Pitfall II: Lost Caverns

There aren't many adventure games for the Atari 5200, but this sprawling jungle romp is pretty much all you need! Pitfall 2 looks and sounds nearly identical to the 2600 version, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You'll explore deep underground caverns, swim in rivers, and encounter all sorts of exotic creatures including monkeys, birds, and electric eels. From what I understand, there's an enormous hidden area that's exclusive to this 5200 version. Unlike the first Pitfall game for the 5200, there are no control problems to contend with. Pitfall 2 is fascinating and fun, but I must admit a "duck" button would have been a really good idea. The game employs checkpoints, and was one of the first to do so. Pitfall 2 is one Activision classic that truly shines on the 5200.

Developer David Crane pulled out all the stops with this one. I only wish he has incorporated a much-needed "duck" move to avoid those pesky bats. Still, Pitfall II is a well-conceived adventure and a technical marvel.

Pitfall II is my favorite VCS game of all time, and with good reason. Many have called this the greatest VCS game ever made, and frankly, I'd have to agree with them. The scope of the adventure was unheard of at the time, and along with the fantastic controls, gorgeous graphics and terrific music, it's truly earned its reputation. Pitfall II is truly deserving of a place in any VCS fan's library.

I recommend this game for anyone who has ever felt the urge to fall down waterfalls, flirt with scorpions, and ride a huge balloon through underground caverns. Overall I give this game a 95%.If only it could have been a little longer…So pack your bags and apply the bug repellent, its time to go on an adventure.

The 5200 version of Pitfall II is the same as the 2600 as far as game play. It has been upgraded graphically so that the trees look more like trees. The caves look more like caves and so on. The big difference is that this game really does contain "lost caverns". A second quest is accessed by completing the first. It’s not even mentioned in the instructions. A friend of mine, Jeff Adkins, brought it to my attention.

Control is not easy, and when Harry reaches ladders and pits he falls at a frightening speed. You must keep holding the joystick to the right or left and watch him inch sideways as he plummets, hopefully avoiding bats and finding a safe ledge before he hits the bottom. There is clearly scope for strategy here, but there is so little you can do to avoid the nasties that the exercise will probably become boring long before the problem is solved.