DESCRIPTION

Manic Miner for the Spectrum was one of the titles available soon after the system's release. The game was created by Matthew Smith and published by Bug Byte.

Following its initial reviews, Manic Miner enjoyed enormous sales figures and a cult following. Far surpassing any prior Spectrum effort, the game gave the machine constant background music, sprite graphics, multiple backdrops and a new hero: Miner Willie.

Much of the game's attraction was based around the references to other games, films and individuals littered throughout the twenty levels. Crashing skylabs? This is 1983! As a result, the semi-mysterious author, Matthew Smith, gained much attention — a situation unknown in previous Sinclair realms.

Manic Miner went on to spawn at least one (proper) sequel, Jet Set Willie, which was designed to be larger in scope. Nevertheless, it failed to deliver the same number of accolades as Willie's first outing. ~ Richard Webb, All Game Guide