Blinky’s Scary School – Haunted Platforming on Atari XL/XE

Blinky’s Scary School, released in 1990 for the Atari XL/XE, is a charming yet spooky platform adventure developed by Zeppelin Games and distributed for the 8-bit Atari by Micro Discount Software. Mixing humor, puzzle-solving, and classic flick-screen action, it quickly became a cult favorite among retro gaming fans – especially during Halloween season.

Story and Setting

You play as Blinky, a friendly ghost tasked with clearing out a haunted school before sunrise. The building is filled with mischievous ghost-busters, cursed machinery, and magical obstacles. Your mission is to collect special items and ingredients to cast spells, repair devices, and outsmart those determined to expel you from your spooky domain.

Gameplay

The game unfolds across multiple static screens connected into a maze-like environment. Each room offers unique hazards, enemies, and environmental puzzles. Players must explore thoroughly, backtrack to previously visited areas, and experiment with combining collected items to progress.

Controls are joystick-based, and precise timing is crucial when avoiding enemies or leaping across gaps. While Blinky’s movement is generally smooth, the limited jump range means careful positioning is necessary before each leap.

Graphics and Sound

Blinky’s Scary School features colorful and humorous sprite work by Richard Beston, giving each location a distinct personality – from dusty classrooms to eerie laboratories. Adam Gilmore’s music provides a quirky and atmospheric soundtrack, though sound effects are sparse compared to other platformers of the time.

Development Team

• Programming: Ian Copeland
• Graphics: Richard Beston
• Music: Adam Gilmore

Legacy and Reception

With an Atarimania rating of 7.6/10, Blinky’s Scary School has remained a beloved title among Atari enthusiasts. Players praise its clever puzzles, lighthearted tone, and unique ghostly protagonist. While it lacks the speed of arcade-style platformers, its slower, puzzle-oriented gameplay offers a different kind of challenge that still appeals today.

Final Thoughts

Blinky’s Scary School stands out as one of the more whimsical adventures on the Atari XL/XE. Its mix of exploration, item-based puzzles, and charming graphics makes it a worthy addition to any retro gamer’s library – and a perfect choice for a spooky gaming night.