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Cratermaze (USA)

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Cratermaze on TG16

Cratermaze is a top-down action game that originally started life as a Doraemon title in Japan before being stripped of its license and repackaged for the North American TurboGrafx-16. It arrived on the platform in 1990, a time when Hudson Soft and NEC were pushing the PC Engine's library overseas. The game trades cute manga mascots for a generic sci-fi theme, but the core maze-based gameplay remains unchanged. You move a small character through a series of grid-like mazes filled with enemies, traps, and items to collect. The goal is to gather all the necessary keys or items on each screen to open the exit, all while avoiding or outsmarting patrolling foes. The top-down perspective and simple controls - move, run, and jump - make it easy to pick up, but later levels require careful timing and route planning to survive. Today, Cratermaze is an interesting piece of TurboGrafx-16 history because it shows how localized games were sometimes hastily rebranded. It is not a deep or particularly polished title, but its straightforward maze-action gameplay holds up for short sessions. Fans of the Doraemon original might find the changes superficial, but as a standalone release, it offers a decent challenge for retro maze lovers.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC TURBOGRAFX-16
Genre: Action
Developer: Hudson Soft
Released: 1990
Players: 1
Region: USA

How to play Cratermaze online

Getting Started

When you start Cratermaze, you are dropped into the first maze with a simple objective: collect all the required items scattered around the screen. The exit will unlock once you have gathered everything. Use the arrow keys to move, and press the A button (X key) to jump over gaps or small obstacles. The B button (S key) lets you run, which is essential for dodging enemies that patrol the corridors.

The core loop involves entering a maze, figuring out the item layout, and finding a safe path that avoids or outruns enemies. Some mazes have multiple floors or teleport pads that add variety. Although the game looks simple, the enemy AI can be relentless, so you need to learn their patterns and use the environment to your advantage. There is no life bar - touching an enemy usually costs a life, so caution is key.

Since this version was converted from a Japanese Doraemon game, the visuals are slightly generic but the mechanics are intact. There is no in-game tutorial, but the objective is always clear: grab everything and reach the exit. If you get stuck, try different routes and use the run button to create distance from enemies.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Cratermaze FAQ

Who developed Cratermaze?

Hudson Soft originally created this game as a Doraemon title for the PC Engine, then adapted it for the international market as Cratermaze. The conversion work kept the same engine and level design while replacing the licensed sprites and story elements.

What type of game is Cratermaze?

It is a top-down action maze game where the player navigates grid-based levels to collect items while avoiding enemies. The emphasis is on route planning and quick reflexes rather than combat or exploration.

Which regions was Cratermaze released in?

Cratermaze was released in North America on the TurboGrafx-16. The original Doraemon version was exclusive to Japan on the PC Engine, making the international release a distinct, rebranded edition.

All NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 games