Traps 'n' Treasures

Traps 'n' Treasures is a platform action-adventure game developed by Nightingale for the Amiga and published by Starbyte and Krisalis in 1993-94.

TNT takes players on an exciting pirate adventure with Captain Jeremy Flynn. The game is set on the dangerous Devil's Island, where Flynn must save his crew and recover his stolen treasure. Despite its apparent brevity (the game is structured in four levels), this adventure offers hours of engaging gameplay and, for the most part, is also very fun.

The initial level, Threadneedle-Lagoon, introduces players to the first simple objectives, all based on exploration. However, as you progress, you encounter increasingly complex levels to be solved non-linearly, facing maps full of puzzles, keys, and treacherous traps. The difficulty definitely increases as you go on.

The controls follow the standard of Amiga platform games, with a fire button for attacks and an upward press for jumps. Slightly more original mechanics, such as using the pirate flag as a parachute and bouncing on heels to break blocks, add depth to the gameplay.

The subsequent stages show a fairly complex level design. It's here that some issues come out that can frustrate some players. It's true that in those years, the difficulty of games was sometimes excessive, so we're not talking about anything strange. However, due to the size and labyrinthine nature of the maps, with dead ends and hidden dangers, the game does cause some anxiety. It requires developing a certain strategy and even taking notes to avoid losing your way.

Regarding graphics, Traps 'n' Treasures boasts charming pixel art that captures the pirate theme well. The color palette, with optimal use of the Amiga's 32 colors on screen, is exemplary.

Traps 'n' Treasures is an appreciable work, especially considering the tumultuous development cycle by these developers, who we would call 'indie' today. It was certainly an ambitious title. It offers a mix of action, adventure, and platforming that is worth trying. Sure, it's not perfect, but despite the unfriendly learning curve, it remains a hidden gem among Amiga games. Fans of the genre will appreciate it.