Developer: Old Pirate
Release Date: June, 2025
Graphics: 2D
Version: 1.0
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1
Description
The PlayStation version of
Rick Dangerous is a faithful homebrew port developed by
Old Pirate, a well-known retro enthusiast with a strong focus on
Sega 32X development and preservation. Rather than reimagining the game, this release stays true to the
original experience, directly inheriting the structure, mechanics, and level design that made
Rick Dangerous a classic. The result is a
near-perfect adaptation for Sony’s console, reflecting the author’s commitment to accuracy, respect for the source material, and deep technical knowledge of legacy hardware.
Rick Dangerous is a classic action-platformer inspired by old adventure serials like
Indiana Jones. You play as Rick, a fearless (and very fragile) explorer who travels through
deadly locations filled with traps, enemies, and hidden dangers. The goal is to
survive each level by
memorizing layouts, avoiding instant-death traps, and carefully using Rick’s
limited weapons and tools, such as his pistol or explosives. Gameplay is deliberately
punishing: progress comes through trial and error, precise movement, and learning when to advance or retreat. Every screen is a
puzzle of timing and reflexes, where one wrong step can mean
instant death.
Extra info
Before reaching the original PlayStation,
Rick Dangerous had already received a notable revival through a dedicated
Sega 32X port made by the developer
Chilly Willy, which plays a key role in understanding the PS1 version. This 32X release was conceived as a
faithful adaptation of the original 1989 Core Design game, preserving its structure, level layouts, mechanics, and unforgiving difficulty exactly as they were.
This version became especially important years later, as it effectively served as the technical base for the PlayStation port. The PS1 release is, in practice, a direct port of the 32X version, meaning it does not introduce new mechanics, altered levels, or redesigned systems. Instead, it focuses on accuracy and preservation, delivering the same brutal trial-and-error gameplay that defined the original release.
In terms of gameplay, both the 32X and PSX versions retain the hallmark features of Rick Dangerous: instant-death traps, tight platforming, limited ammunition, and levels designed around memorization and caution. Progress depends entirely on learning from failure, as hazards often trigger without warning and leave no margin for improvisation.
Rick Dangerous was officially released on classic home computers such as the
Atari ST, Amiga, MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and
Amstrad CPC. Over the years, the game has also received an impressive number of fan-made and homebrew ports, expanding its reach to modern and alternative platforms including
Windows, Linux, MSX, Acorn Archimedes, Mega Drive, 32X, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Wii, and more recently the original PlayStation.
Media
Official Download Links
Itch.io - Twitter (X)
