Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase is a simple yet addictive chase-and-collect loop that feels instantly familiar to fans of maze games like Pac-Man. You guide Scooby through winding corridors, gobbling up flashing ghosts before time runs out. Each successful capture of three ghosts triggers the appearance of a submarine sandwich—Scooby’s signature pick-me-up—in place of the dreaded skull & crossbones entity that relentlessly pursues you.

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What sets this title apart is the magic bone mechanic. Once you’ve devoured the sandwich, you gain a bone you can drop strategically in the skull’s path to freeze it in place for a precious few seconds. This small twist adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to think ahead about where and when to deploy their one-time stalling device. Timing becomes crucial as you juggle ghost-chasing frenzy with careful bone placement.

Difficulty scales in a clever way: if Scooby is caught by the skull, the game’s challenge ramps down slightly, letting newer players regain their footing without brutal punishment. As you advance, the maze layouts grow more intricate, introducing tighter corridors and more aggressive ghost AI that force you to adapt your tactics on the fly. The inclusion of ten predesigned mazes keeps the experience fresh across multiple play sessions.

For those with the Intellivision keyboard addon, the real longevity lies in custom maze creation. Designing your own labyrinths opens the door to endless replay value, inviting you to share devilishly hard puzzles with friends or craft beginner-friendly layouts to practice your ghost-hunting skills. This feature elevates the game from a brief diversion into a creativity sandbox for budding maze designers.

Graphics

Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase sports a colorful palette that stands out on the Intellivision’s modest hardware. The maze walls are rendered in bold, contrasting hues that clearly delineate walkable paths, while the ghosts flash in bright primary colors to ensure they’re never lost against the backdrop. Scooby himself is instantly recognizable in his teal collar, with just enough sprite detail to convey his lovable clumsiness.

The animations are pleasantly fluid for a late-1970s console title. Scooby’s running gait, the skull’s menacing glide, and the ghosts’ jittery movement all bring an unexpected level of personality to the screen. When the submarine sandwich drops and the magic bone appears, a small flashing effect draws your eye just long enough to remind you what’s at stake.

Though limited by today’s standards, the visuals capture the playful charm of the Scooby-Doo cartoon. The minimalist design ensures that gameplay remains front and center—no fancy backgrounds or superfluous effects to distract you from the chase. The simplicity works in the game’s favor, delivering a crisp and clear maze experience that responds instantly to your inputs.

Story

Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase doesn’t attempt a sprawling narrative; it embraces the straightforward premise of the classic TV series. You assume the role of Scooby-Doo hot on the trail of mischievous ghosts that have invaded a spooky mansion’s hallways. While there’s no Daphne, Velma, Fred, or Shaggy in sight, the premise is pure Scooby-Doo—catch the baddies, avoid getting caught yourself, and celebrate with a snack when you succeed.

The game’s story is delivered entirely through its mechanics rather than cutscenes or text boxes. Each level tick-tocks down your time limit, creating that familiar sense of running out of time while the big bad lurks just around the corner. When the skull & crossbones finally snaps you up, you can almost hear Scooby’s scream—even if it’s only implied through sound effects.

Fans of the franchise will appreciate the subtle nods: the submarine sandwich is a fun twist on the Scooby-Snacks trope, and the magic bone feels like a bonus item straight out of a TV episode. Though there’s no voice acting or elaborate plot twists, the game captures the spirit of adventure and lighthearted spookiness that viewers associate with Mystery Inc.

Overall Experience

Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase is a delightful mash-up of classic maze gameplay and beloved cartoon charm. Its straightforward mechanics are easy for newcomers to pick up yet deep enough to keep dedicated players challenged across multiple mazes. The magic bone mechanic and dynamic difficulty adjustment add just the right amount of twist to a familiar formula.

Graphically, the game makes smart use of its limited palette and sprite capabilities, delivering an experience that’s both clear and characterful. The audio cues, though rudimentary, help build tension when the skull is closing in and provide a satisfying jingle when you clear a level. It’s all delivered with a lighthearted vibe that’s faithful to Scooby-Doo’s family-friendly appeal.

Long-term playability is enhanced by the Intellivision keyboard’s custom maze mode, giving you the tools to extend the fun beyond the ten built-in stages. Whether you’re a veteran looking for a nostalgic fix or a newcomer curious about early licensed titles, Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase offers a compact, enjoyable experience that stands up surprisingly well decades after its release.

In the end, this game remains a charming piece of Scooby-Doo history and an excellent example of how simple design and franchise flair can combine to create a memorable, enduring classic. If you’ve got an itch for maze-chase action peppered with cartoon fun, Scooby Doo’s Maze Chase is a treat worth sniffing out.

Retro Replay Score

null/10