Amidar (Stern)

Amidar is a maze video game developed by Konami and released in arcades in 1982. In North America, it was distributed by Stern, making it a notable import for arcade enthusiasts. This game belongs to the arcade platform and is considered the first entry in the grid capture sub-genre of maze games, a distinction that influenced many later titles. The 1982 release year places it in the early golden age of arcade gaming, competing with classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

In Amidar, the player controls a character who moves through a maze, painting the grid lines by walking over them. The goal is to capture entire sections of the maze, turning them a different color. Completing a section triggers a bonus. However, enemies such as a panda and a gorilla patrol the maze and can tag the player, costing a life. The player can briefly jump over enemies to dodge them, and the game includes a bonus round where a tractor beam can be used to catch floating items. The core loop involves careful route planning and quick reflexes to avoid the adversaries while efficiently painting the grid.

Today, Amidar is worth trying for its historical significance as the precursor to games like Qix and its simple yet surprisingly deep gameplay. Its abstract, colorful graphics and catchy sound effects capture the essence of early 80s arcades. While not as famous as some contemporaries, it remains a solid challenge for retro gaming fans who appreciate maze-based mechanics and the satisfying feedback of capturing territory. It's a niche but rewarding title that shows the experimental side of the era's game design.