Dangerous Dave

Dangerous Dave in the Deserted Pirate’s Hideout! is the first game in the Dangerous Dave series, created by John Romero. The game originally debuted on the Apple II as a demo. Romero developed it using an Applesoft BASIC add-on called GraBASIC. It was later rewritten in Assembly language for the Apple II and also ported to MS-DOS, bringing its arcade-style platforming experience to a wider audience. Though simple in design, Dangerous Dave became an influential title that showcased the early talents of one of the key figures behind Doom and Quake.

The game follows the titular Dave, a thrill-seeking adventurer, as he explores a pirate’s hideout filled with treasure, traps, and deadly enemies. The objective is straightforward: collect as many valuables as possible while avoiding hazards and making it to the exit of each level. The game consists of ten levels, each growing progressively more difficult with new enemy types and environmental challenges.

Dangerous Dave technically supports CGA, EGA, and VGA graphics standards. The sprite work is simple yet effective, and while the animations are basic, they convey a sense of fluidity that was impressive for a PC platformer at the time. The game engine is a precursor to the more advanced side-scrolling techniques used in Commander Keen. The sound is minimal, relying on basic PC speaker effects for jumps and collisions, which was common for DOS games of the era.

Gameplay-wise, Dangerous Dave is a mix of platforming and light puzzle-solving. Players must carefully time jumps, avoid spikes, and use springboards to reach higher platforms. The controls can feel stiff compared to later PC platformers, but they remain functional and rewarding once mastered. The game’s difficulty can be punishing, requiring precision and patience to progress.

While Dangerous Dave in the Deserted Pirate’s Hideout! is a relatively short game, its influence is undeniable. It laid the foundation for the Dangerous Dave series and played a role in the evolution of PC gaming, demonstrating that you can have a good platformer on DOS machines. Compared to later platformers like Commander Keen or Duke Nukem, it feels more limited in scope. Still, it remains a charming and nostalgic experience for fans of early DOS and Apple II gaming.