Windows 95 Nostalgia Theatre #1: Chip's Challenge

[Valigarmander]

Welcome to my new series about computer games from the early nineties that you may remember if you or your parents were rich enough to afford a PC then. Take a trip down memory lane tonight as we look back at one of my favorite games, Chip's Challenge.



That's Chip. And he's got quite the challenge ahead of him, as you can see. The story goes, Chip, a high-school nerd, meets Melinda "The Mental Marvel", and must make his way through he clubhouse to gain entry to the exclusive Bit Buster Club. Melinda's clubhouse is comprised of 149 increasingly difficult puzzles that Chip has to wit his way through.

Chip's Challenge is a 2D puzzle game. You control Chip and pilot him throughout mazelike levels, collecting items and avoiding traps. The goal of each level is to reach the exit within the time limit. In most levels, the exit is blocked by a chip socket that disappears once you've collected a certain number of computer chips scattered throughout the level. Of course, there's much more to the game than just collecting chips.

Levels are filled with a variety of obstacles, some mildly irritating, some lethal. There are doors that can only be opened using keys that come in four different colors (all of which but the green key disappear upon use, ala Zelda). There are invisible walls that you can only see after walking into them. Water and fire will kill Chip unless he has the proper equipment. Ice and "force floors" will send Chip flying if you don't have the right items. Buttons can be activated by Chip or monsters, and have a variety of effects. Speaking of monsters, you also have to avoid dangerous creatures like blobs, bugs, fireballs, tanks, paramecia, and others.

It's a fun and challenging game, and with 149 levels it'll be a while before you're finished with it.

Click to view video.

Want to play? Download it here.

Come back next week, and we'll discuss a game about bouncing balls.

[Katty Bard]

I have this gaaaaaaaaaaame

I'm stuck on like, level 9, I think....I forget.