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Cannonball Blitz

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Cannonball Blitz
Developer(s)On-Line Systems
Publisher(s)On-Line Systems
Designer(s)Olaf Lubeck
Platform(s)Apple II, TI-99/4A, VIC-20
Release
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Cannonball Blitz is a game programmed by Olaf Lubeck for the Apple II and published by On-Line Systems in 1982. It was ported to the VIC-20 and TI-99/4A computers. An historic military spin on Donkey Kong, rolling cannonballs replace barrels, a soldier stands in for the large ape, and the objective of the first level is a flag rather than a kidnapped woman.

Gameplay

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There are three different screens, the third of which is particularly challenging. After completing the third level, the player views a small celebration scene and then restarts at the first level. Repeated levels only differ from those of the first round in the harsher timing patterns of the game.

Development

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Cannonball Blitz achieved some notoriety in the Apple hacking community as being difficult to crack. Track 17, sector D of the game contains the message "YOU'LL NEVER CRACK IT".[1]

Reception

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Ron Brinkmann reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World, and stated that "In the final analysis, Cannonball Blitz is a game every bit as challenging and fun as the arcade original. It will give you hours (days, months, years) of enjoyment."[2]

Ahoy! wrote that "Cannonball Blitz [for the VIC-20], make no mistake about it, is Donkey Kong in dress blues. Not a bloody thing new here. However, you're going to find it a barrel of fun". The magazine favorably reviewed the animation and the "unbelievable" sound effects, and concluded that it was "a very good version of a fine game".[3]

References

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  1. ^ Krakowicz's Kracking Korner: The Basics of Kracking, Part II
  2. ^ Gittleman, Barry (September–October 1982). "Micro - Reviews". Computer Gaming World. Vol. 1, no. 6. p. 42.
  3. ^ Meade, E. C. (January 1984). "Cannonball Blitz". Ahoy!. pp. 56–57. Retrieved 27 June 2014.