Genre: Action-adventure / Platform
Publisher: Datamost
Year: 1984
System: Atari 8-bit
Description:
Aztec is a side-view action-adventure game developed by Paul Stephenson and published by Datamost for the Atari 8-bit in 1984. Set within the “Tomb of Quetzalcoatl,” the player explores multi-level dungeon layouts that are randomly generated at the start of each session. Armed with a pistol, machete, and dynamite, the objective is to locate and retrieve a jade idol and return to the surface before time expires. The environment contains hazards such as collapsing floors, moving walls, pits, and hostile creatures including snakes, panthers, and giant octopuses. Players navigate via joystick or keyboard, searching debris piles and chests for items like ammunition, health potions, and the idol. On death, progress resumes on the current level, preserving game momentum. Difficulty levels (1–8) adjust enemy behavior and idol value—higher difficulty increases both challenge and reward. Cartridge and disk versions exist, supporting Atari DOS and joystick input.
