Viki: Escape from Videoland

Viki: Escape from Videoland

Release type: Shareware
Release date: June 18, 1993
Levels: 4 (in demo version)
Author: Ronnie Toon
Website: RonMarie.com
Registration bonus: Complete game
Registration price: $10
Related games: Viki: Hot Balloon, Viki: Lost in Hidden Maze, Viki: Return to Bubble Land, Viki: Revenge of the Chomp Chomp Monster, Viki: Adventure in Space City, Viki: Madness in Crazy Island

Viki is a grab bag of design. Each level explores a completely different concept, and the documentation announces a follow-up game expanded from each individual level concept. The concepts range from an inscrutable rocket pack stage to a Penguin Pete style melt maze to odd action puzzle design that takes advantage of Game-Maker's distinctive collision and clipping bugs.

Strange and odd are operative words here, as the design in Viki is often sort of bewildering. Viki was Ronnie's first game, and for that it is a bold collection of experiments coherently wrapped together. Yet it also is interesting to see his raw instinct, without the distraction of careful analysis or experience. Why does the rocket pack level consist entirely of waiting around for a gate to open? Why does the only obvious solution to the third level require glitching out the game engine? What exactly is the main character, Viki, and how does this game represent a cross section of Videoland? Perhaps the channel-surfing level design explains the latter. Either way, there is much in this game that will likely remain a mystery.

The shareware version includes only four levels, and promises another two upon registration. If they ever existed, it's unlikely that they do now. Going from the documentation, level five would have involved a place called Space City, and level six was set on Crazy Island. Ominous.

Story

Floating to freedom in Viki: Escape from Videoland

VIKI is crazy over video arcade games. Everyday, after completing his homework, he would start playing his favourite games - killing monsters and wizards.

One night, VIKI had a dream. He saw the magical wizard, WEIDO who looked so real and frightening.

WEIDO was very angry. Viki had defeated and killed him many times in the game.

Viki had even rescued all the beautiful princesses WEIDO had kidnapped.

WEIDO wanted to take revenge and kill Viki. And the only way is to appear in Viki's dream.

Viki pleaded with WEIDO not to kill him. "It's only a game. You are just a bad fictional character.."

WEIDO was agitated. He raised his magical wand, and pointed it at Viki. He then mumbled some words.

Kaboom!.. VIKI woke up and found himself in some strange surroundings. "Where am I?", he says.

"Ha.. ha.. ha. Welcome to VideoLand. I am coming after you. There is no way you can escape and defeat me this time!", says WEIDO, "Viki, I am coming. Ha.. ha.. ha.."

VIKI was frightened. He then looked at YOU and pleaded "Help, will you help me get out of this place fast... before WEIDO comes and kill me? Please... "

Instructions

Level 3 of Viki

The objectives of this game is to help VIKI locate the EXIT DOOR that will lead him to the next level.

VIKI can only escape if he managed to pass through all the 6 levels of VIDEOLAND.

The last 2 levels are only available in the Registered Version. Read the VIKI manual for more information.

All levels:

Arrow Keys - Move VIKI around

Levels 4, 5:

Arrow Keys - Move VIKI around

Space - Fire

Level 6:

Arrow Keys - Move VIKI

Space - Fire

Level 1 of Viki

(Numeric KeyPad)

8 - Move up

2 - move down

6 - move right

4 - move left

5 - Jump Up

Home, 7 - Jump Left

PgUp, 9 - Jump Right

Level 4 of Viki

GOOD LUCK!

Credits

Concept/Viki Character:

by Ronnie Toon

Design & Copyright by:

Ron Marie Services

Game Testers:

Malcolm Toon, Mary Chan Jasmine and Jerald Foo, Darren Chow, Roger Loh, Karen Lim, & Loo Teck Hai.

SPECIAL THANKS to:

• Recreational Software Designs, creators of Game-Maker, the software engine used by Viki.

• all those who have contributed in one way or another.

THANKS A MILLION!

Availability

This game was distributed to Game-Maker Exchange members a 3.5" floppy labeled "Shareware Disk #1" (October 10th 1993).

During the early 1990s the game also was available for download from GameLynk's Frontline BBS.

It also seems to have been made available on several shareware compilation CD-ROMs. More precise details TBD.

Links

Interviews / Articles

• Presents and Protocol (DIYGamer)

Misc. Links

• Play Viki online

Downloads

• Viki: Escape from Videoland (267.9 kB)
• Level 1 map (16.3 kB)
• Level 2 map (28.5 kB)
• Level 3 map (20.8 kB)
• Level 4 map (122 kB)