Alibaba
Alibaba on MSX1
Alibaba for the MSX 1 is a simple arcade-style platformer that originally came out in the mid-1980s. The exact publisher and developer are not widely documented, but it was clearly designed as a straightforward single-screen action game common on early Japanese home computers. This is an official commercial release, not a hack or homebrew.
The player controls a character who must navigate a series of platforms and ladders, avoiding or outrunning enemies while collecting treasure or keys to progress. Each screen presents a new layout of ledges, pits, and moving threats. The core loop involves moving left or right, climbing up and down ladders, and timing your moves to dodge foes and grab items before moving to the next stage.
For retro enthusiasts, Alibaba is worth a look if you enjoy the no-frills challenge of early MSX platformers. It doesn't break new ground compared to contemporaries like Lode Runner or Congo Bongo, but its tight level design and pick-up-and-play nature make it a decent time killer. It's a niche title, but a fair snapshot of mid-80s microcomputer gaming.
How to Play Alibaba Online
Alibaba is a single-screen platformer where you move your character with the arrow keys and jump with the X key. The B key (S) lets you run or attack depending on the context. Your goal on each screen is to collect all visible treasures or keys while avoiding the enemies that patrol the platforms. Touching an enemy costs a life, so watch their patterns carefully.
The game begins immediately with the first stage. There are no menus or title screen issues in the English version, so you can jump straight in. If you are playing a Japanese release, the main menu might display text, but pressing Start (Enter) usually begins a game. Focus on learning enemy routes and ladder placements to clear each screen without being caught. There are no continues, so survival depends on practice.
Alibaba Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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