Escape Loop

16K ZX81 - 2026

The task is simple - run, jump, and dodge the pits, spikes, crushers, and whatever else comes your way to reach the end of each level to progress to another.  Your skill on the level dictates which level is next, and you will be given an eight character code so you can return to that level by typing it on the main menu.

Controls:

• Z - Left
• X - Right
• L - Jump
• Q - Quit

All controls can be redefined on the main menu by pressing R.  A ZXpand joystick can also be used.

The Chroma interface can also be used to add colour to the game.

This game has had many lives - it began in a slightly different form as a concept for a PlayDate title utilising the crank hand.  Having decided not to take that any further it sat gathering dust for a while until I decided it could make an "interesting" ZX81 game, and so here it is.  In this form it's somewhat akin to the "Dinosaur Game" included within Google's Chrome browser, and has procedurally generated levels so none are the same - even I don't know what each one looks like!  As per the 8-bit classic "The Sentinel" there are 9,999 levels, but I've gone one better and actually added a sequence when the game has been completed - if anybody is persistent enough to get that far.

Be warned - it is difficult!