Todd's Adventures in Slime World (1990-)

• Developer: Epyx

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Action-Adventure

Todd's Adventures in Slime World for the Atari Lynx was developed by Epyx and published by Atari Corporation in 1990. The game was originally created as an exclusive title for the Lynx, demonstrating the handheld’s capabilities with vibrant graphics, smooth animation, and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. It was later ported to other systems, including the TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Genesis, allowing a wider audience to experience its unique combination of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The Lynx version was particularly praised for its visual clarity and performance on a portable platform.

The game’s story follows Todd, a young adventurer trapped in the mysterious Slime World, a realm overrun with dangerous creatures and shifting terrain made of slime. Todd must navigate this hazardous environment to collect treasures, defeat enemies, and ultimately escape the world. The concept drew inspiration from maze-based action games and platformers of the late 1980s, blending strategy, exploration, and combat. The living, ever-changing nature of the slime added unpredictability and a sense of urgency, making each playthrough a distinct challenge for the player.

Gameplay revolves around guiding Todd through multi-level arenas filled with enemies, hazards, and interactive elements. Players must manage resources such as ammunition and health while negotiating the flowing slime, which can both hinder and aid movement. The Lynx version featured single-player and multiplayer modes, with the handheld’s ComLynx functionality enabling cooperative or competitive play. Levels required a combination of careful planning and quick reflexes, while hidden treasures and power-ups encouraged exploration, increasing the game’s replayability and depth.

The soundtrack on the Lynx included energetic and atmospheric music that complemented the tense and dynamic gameplay, along with sound effects for attacks, jumps, and item collection to reinforce immersion. Todd’s Adventures in Slime World did not have a prequel, but it later inspired a sequel called Todd’s Adventures in Slime World: Deluxe Edition, which expanded on the original’s levels and gameplay mechanics. The Lynx version was promoted as a showcase for the handheld’s graphical and multiplayer strengths, receiving praise for its inventive level design, challenging gameplay, and its ability to deliver a compelling action-adventure experience on a portable system.

Images from MobyGames