B.C's Quest
What is B.C's Quest?
B.C.'s Quest for Tires is a horizontally scrolling action game released in 1983 for multiple systems, including the MSX1. It was designed by Rick Banks and Michael Bate, published by Sierra On-Line. The game is based on Johnny Hart's comic strip B.C., and its title is a playful nod to the film Quest for Fire. On the MSX, this is a straightforward port of the original Commodore 64 version, offering the same side-scrolling action that was popular at the time.
You take control of a wheel-riding caveman who constantly moves forward through a prehistoric landscape. The core loop involves timing jumps and ducks to avoid obstacles like rocks and puddles. It's very similar to Irem's Moon Patrol, where the challenge comes from reacting to quickly approaching hazards. There's no complex story - just survive as long as possible by navigating the scrolling terrain without crashing.
For a modern player, B.C.'s Quest for Tires is a neat piece of early 80s arcade action on the MSX. It's simple but challenging, and its comic book roots give it a distinct personality. The game is worth a look if you enjoy classic side-scrollers or want to see how Sierra adapted a newspaper strip into an interactive experience. It's not deep, but it's honest fun for a quick play session.
How to Play B.C's Quest Online
Getting started is simple. Press Enter to start the game. Your caveman automatically rolls forward, so you only need to worry about obstacles. Press X to jump over rocks and other ground hazards. If something is too high to jump, you may need to duck by pressing down on the Arrow Keys (or just let the obstacle pass if it's a low one). The game scrolls horizontally at a steady pace, and your only goal is to survive as long as possible without crashing.
The core loop is straightforward: react to each new obstacle as it appears. Sometimes obstacles come in quick succession, so timing is everything. There are no power-ups or extra mechanics - just jump or duck. The difficulty increases as the game progresses, with more obstacles and tighter spacing. If you hit an obstacle, the game ends and you can start over.
Since this is an English-language game, menus are easy to navigate. The title screen shows the game name and a prompt to press start. There are no complex options or configurations. Just focus on the road ahead and keep your caveman moving.
B.C's Quest Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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