PLAY RETRO 123: Burger Time

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PLAY RETRO 123: Burger Time (Arcade, Mattel Electronics Ports, Super BurgerTime)

Introductions:

Brian Dunaway: And I am your other host Brian Dunaway, and I’m ready to stack some giant burgers while dodging pickles and hot dogs. Let’s dive into the delicious chaos of Burger Time!

Brief Description:

Released by Data East in 1982, Burger Time is a classic arcade game where players control Chef Peter Pepper in his quest to create giant hamburgers while avoiding relentless enemies like Mr. Hot Dog, Mr. Pickle, and Mr. Egg. Players must strategically navigate through platforms and ladders, dropping burger ingredients from higher levels to complete each burger at the bottom. With its unique gameplay mechanics, challenging levels, and quirky characters, Burger Time remains a beloved and iconic game in arcade history.

Games Covered:

Burger Time (Arcade) – 1982

  • Platforms: Arcade
  • Gameplay: Players must navigate platforms and ladders to walk over burger ingredients, causing them to drop and stack into complete burgers while avoiding enemies.
  • Graphics: Colorful, 2D sprites with a charming and whimsical design.
  • Legacy: A standout title from the golden age of arcade games, Burger Time’s innovative gameplay and memorable characters have made it a lasting favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
  • Key People:
    • Akira Sakuma: Designer of Burger Time.
    • Data East: Developer and publisher of the game.

Burger Time (Mattel Electronics Ports)

  • Platforms: Various platforms, including Intellivision, Atari 2600, Apple II, Aquarius, IBM PC, TI-99/4A, ColecoVision, Famicom, MSX, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Famicom Disk System.
  • Gameplay: Faithful adaptations of the arcade classic, with similar mechanics of navigating platforms, dropping ingredients, and avoiding enemies.
  • Graphics: Retains the colorful and whimsical design of the arcade version, adapted to the capabilities of each platform.
  • Legacy: Helped bring the popular arcade game to home consoles and computers, expanding its audience and cementing its status as a retro gaming classic.
  • Key People:
    • Data East: Developer and publisher of the original game.
    • Mattel Electronics: Obtained rights and released several ports.
    • Coleco: Published the ColecoVision port.

Super BurgerTime (Arcade) – 1990

  • Platforms: Arcade
  • Gameplay: An enhanced version of the original with new levels, improved graphics, and additional gameplay features.
  • Graphics: Updated 2D graphics with more detailed sprites and backgrounds.
  • Legacy: Built on the success of the original, adding new elements while maintaining the core gameplay that fans loved.
  • Key People:
    • Data East: Developer and publisher.

Worth a Mention:

BurgerTime Deluxe (Game Boy) – 1991

  • Platforms: Game Boy
  • Gameplay: A portable version of the original arcade game with simplified graphics but maintaining the same core gameplay mechanics.
  • Key People:
    • Data East: Developer and publisher.

BurgerTime World Tour (Various) – 2011

  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii
  • Gameplay: A modern 3D update of the classic game, featuring new levels, enemies, and power-ups.
  • Key People:
    • Monkeypaw Games: Developer and publisher.

Main Discussion/Game This Week:

Burger Time Series Overview

  • Gameplay Mechanics: Highlight the core mechanics of navigating platforms and ladders, dropping ingredients, and avoiding enemies.
  • Visuals and Audio: Discuss the evolution of graphics and sound design, from the arcade original to the Mattel Electronics Ports and Super BurgerTime.
  • Legacy and Influence: How Burger Time has influenced other platforming and puzzle games, and its place in arcade history.

People Involved:

  • Akira Sakuma: Designer of Burger Time.
  • Data East: Developer and publisher of the original game and its ports.
  • Mattel Electronics: Obtained rights and released several ports.
  • Coleco: Published the ColecoVision port.

Little known facts/stories & interesting links:

  • The development challenges and creative decisions behind Burger Time.
  • Hidden secrets and Easter eggs within the game.
  • The impact of Burger Time on subsequent platformers and puzzle games.

How we got here:

Influences on Burger Time include other early arcade platformers like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, which brought innovative gameplay mechanics to the genre.

Impact on later games:

Burger Time influenced modern platformers and puzzle games with its unique blend of strategy and action, inspiring titles like Diner Dash and Overcooked.

Where to Play These Games Today:

  • Emulation: Options for playing these games on modern hardware.
  • Real Hardware: Finding original arcade cabinets, Intellivision, Atari 2600 consoles, and cartridges.
  • Re-releases/Remasters: Availability of Burger Time and its sequels on modern platforms and collections.

What Can I Play Right Now That Is Like This:

  • Overcooked! (2016): A chaotic cooking simulation game with cooperative gameplay.
  • Diner Dash (2004): A time-management game with similar frantic gameplay and strategic planning.
  • Cook, Serve, Delicious! (2012): A challenging restaurant simulation game with fast-paced action.

Guess My Game:

Brian’s Guess My Game:

  • Audio Clip: From Blaster Master
  • Platform: NES
  • Year of Release: 1988
  • Possible Answers:
    • Blaster Master
    • Metroid
    • Contra
    • Mega Man
  • Link to Audio Clip: playretro-123-guessmygame.mp3
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