Blagger

Blagger is a platform game originally created by Antony Crowther for the Commodore 64 and released by Alligata in 1983. The MSX 1 port arrived in 1984, bringing the challenge to a whole new audience. In some regions, the game was known as Gangster, but the core experience remains the same: a fast-paced, screen-based platformer that demands precision and timing.

You play as a character who must navigate a series of single-screen levels, each filled with platforms, ladders, and hazards. The objective on every screen is to collect all the keys or other items scattered around, then reach the exit. Guards or other enemies patrol each area, and touching them costs a life. The game is a classic example of early 1980s arcade-style platforming, with tight collision detection and a focus on memorizing enemy patterns.

Blagger is worth revisiting because it represents a formative moment in platform game design, directly inspired by games like Manic Miner but with its own distinct feel. The MSX version runs well and captures the same pick-up-and-play intensity. It is not a long or deep game, but its snappy difficulty and straightforward premise make it a solid choice for fans of retro platformers who want another challenge from the early days of the genre.