When I think back at my first exposure to computer games in the mid-to-late eighties there are many classics that come to mind. Electronic Arts' Hard Hat Mack is among those classics, which also include: Frogger, Dig Dug, Miner 2049er, Lode Runner, Donkey Kong and Zaxxon. For some strange reason though, Hard Hat Mack stands out to me more so than the others although it may not share their popularity today. Hard Hat Mack is a platform game in which the main character is set on completing the construction of a building.
When I think back at my first exposure to computer games in the mid-to-late eighties there are many classics that come to mind. Electronic Arts' Hard Hat Mack is among those classics, which also include: Frogger, Dig Dug, Miner 2049er, Lode Runner, Donkey Kong and Zaxxon. For some strange reason though, Hard Hat Mack stands out to me more so than the others although it may not share their popularity today. Hard Hat Mack is a platform game in which the main character is set on completing the construction of a building.
There are basically three different levels which provide Mack with different challenges. In the first level Mack must fill 4 separate gaps in the floor with girders, once the girders are in place
he must rivet them. This may sound simple enough until you take in account the hazards that he must overcome to complete his task. Whether these are thugs, safety inspectors or just errant pieces of mortar, Mack must be alert at all times to avoid an early demise. The second level requires you to pick up several tool boxes and then ascend to top of the building with the help of timing the attraction of a giant magnet. The third stage has you dropping blocks through holes in the floor into a rivet machine below. Throughout the three stages there are multiple dangers that must be avoided, objects come at you from all directions which demand that Mack be on alert at all times.
The levels are designed so that Mack must cover pretty much the whole area to complete his task. Unlike other games of the same generation which start off easy and gradually get tougher, Hard Hat Mack is difficult for the outset and only gets more and more intense. As far as the visuals go Hard Hat Mack is right in line with its peers. It's 4-colour CGA graphics have that charm that take you back to days when games were much simpler and yet still undeniably engrossing. If one were to have any gripes with Hard Hat Mack it would definitely come at the hands of the few levels which repeat over and over again, as well as the difficulty factor. Hard Hat Mack is forced to restart each level from scratch for every life lost. Basically if you're looking for a slice of classic gaming heaven and are willing to be challenged in doing so, Hard Hat Mack may be just the game you are looking for.
