Gyromite is a classic puzzle-platformer released for the NES in 1985, originally designed to be played alongside Nintendo’s iconic R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) accessory. You play as Professor Hector, navigating treacherous laboratory levels to collect dynamite before the timer runs out, all while dodging dangerous creatures known as Smicks. The game’s defining mechanic involves raising and lowering colored pillars to clear paths and crush enemies.
How to Play
Your objective is to collect all the bundles of dynamite in each phase before the timer runs out. Because Professor Hector cannot jump, you must navigate by raising and lowering the red and blue pillars. Use the Arrow Keys to move Hector and climb ropes. Moving the pillars requires pressing the A and B buttons on the second controller, which originally R.O.B. would press. In the browser, you can either play with a friend handling the second player controls or carefully manage both inputs yourself.
Tips
- Smicks are drawn to turnips; drop one to distract them so you can safely pass by or crush them with a pillar.
- Plan your route before moving pillars, as trapping yourself or letting time run out are the most common ways to lose a life.
- You can ride on top of the pillars as they rise to reach higher platforms that are otherwise inaccessible.
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