Genre: Action
Developer: Mattel Electronics
Publisher: Mattel Electronics
Year: 1981
Platform: Intellivision
Snafu is an action video game released for the Intellivision in 1981. Developed and published by Mattel Electronics, the game is inspired by the arcade game Surround and involves players controlling serpents that leave trails behind them. The objective is to trap opponents by maneuvering your serpent to force them into a collision with a trail, the edge of the playfield, or an obstacle.
The game offers two primary modes: “Trap” and “Bite.” In “Trap” mode, players aim to enclose their opponents, causing them to crash into a trail. In “Bite” mode, players attempt to make contact between the head of their serpent and the tail of an opponent’s serpent, “biting” off one link with each contact. The game includes 16 different variations, adjusting factors like movement direction (horizontal/vertical/diagonal), presence of obstacles, and whether trails remain after a player is eliminated.
Snafu features both single-player and two-player modes, allowing for competitive play. The game’s design emphasizes strategic movement and quick reflexes, as players must navigate their serpents to outmaneuver opponents while avoiding collisions. The inclusion of multiple game variations adds replayability and depth to the gameplay experience.
The game’s graphics utilize the Intellivision’s capabilities to display colorful trails and simple animations, enhancing the visual appeal. The sound design includes music that plays during gameplay, contributing to the game’s atmosphere. Snafu’s straightforward mechanics and engaging gameplay made it a popular title among Intellivision users.
