Keystone Kapers

"A wonderfully engrossing game."

50th greatest video game of all time

Many people are biased against the Atari 2600 simply because of the graphics, but I don't see why, as it has been home to some of the greatest video games ever created. Keystone Kapers is a prime example of this. It may not have the best graphics or music out there (hell, it doesn't even have any music), but the fact remains that it is one of the most addictive and fun video games of all time.

Hell, anyone can get right into this game and start playing it. The learning curve is extremely limited, as anyone can get the hang of this instantly. The controls are simple to figure out and very intiuitive, and the gameplay ideas itself are not confusing in the least. Therefore, this is an excellent game to start off with if you are new to Atari games, or video games in general.

There is no real storyline to speak of here. You just are a cop who is trying to chase a robber. It's not Final Fantasy-level stuff, but who cares? It's just a fun little game.

The graphics and music are pretty decent for an atari game. There is no music or sound effects, so I won't even bother to mention those, as they just don't exist. The graphics are a tad plain for my liking, as the details in the backgrounds are very mediocre, although they happen to be a tad colorful. There is not much of a variety in them, and the stage designs just look odd after a while, but it's still not bad.

Once you actually get into the game, you will find one of the more addictive and gratifying games out there. Your object is to avoid enemies and baddies like shopping carts and wild animals in a quest to catch a robber before he proceeds to the next screen. There are ways to catch up to him, like using ladders that he convinently ignores, pushing shopping carts in front of him, that sort of thing. It's all part of what makes the game so appealing.

Keystone Kapers really stands the test of time due to the wonderful and engrossing gameplay. Never before have I played a game that hooked me quite like this one did. It's easily landed the last spot on my top 50 video games of all time, just due to the variety of stages and awesome fun factor the game brings.

Randy K Orton checking out: Pick up this gem on Activision Classics today. Check back soon when I reveal the 49th greatest video game of all time.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/03