BBG Entertainment has revealed they will be rebooting Manic Miner, a ZX Spectrum classic from 1983. Set to arrive this autumn on all major consoles and PC, Manic Miner was hugely popular when it was released, and this reboot will feature all the original levels, the classical in-game music, and the same frustratingly addictive gameplay.
Back in 1983, a 17-year-old Matthew Smith created Manic Miner for the ZX Spectrum. Not only did it impress people for being a great game, it also amazed the industry for being the first ZX Spectrum game to play in-game music (it was thought the ZX Spectrum couldn’t run in-game music). This reboot has taken the game’s original code and reconstructed it to create a look and feel that is loyal to its roots.
The remake of this cult classic will feature all 20 original levels in a stunning reinterpretation with detailed backgrounds, parallax scrolling, etc., and in a classic mode for those who want that pixel art experience. There’s also an optional CRT TV mode for those wanting the ultimate nostalgia trip.
The classical music of Strauss and Grieg that played in the background of the original has been rearranged in a contemporary style so that gamers can experience the same wonder of listening to In the Hall of the Mountain King while jumping around Eugene’s Lair (By the way, Eugene is back and ready to frustrate a new generation of gamers).
There’s also the definitive Manic Miner archive for those who want to learn more of the game’s impressive history, from its development in the early 80s to its rise to cult status. There are also additional features, such as online leaderboards and revamped controls.
Manic Miner will arrive this autumn for PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Windows, and Mac.
