VGSources / Games / Ocean Software
action game
Eskimo Eddie
By Ocean Software, released 1 Jan 2023
- Microsoft Windows
- ZX Spectrum
- Commodore 64
What it is
Eskimo Eddie is an arcade-style game in which Eddie and Percy Penguin face the polar bear Growler and deadly Snowbugs. This remastered emulated version brings back the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 releases originally made for home microcomputers. In one version, Eddie dodges ice holes and polar bears crossing the screen; in the other, he jumps over snowballs while climbing toward the goal. Percy then has to fend off Snowbugs, using sliding ice blocks for protection.
The enhanced release adds the ability to save or load at any point, support for most modern game controllers, control remapping, and options for image scaling and smoothing. It is a single-player action game with partial controller support, Steam Cloud, and Family Sharing. Ocean Software developed it, and Pixel Games UK published it. The listed platforms include Windows, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64; the Steam platform listing specifies Windows.
What players like, and what they don't
- Save or load at any point
- Full control remapping
- Image scaling and smoothing options
- Steam Cloud support
- Steam lists partial controller support
- No macOS platform is listed
Who it suits
It suits players interested in a retro arcade game, including those who want to revisit its ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 versions. The remaster includes save/load and control options.
Eskimo Eddie pairs two versions of the original arcade gameplay with modern save and display options. Its listed platforms span Windows and the original microcomputer systems.
The longer read
Overview Eskimo Eddie is an arcade-style action game originally released for home microcomputers in 1984. This remastered emulated edition brings together the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 versions, with Eddie and Percy Penguin facing polar bear Growler and the Snowbugs. The opening level centers on rescuing Percy, but its obstacles differ between versions. On ZX Spectrum, Eddie dodges ice holes and polar bears moving across the screen. On Commodore 64, he jumps over snowballs while climbing toward the goal. After the rescue, Percy must fend off Snowbugs and use sliding ice blocks for protection. The edition adds save and load at any point, controller support, control remapping, and image scaling and smoothing options. It is developed by Ocean Software and published by Pixel Games UK. The Steam release is dated January 17, 2023. For more titles from the same maker, see Games by Ocean Software . Key features Emulated versions of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 releases. Different first-level obstacles in the two versions: ice holes and crossing polar bears on ZX Spectrum, or snowballs on Commodore 64. Rescue Percy, then help him defend against Snowbugs using sliding ice blocks. Save or load progress at any point. Support for most modern game controllers and full control remapping. Image scaling and smoothing options. Platforms The Steam release is listed for Windows, with partial controller support and Steam Cloud. The game is also available as emulated ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 versions. Steam lists single-player and Family Sharing as additional features. Who it's for Eskimo Eddie suits players interested in arcade-style action and the contrast between its two 1980s computer versions. The changing obstacles give the opening rescue level a different shape on ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. Its save-anywhere option, remappable controls, and display adjustments add flexibility for players returning to this older game. Pros and cons Pros Includes both ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 versions, whose first-level challenges differ. Allows saving and loading at any point. Offers control remapping and image scaling and smoothing options. Cons The Steam listing specifies partial, rather than full, controller support. The supplied feature information describes single-player play only. Alternatives Other listed games to consider include Last Rites , Motor Mash , Sleepwalker , Super Hunchback , Elf , Phantom Club , and The Great Escape . Verdict Eskimo Eddie’s defining appeal is the inclusion of two emulated versions with a distinct first-level variation, alongside practical options such as saving at any point and remapping controls. The rescue-and-defense structure is straightforward: Eddie faces the route to Percy, then Percy uses ice blocks to hold off Snowbugs. Players seeking this specific arcade-style microcomputer game can choose between its ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 forms on the Windows release.
