Genre: Platform
Developer: Philips
Publisher: Philips
Year: 1982
Platform: Philips Videopac
“Pickaxe Pete” is a platform action game set in the Misty Mountain Mine, where the player controls Pickaxe Pete in a multi-level mine environment. The gameplay revolves around breaking gold-bearing rocks that randomly burst from three doors leading to deeper parts of the mine. Players must use a pickaxe to strike the rocks before they break, while avoiding falling rocks by jumping or crawling. The pickaxe periodically breaks, demanding careful timing to avoid being crushed.
When two rocks collide, they can reveal helpful items like a new pickaxe or keys which allow Pete to unlock doors and advance to deeper mine levels. Collecting gold, evading rocks, and successfully navigating through the doors rewards points, emphasizing strategic movement and reflexes. Players lose if hit by a rock or if they attempt to pass through a locked door without a key.
The game is praised for its challenging but engaging action, with fast ducking and jumping controls leveraging the Odyssey 2’s joystick effectively. Unique aspects include dark levels where players cannot see platforms, increasing the difficulty and appeal. The Brazilian release featured a popular TV comedy character, adding cultural significance.
Critics generally rate the game positively, with an average score of 63% highlighting its addictive gameplay and solid control scheme despite dated graphics. A 1982 high score competition based on the game, the “Pick Axe Pete Pick-Off,” was held at the World’s Fair, offering substantial prizes and underscoring the title’s popularity.
