Ali Baba and 40 Thieves

About

Ali Baba and 40 Thieves is a maze-based arcade game where you play the title character navigating corridors to collect scattered cash and eliminate enemies. The maze is populated with thieves that chase you, forcing you to balance dodging attacks with picking up coins. Power-ups let you retaliate against pursuers, but you must reach each level’s exit before your health depletes. The layout and enemy patterns shift with each life, requiring quick reflexes and memorization to survive the 40-wave progression. What stands out is the game’s mix of tension and simplicity. The 1982 design prioritizes frantic movement and timing over complex mechanics, which keeps pace brisk. The MSX port expanded its reach beyond arcades, while the Vector-06c revision modernized the visuals without overhauling the core. Though short by today’s standards, the game’s direct gameplay and growing difficulty have earned it a niche following among retro maze enthusiasts.