Dragonstomper (Atari 2600, 1982)

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A surprisingly deep and ambitious RPG, Dragonstomper allows players to roam a vast landscape fighting creatures, amassing gold, and purchasing weapons and potions to ultimately defeat a powerful dragon. As one of the multi-load Starpath Supercharger titles, Dragonstomper creates an imaginative world originally not thought possible on the Atari VCS. The first level takes place on the sprawling plains of the Enchanted Countryside, where players move an Adventure-like dot on a mission to collect items and accumulate strength and dexterity points, all while battling an odd mix of creatures. Using items such as charms, crosses and rings can reveal traps or deplete (or increase) one's strength, while a handaxe won in battle can make for swift victories. Once confident they've gathered enough inventory, players can show their I.D. to the bridge's guardian, allowing them to advance to the second level. It's there, in the Oppressed Village, that players can sell or exchange their inventory items for more powerful weapons, vitamins, magic spells, and critical supplies. There are even three semi-loyal soldiers available for hire to help slay the dragon. Once well equipped, players may enter the dragon's cave, which is filled with perilous traps and health-sapping disease, until ultimately descending into the dragon's lair for the final confrontation.<br> <br>The wonder of Dragonstomper lies in the magnitude and variety of its environments, which provide a depth of gameplay usually reserved for home computer titles of this genre. The vast terrain of the first level gives adventurers plenty to explore while they encounter hordes of strange enemies. Villager's huts may yield treasures, castles can spring traps, and touching trees may cause packs of wild monkeys to attack, sometimes forcing players into turn-based combat. Gaining strength after a lengthy battle can be as simple as making a sizable donation to the local church (accompanied by organ music, of course) or by drinking an appropriate potion. However, choosing the wrong potion or using the wrong object can result in a quick death. The mood of the Oppressed Village is a somber reminder of the dangers that lay ahead. Pangs of doubt may persist, even after buying every potion, jewel and weapon available, causing players to question their readiness for battle.<br> <br>The Dragon's cave, a lengthy, vertical-scrolling journey, is nerve wrenchingly silent as players attempt to avoid its secretive traps, only to pause for a deep breath before finally dropping into the beast's lair. Here, in what may be the first boss confrontation in a console title, players can unleash both weapons-based and magical attacks against an imposing foe. Player's spells can be countered and weapons can have minimal effect, ratcheting up even more tension during battle. A soldier may even refuse to fight if he witnesses his compatriots having no success with their attacks. Once victory is achieved, a rousing rendition of "Rule Britannia" will play, causing players to fully comprehend what an epic (and woefully overlooked) title Dragonstomper truly is.