ColecoVision

Venture

You know it, you love it (unless you hate it), and you may have even played it buried beneath blankets, couch cushions, and whatever other items were at your disposal for creating your very own “dungeon.” In any case, Exidy’s arcade sleeper hit, Venture, is the most fun you could ever have strolling through dingy dungeons wearing nothing but a bow and a smile, and like many contemporary Namco games, Venture plays even better at home.

Venture's harmonized musical score is impressive, incorporating a unique theme for each room. I do wish Coleco had included more than twelve rooms over three stages however, because once they start to repeat, the fun factor dips precipitously. Other annoyances include the fact that "hall monsters" can appear practically on top of you after you leave a room. I also don't like how monster corpses (fatal to touch) stick around longer if you shoot them. These are minor quirks, but it's the awkward, hand-cramping controls that really ruin this one.