Play Cashman | Commodore 64 Online Game (1994)

'Cashman' is a Commodore 64 game written by Russ Michaels (also known as Ironfist) and published by CP Verlag/Game On in 1986. The game is a platformer where players control a character named Cashman, who must navigate through a series of levels to collect money bags while avoiding various enemies and obstacles. The gameplay involves jumping across platforms, climbing ladders, and using elevators to reach the money bags scattered throughout each stage. The levels are designed with increasing difficulty, requiring precise timing and strategic movement to progress.

The game features a simple yet colorful visual style typical of mid-1980s C64 titles, with a top-down perspective that allows players to see the entire level layout. The controls are straightforward, with the joystick used to move Cashman and a single button for jumping. The levels are filled with hazards such as moving enemies, falling objects, and traps that can instantly kill the player if not avoided. Each level has a time limit, adding urgency to the task of collecting all the money bags before the clock runs out.

One of the unique aspects of 'Cashman' is its focus on money as both the objective and the reward. The money bags collected in each level contribute to the player's score, and the game encourages replayability by challenging players to improve their performance. The game does not feature a traditional narrative or storyline, instead focusing purely on the mechanics of platforming and resource collection. This straightforward approach makes it accessible to players of all skill levels, though the increasing difficulty curve ensures a challenge for more experienced gamers.

The sound design in 'Cashman' is minimal, with basic sound effects for actions like jumping and collecting money bags, as well as a simple background tune that loops throughout the gameplay. The lack of complex audio elements is typical of games from this era, where memory constraints often limited the scope of sound design. Despite this, the game's audio complements its fast-paced action, providing a sense of urgency and immersion as players navigate the levels.

Overall, 'Cashman' is a classic example of early platforming games on the Commodore 64, offering a straightforward yet challenging experience centered around collecting money bags and avoiding hazards. Its simplicity and focus on gameplay mechanics make it a notable entry in the library of C64 titles from the mid-1980s.