Dinolympics (1993-)

• Developer: Imagitec Design

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Platform

Dinolympics for the Atari Lynx was developed by Imagitec Design and released in 1993, with Atari serving as publisher. The game was exclusive to the Lynx and was not ported to other platforms under that name, although it shares its core concept with The Humans, another puzzle-based title released on computers and consoles around the same time. Dinolympics brought that same style of problem-solving gameplay to the handheld, rebranded and tailored for the Lynx’s audience, making it one of the more notable puzzle experiences on the system during its later years.

The game is set in a prehistoric world where tribes of cavemen must use their wits and teamwork to complete a wide variety of levels. Drawing inspiration from Lemmings, Dinolympics requires players to assign tasks to individual cavemen—such as building, climbing, or using tools—to navigate hazards, collect items, and achieve objectives. Levels become increasingly complex, demanding careful planning and precise timing. The cavemen are also aided by dinosaurs, which add another layer of variety and strategy to the puzzles. This prehistoric theme helped distinguish the game from other logic titles of the early 1990s.

Gameplay on the Lynx was designed around gradually introducing players to new mechanics while escalating the challenge. With dozens of stages to complete, Dinolympics combined puzzle-solving with light action elements, as the player had to manage characters in real time. The visuals used bold sprites and colorful backdrops to make characters and tools clear on the handheld’s small screen, while the audio consisted of short looping background tracks and distinct sound effects for actions like climbing, jumping, or interacting with objects. The soundtrack was simple but functional, intended to support rather than distract from the concentration required for each level.

Dinolympics did not have a prequel on the Lynx, but its connection to The Humans makes it part of a larger puzzle franchise that received wider recognition on other systems. While no direct sequel titled Dinolympics followed, The Humans went on to spawn sequels and ports on platforms such as the Amiga, PC, and Sega Genesis. Promotion for Dinolympics was modest, with Atari including it in catalogues and trade show displays as evidence of the Lynx’s variety of genres. Critical reception was generally favorable, with praise for its depth and originality, though some noted that its difficulty and learning curve could be daunting. Today, it is remembered as a unique entry in the Lynx library and a rare handheld adaptation of a then-popular puzzle formula.

Images from MobyGames