Pepper II
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Pepper II is an arcade video game created by Exidy and launched in 1982. Contrary to what the title suggests, there was no original Pepper or Pepper I game preceding it. In 1983, Coleco released a version adapted for its ColecoVision home console. The gameplay resembles that of Konami's Amidar, where the goal involves coloring the lines within a grid; each rectangle becomes filled once it is fully enclosed. The playing field is composed of four interconnected screens that together form a single level.
At the beginning of the game, players hear Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette."
Gameplay
Each stage consists of four maze sections connected by exits leading to the other three. Progression requires completing all four mazes. The player maneuvers "Pepper," depicted as an angel, who leaves behind a "zipper" trail while moving. When a segment is enclosed, it fills in and awards points; however, retracing steps over a partially enclosed segment causes it to unzip.
Two enemy varieties pose threats: Roaming Eyes and the Whippersnapper (referred to as Zipper Ripper on ColecoVision), which can undo incomplete segments by crossing them. Pepper's defense mechanism involves enclosing an area containing a pitchfork, temporarily transforming him into a devil for roughly four seconds. During this period, he can pursue Roaming Eyes while the Whippersnapper remains immobilized. Four pitchforks are placed at the corners of each maze. Additionally, a deluxe energizer located centrally alternates between a pitchfork and a halo. Capturing the energizer when it appears as a halo temporarily removes the Whippersnapper from play.
Points accumulate through enclosing segments, eating roaming eyes when energized, collecting prizes, completing individual mazes, and finishing all four mazes. Extra lives are granted at predetermined score thresholds ranging from 40,000 to 90,000 points, with these values adjustable via dip switches. Completing an entire screen triggers the melody "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." After clearing all four screens, a cube emerges to indicate player progress.
Within each maze lies a prize hidden in one segment; enclosing that particular section awards points and displays the prize beneath the maze.
Reviews
- Games issue #44
See also
External links
- Arcade manual hosted at the Internet Archive