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Pitfall is an action game released in 1982 for the Atari 2600. The game revolves around navigating the protagonist, Pitfall Harry, through a jungle filled with various obstacles and hazards. The main objective is to collect 32 treasures within a 20-minute time limit while avoiding dangers like quicksand, crocodiles, and rolling logs.
The gameplay pace is steady, requiring precise timing and strategic movement. A unique mechanic of Pitfall is its side-scrolling exploration combined with timed challenges, which was innovative for early 1980s gaming. Players must jump, climb, and swing across vines to progress, creating a dynamic interaction with the environment.
What makes Pitfall distinctive is its use of an expansive jungle setting with multiple screen transitions, which adds depth to the Atari 2600 action game experience. This early platformer set a precedent for future adventure titles by blending exploration and obstacle navigation in a single, continuous world.