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1[[quoteright:192:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/space_panic.png]]
2''Space Panic'' is a 1980 UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame by Universal. It has been called the first PlatformGame, which is like calling ''VideoGame/SpaceInvaders'' a prototypical ThirdPersonShooter. Despite the game's action taking place in SideView, in some ways its mechanics, which do not include jumping, are closer to {{Maze Game}}s, particularly ''Heiankyo Alien''.
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4The hostile Space Monsters pursue the Spaceman by moving through mazes of platforms and ladders. The Spaceman can control this threat by digging holes in the girder platforms; when a hole is completed, a Space Monster can fall into them and be trapped. To eliminate a trapped Space Monster, the Spaceman must fill the hole up, causing the Space Monster to fall through. More points are scored the more floors Space Monsters fall through, but a "Boss" will survive a fall of one floor, and a "Don" will survive a fall of up to two floors. If a Space Monster falls on another Space Monster, both are eliminated for extra points.
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6Though ''Space Panic'' was not widely ported, and is quite primitive by modern standards, it was nevertheless popular enough in its time to inspire clones, which include:
7* ''Apple Panic'', published by Creator/BroderbundSoftware for the Platform/AppleII, Platform/Atari8BitComputers, Platform/IBMPersonalComputer (booter) and Platform/VIC20
8* ''Digger Barnes'', published by Cable Software for the Platform/AmstradCPC
9* ''Digger Dan'', published by Ocean Software for the Platform/ZXSpectrum
10* ''Monster Inn'', published by Tomy for the Tomy Pyuuta
11* ''Monsters'', published by Acornsoft for the Platform/BBCMicro
12* ''VideoGame/MrDo's Castle'', published by Universal, UsefulNotes/ArcadeGame
13* ''Panic'', published by Mikro-Gen for the Platform/ZXSpectrum
14* ''Panik!'', published by Atlantis Software for the Platform/BBCMicro
15* ''Roland Goes Digging'', published by Amsoft for the Platform/AmstradCPC
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17!!Tropes:
18* CruelAndUnusualDeath: If you take too long to beat the level, your oxygen runs out, and the spaceman collapses.
19* LawOfChromaticSuperiority: The red Monsters are weaker than the green Bosses, and the blue Dons are toughest of all. This is not the only Universal game to rank enemies with these colors.
20* OxygenMeter: Serves much the same function as a conventional level timer.
21* RandomlyGeneratedLevels: The ladders are placed randomly.
22* TurnsRed: Let a trapped Space Monster break loose, and it will get meaner.

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