The distinctive title that put Activision, the first third-party Atari 2600 cartridge manufacturer, on the map, Pitfall! is a long-form quest to snatch up as many treasures as possible, whether they be above ground, hidden strategically next to inescapable tar pits or ponds infested with hungry gators, or in the underground catacombs under the guard of deadly scorpions. (Activision, 1981)

Pitfall! - subtitled The Adventures of Pitfall Harry - was the first blockbuster title from Activision, a "software" house formed by four former Atari programmers. Activision consistently turned out addictivtly playable and - bearing in mind the 2600's graphic limitations - gorgeous games. After all, Activision's core gamesmiths knew the Atari 2600 hardware better than anyone, and were able to avoid such common, erm, pitfalls as flickering sprites and big, clunky pixels.

The staying power of Pitfall! is such that it inspired a fantastic sequel - possibly the best Atari 2600 game ever - Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns, the most expansive adventure game that ever graced that platform. Furthermore, 1998 saw the release of Pitfall: Beyond the Jungle, a multi-level modern homage to Pitfall! starring none other than Pitfall Harry, Jr. - small world, ain't it?

And in one final historical footnote, Pitfall! was one of those extremely rare games in the 1980s - right up there with Choplifter and Lode Runner - which proved to be so popular that it was translated from a home video/computer game into arcade form.

Rating:  Four quarters - a couple of minor irritants, but mostly a compelling and addictive game.

Jungle Hunt

Jungle Hunt, based on the revised version of Taito's Jungle King arcade game, was a fairly solid entry from the heyday of the Atari 2600 as the premier platform for home editions of arcade games. Faithfully adapting the four levels of the arcade game, albeit in simplified form, Jungle Hunt was actually one of the better 2600 arcade games. (Atari, 1982)

The biggest problem with Jungle Hunt is the difficulty of the final screen with the natives - compared to its arcade progenitor, this level is almost impossible to beat.

Rating:  Three quarters - worth repeat play, but with some annoying features that might alienate less patient arcade veterans.