It’s up to you to choose when to jump and which landing pad to try for. You’ll also have to learn to compensate for varying winds.
There are three landing pads to choose from – labeled 2X, 5X, and 10X. Each pad is more difficult to land on than the previous one, and therefore scores more points (2X is the largest pad, 10X the smallest). If you land successfully, you are rewarded with a tune and bonus points. If you miss, you lose one of your three skydivers. At 5000 points you are awarded an extra skydiver. Each time you make two successful landings, the game’s difficulty level increases and the bonus value goes up 50 points.
To play, press the joystick button to clear the title screen. Next, choose which landing pad to try for by manipulating the joystick to indicate your selection. If you don’t choose before the countdown timer expires, the computer will choose for you. Pressing the joystick button chooses the landing pad you want and starts the game.
Watch carefully as the airplane emerges from the left side of the screen. Gauge the distance to the landing pad you want to try for – taking into account the wind – and press the joystick button to jump. Your skydiver will leap into a freefall. The parachute will deploy about halfway down, and the joystick will control the remaining descent.
See program listings on page 115.