Genre

The Goonies is a single-player, side-scrolling, action-adventure platform game developed by Konami for the MSX. It combines elements of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration, allowing players to control Sloth (according to the MSX manual) as he navigates through various levels inspired by scenes from the film, all in an effort to rescue his kidnapped friends and find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy.

It was first released on the Japanese Famicom in 1986 and quickly ported to the Sharp X1, MSX and PC-8801. Its media type was a cartridge, and it supported a keyboard as an input device, and as a controller, a digital joystick.

Similar games

Milon's Secret Castle

Released Nov 13, 1986

Milon's Secret Castle is a platforming game for the NES released by Hudson Soft in 1986 in Japan and 1988 in North America.

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Zorro

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Mappy

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Elevator Action

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The player assumes the role of a spy codename: "Otto", who infiltrates buildings filled with elevators. The goal is to collect secret documents from the building, while moving from floor to floor using an increasingly complex series of elevators. Enemy agents appear from behind closed doors, and Otto must outwit them via force or evasion. Successful completion of a level involves collecting the secret documents and traversing the building from top to bottom. In the lower floors of the building, the elevator systems are so complex that some puzzle-solving skills are needed.

Market positioning (achievements, sales, awards)

It is almost impossible to find data related to achievements, sales, or awards; probably due to the age of the game, and it could be assumed that it is also, due to its low popularity. However, original physical copies of the game, manuals, etc. can still be found around some places over the internet.

The following images represent the prices of the existing content related to the MSX ‘The Goonies’:

See the actual web in real-time here: https://www.pricecharting.com/game/jp-msx/goonies

Technical profile

With its inception in the early 1980s, the MSX (Machine with Software eXchangeability) hardware emerged as a pioneering standardized computing platform. It aimed to unify software and hardware development in the home computing sector, fostering an ecosystem of creativity and innovation.

MSX Hardware

Central Processing Unit (CPU):

The MSX architecture is powered by the Zilog Z80 processor, renowned for its compatibility with the Intel 8080 and its efficient operation. Running at a clock speed typically around 3.58 MHz, the Z80 ensures robust performance and compatibility with a wide range of software titles.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):

Driving visual output on the MSX platform is the V9938 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), notably featured in the MSX2 series. With support for various graphics modes, including text and graphic modes with resolutions up to 512x212 pixels, the V9938 offers smooth rendering and hardware-accelerated graphics capabilities.

Memory:

Memory management is a cornerstone of the MSX architecture. With RAM typically ranging from 64 KB to 512 KB, the system provides ample space for program execution and data storage. VRAM, ranging from 16 KB to 128 KB, is dedicated to handling graphical data and screen buffers, ensuring seamless rendering of visuals.

Audio:

Enhancing the multimedia experience on the MSX is the PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) chip. Capable of producing rich soundscapes with three square wave sound channels and one noise channel, the PSG adds depth and immersion to gaming and multimedia applications.

Expansion and Connectivity:

The MSX hardware offers expandability through its expansion slots, accommodating cartridges and peripherals. This facilitates integration with floppy disk drives, printers, MIDI devices, and more, extending the functionality and versatility of the MSX platform.

The MSX hardware represents a pivotal chapter in the evolution of home computing. It leaves a lasting legacy in the realm of home computing, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts, developers, and retro-gamers.

With its powerful CPU, advanced graphics capabilities, efficient memory management, and immersive audio experience, the MSX remains an iconic symbol of innovation and creativity and continues to captivate and inspire users worldwide, embodying a timeless charm and innovation in computing history.

History of the game

"The Goonies" for the MSX is a notable game based on the popular 1985 adventure-comedy film of the same name. Here's a brief overview of its history:

The game was developed by Konami, a renowned Japanese video game developer and publisher known for creating many iconic titles in the 1980s and beyond. It was released for the MSX platform in 1986.

Hardware:

The MSX (MicroSoft eXtended) is a standardized home computer architecture that was popular in the 1980s, especially in Japan and several European countries. It was a collaborative effort led by Microsoft and supported by various computer manufacturers. The MSX platform encompassed a range of compatible computers, each with its own specifications, but all adhering to the MSX standard.

History of Versions:

The MSX version of "The Goonies" was one of the earlier adaptations of the game. It featured platformer gameplay with puzzle elements, loosely following the plot of the movie. Players controlled Sloth, the protagonist, as he navigated through various levels to rescue his friends and find hidden treasure.

There were several other versions of "The Goonies" released for different platforms around the same time. For instance, there were versions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the Family Computer Disk System (FDS), and the arcade.

Each version had its own unique features and gameplay mechanics, but they all shared the same basic premise of navigating through levels, solving puzzles, and avoiding or defeating enemies.

Despite not being a groundbreaking or critically acclaimed game, "The Goonies" holds nostalgic value for many gamers who grew up playing it during the 1980s. It is remembered fondly as a tie-in to the beloved movie and for its simple yet entertaining gameplay.

Overall, "The Goonies" for the MSX, along with its counterparts on other platforms, remains a notable part of gaming history, showcasing the early efforts of developers to create tie-in games for popular movies.