Snail Maze

"Snail Maze" is a 1986 video game by Sega, part of the Sega Master System. Instead of being released on a cartridge, it was built into the system's BIOS and could be played by starting the system without a game cartridge inserted and holding Up and buttons 1 and 2 simultaneously. The later "Master System II" model did not include "Snail Maze". "Snail Maze" was never released in cartridge or card format.

Gameplay

A very simple game, "Snail Maze" involves navigating a small orange snail with a yellow shell through a blue maze. A goal area is clearly marked, which players must attempt to reach within a time limit. Despite its relative simplicity compared to other games of its era, Snail Maze could be quite challenging. Subsequent levels reduce the time available, giving progressively lower margin for error.

Recent releases

"Snail Maze" fans have worked to keep the game from becoming an obscure footnote in video game history. For example, in 2004 a port of "Snail Maze" was made for the Japanese MSX computer platform. The port included enhanced graphics as well as a new title screen. A version of "Snail Maze" was included on the Coleco Sonic handheld system, created in 2006, as well.

External links

* [http://www.vgmuseum.com/images/sms/02/snailmaze.html Screenshots of original Master System version]
* [http://www.msxgamesbox.com/Sections/news/maze/snailmaze.php?action=results&poll_ident=4 2004 MSX port, with pictures]
* [http://smspower.org/dev/bios/DETAILS.TXT Comparison of Master System BIOS versions]
* [http://www.smstributes.co.uk/snail/snail.htm A Macromedia Flash version of this classic game]