Computer game
Atari
Category
Toys
Date
1982
Materials
Plastic, electrical wire and metal
Measurements
81 mm (width); 21 mm (depth); 98 mm (length)
Place of origin
California
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 671199.6.5
Summary
A 'Pitfall' game, one of eleven game 'cartridges' made to be compatible with the 'ATARI' Video Computer System console. Released in 1982 by Activision this was the second best selling game on the Atari platform. The player must manoeuvre a character 'Pitfall Harry' through a maze-like jungle in an attempt to find 32 treasures, within the 20 minute time limit. The screen is split level, allowing the character to go along the ground, and underground using tunnels, avoiding hazards such as scorpians, quicksand and pits as it went. The game is a black cartridge with a stuck on label with words and pictures. Label on the game is slightly stained.
Provenance
Bought by the donor in c.1980 for £100 and donated to the Museum of Childhood by Trevor Tarbox March 2012.
Marks and inscriptions
Label stuck on the front, and wrapped over to the bottom: 'ACTIVISION™ /PRESENTS / PITFALL! ™ / INTERNATIONAL EDITION / Conceived and designed by David Crane / For use with the Video Games System™' Label stuck on the front, and wrapped over to the bottom: 'One player using left Joystick Controller / Pour un Joueuer utilasent le manche de controle, de gauche. / Fur einen Spieler, der den linken Steuerknuppel benutzt. / Per un giocatore che usi la leva di controllo sinistra. Para un jugador usando la palanca de mando izquierda.' Label stuck on the front, and wrapped over to the bottom: 'Atari® and Video Computer System™ are trademarks of Atari. Inc. / Audio Visual Concept, label and program © 1982 Activision, EAX 018' On the back: 'ACTIVISION'
Makers and roles
Atari , brand name