Binary Parasite

ENTER THE LOGIC GRID. MASTER THE MACHINE.

Step into the circuitry of Binary Parasite, a brain-bending puzzle-platformer.  Binary Parasite  is designed exclusively for the Atari 8-bit line, pushing the limits of 6502-based gameplay with a seamless fusion of binary logic and arcade action.

Take control of a quirky digital organism trapped in a computational environment where every step - and every bit - counts. Activate buttons to flip between binary states (0/1)  and open portals via real-time bitwise calculations. Gates behave according to true logic rules: OR, AND, XOR, NOR, NAND - all dynamically altering outcomes based on player input and bitbox positioning.

Jump gaps, push bitboxes, dodge projectiles, and unravel increasingly complex logic puzzles that demand both mental agility and precise movement. Every level is a live circuit - and you're the current.

Levels include unique passwords for easy return, and gameplay supports both joystick and keyboard, along with full NTSC compatibility and stereo sound (where available) for enhanced experience.

Binary Parasite is a standout title that turns math and logic into a fun, retro adventure-perfect for those who enjoy brainy challenges and vintage gameplay.

The key elements distinguishing the current cartridge from the 2023 original version are a significant change to the mechanics of shooting enemy and the introduction of three game modes. Sounds have been added for shooting enemies, allowing for better interaction with the player and early detection and avoidance of threats.

The three game modes are training, easy, and normal. Normal mode is a set of stages identical to those available in the 2023 version.

Easy mode also features the same stages, but several of them have been slightly modified to ensure, for example, that the jumping distances are not pixel-perfect, or that boxes do not fall from platforms, etc.

Also, in the normal mode a shot kills you instantly, while in the easy mode, a shot hitting you causes a loss of energy - a bar to appear above the hero indicating remaining energy, and only after sixth hit the life is lost. In both modes, there are 30 levels to complete. Their names also serve as passwords that can be entered on the title screen to restart the game from the selected level.

Both modes also feature the same ending, which appears after completing all levels. Afterwards the player can continue the game with additional five short but challenging levels, featuring a boss who shoots at you with his eyes.

Training mode is designed to hone various skills required in the game, but at the same time, it's simply a completely new set of 20 interesting and diverse levels. After completing all 20 levels, there's no spectacular ending, but you receive a message congratulating you and certifying your skills.

CODE, GRAPHICS, MUSIC
Martin Šimeček "MatoSimi"

Cover art: Michał Nabzdyk
Hardware design and production: Mq-workshop

IN THE BOX

• game cartridge with gold-plated contacts, in the best housing available on the market, manufactured by Sikor-Soft
• user manual
• game graphics themed fridge magnet
• collector's card signed by author (authentic autograph, not printed)

System requirements

• Atari XL/XE with 64 kB RAM
• game works on PAL and NTSC systems
• joystick, game can be also controlled with keyboard