Bagman (1982)

Bagman was an arcade game from the Golden Age that tends to be forgotten. However, it was featured on numerous episodes of Starcade and host Geoff Edwards called it one of his favorites. I checked it out and have to say, it's a very addictive, fun, yet simple game.

In the game, you play a burglar, who must steal bags of money in an obstacle course of sorts while avoiding security guards, traps, and other challenges. Each time you get a bag of money in your wheelbarrow, you earn points, plus your "bonus" timer restarts. If you get caught by a guard, hit by a mine cart, fall from great heights, or your bonus timer runs out, you lose a life. You can knock guards out with a pick axe that are scattered throughout the world. The game is one continuous level, with each part of it on a separate screen. You can collect all the bags of money on one screen and move to the next screen, or go to the next screen, get some bags, and return, or even go beyond that if you want. The flexibility is unique to this era of gaming in particular.

This game was created by a unknown French company, which is why I don't think we think of it with the Pac-Mans, Galagas, Defenders, Donkey Kongs, Froggers of the genre, but I can't help but feel this game was a huge influence on Lode Runner, which came out soon after and had some very similar elements to this game.

If you have a MAME emulator, I recommend downloading this game and giving it a shot.

Look: 7/10 Simple and functional, but I like it. Cute, digging environment, gave me Robby Roto vibes, and clear what everything is.

Sound: 8/10 Great voice sounds (apparently the game is French ha) and chugging/constant noise. Surprisingly good. Usually not big into arcade sound without "actual music" but this one is nice. Kinda gave me Robby Roto vibes in several ways.

Play: 6/10 I like how there were maze chase feeling parts, your usual platformer parts, and your usual action game parts. Collect the money bags, bring em to the top. Avoid the carts and other, uh, miners or whatever is going on there ha. I really liked the gameplay, it was fun and approachable. That being said, it was just a bit too difficult for my taste, without enough variation within that, and a bit bland after a bit since there is only so much you can do with this formula.

Feel: 7/10 Fun concept. Again, Robby Roto came to mind in a few ways. Certainly not as immaculate and fun as Robby Roto, but has a nice feel and was fun playtesting before giving in (and heading in to bed now ha).

Attachment: 6/10 I wont be returning. But for those of you better at games than me, ha, and interested in early arcade action platformers, definitely give this a try. The sounds and vocals alone warrant a try.