Orrery | Classic retro game for the Commodore PET Computer (1980)

Orrery is a game written by Ernest Marhenke and published by CodeWorks - Cursor, a company known for developing software for the Commodore PET. The game was released during the late 1970s or early 1980s, a period when the Commodore PET was a popular personal computer for both educational and recreational use. CodeWorks - Cursor specialized in creating games and utilities for this platform, often focusing on educational or simulation-based software.

Orrery is a simulation game that models the movement of celestial bodies in a solar system, reflecting the historical use of orreries as mechanical devices to demonstrate planetary motion. The game likely allowed players to interact with a virtual orrery, observing and possibly manipulating the orbits of planets and other celestial objects. This aligns with the educational focus of many Commodore PET programs, which were often used in schools and by hobbyists interested in science and technology.

Specific details about the gameplay, graphics, or reception of Orrery are scarce, as documentation and preserved copies of the game are rare. However, it is known that Ernest Marhenke and CodeWorks - Cursor contributed to the early software ecosystem of the Commodore PET, creating programs that combined entertainment with educational value. The game remains a niche piece of retro computing history, primarily of interest to enthusiasts of vintage software and the Commodore PET platform.