The Arcade Archives has dug another surprise out of the topsoil, like an episode of Time Team where you expect a Viking longboat, and they find a Roman crown instead.
I’m continually fascinated by the choices made by the Arcade Archives, and after last week’s Video Hustler, I was expecting something of a big hitter. But instead, it’s a game that looks part Lemmings, part Doozers from Fraggle Rock.
Until a few years ago, if I stepped out of my front door, I could see a blast furnace. Half a mile from my home was a beam mill, and I was fortunate enough to enjoy a proper job at the local steel works. It seems inevitable that somewhere on Teesside, where I live here in the UK, there would have been a Steel Worker arcade machine, but sadly I never saw it.
This is a shame, as despite its basic graphics and floor puzzle-like simplicity, it looks rather charming.
What is Steel Worker?
It’s a basic “guide the character” type of game, although undoubtedly one of the first. Here’s what Hamster say about the latest entry into its Arcade Archives:
“STEEL WORKER” is a puzzle game released by TAITO in 1980. In this game, your objective is to connect a path to the destination by placing scaffolding for a workman performing high-altitude work on a construction site, ensuring he does not fall. To prevent the workman from having an accident, it is sometimes necessary to strategically place the scaffolding so that he takes a detour or reverses his path. Remember to value your workers! Stay safe out there!
Steel Worker is out now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 ($7.99) and on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles ($9.99).
Full details and store links are on the Arcade Archives website.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
