Arcade Game: Tutankham (1982 Konami) Apr 2026
The game was a commercial hit in 1982 and saw numerous home ports by Parker Brothers. While the version is a radical departure with vertical scrolling, the ColecoVision port is widely considered the most faithful and superior home conversion. In Japan, it is viewed as the spiritual predecessor to Konami's King's Valley series. Header Text Preamble text
Tutankham was noted for its vibrant colors and high-speed sprites that were quite advanced for the early '80s. The game features a unique "rainbow" effect when firing and a memorable "death" animation where the player explodes into a skull and crossbones. Arcade Game: Tutankham (1982 Konami)
The defining gimmick of Tutankham is its restricted combat. While you can move in eight directions, you can (left and right). The game was a commercial hit in 1982
Released by in 1982, Tutankham (often known by its slightly shortened name due to hardware screen constraints) is a seminal maze-shooter that blends fast-paced action with light puzzle-solving. As an unnamed explorer, you delve into Egyptian catacombs to recover legendary treasures, including the final prize: King Tut’s golden death mask. Gameplay Mechanics: The "Horizontal" Hook Header Text Preamble text Tutankham was noted for
“It's an interesting game, and a decent challenge, though its difficulty lets it down.” The King of Grabs · 7 years ago Tutankham - Hardcore Gaming 101
: Points are awarded for collecting optional treasures like rings and chests, and for any time remaining on the level clock upon exit. Presentation & Difficulty
: A single-use "smart bomb" that clears all enemies on the screen. Use it sparingly, as you typically only get one per life or level.