Tooth Invaders

Tooth Invaders is a video game released by Commodore International for its VIC-20 home computer in 1981 and later for the C64 in 1982. It was developed in association with Camelot Marketing Group in order to positively reinforce the pros of brushing, flossing, and healthy dental care.[1] Seen as a fun way to teach children the importance of dental care, players fight as "Plaqueman" to fight plaque using a toothbrush and dental floss. It was also made in association with the American Dental Association, released during National Dental Month, and supported by dentists.[2]

Tooth Invaders
VIC-20 cartridge
Developer(s)Commodore International
Publisher(s)Commodore International
Platform(s)VIC-20 (original), Commodore 64
Release1981: VIC-20
1982: C64
Genre(s)Action, Educational

Gameplay

Using a toothbrush and dental floss, the player must keep the teeth clean while avoiding contact with the Plaque Germ, known as "D.K". If D.K. comes into contact with the player, this will result in loss of one life. The brush needs tooth paste to work so the player must apply tooth paste. Floss is used for the space between teeth. If the teeth aren't cleaned properly and start to decay a warning bell sounds. Eventually the tooth will disappear, reflecting tooth loss. If a tooth is completely cleaned, a brief musical score will play and the teeth will change colors repeatedly. If the player comes into contact with D.K. at this time, the Plaque Germ will disappear for a time. Losing all lives or having four teeth lost will end the game.[3]

Reception

Ready: A Commodore 64 Retrospective described it as a "simple game", a "standout" of Commodore's first generation of educational software, and a "pioneer in the serious games and games for health fields".[4] However, the book also noted that the game aged relatively quickly due to the rapid improvement in game quality in the following years.[4] Microcomputing considered the game an "excellent" example of how computer software could be used educationally to create behavioural change.[2] Games Village wrote that behind the patently idiotic facade, it instead proves to be a balanced and enjoyable puzzle game.[5]

The game was included in the "Open Wide! Tooth Toys That Made Us Smile" exhibit at the National Museum of Dentistry.[6][7]

See also

References
  1. Quintessence International, Dental Digest. Buch- und Zeitschriften-Verlag "Die Quintessenz,". 1983-01-01.
  2. Microcomputing. Wayne Green, Incorporated. 1983-01-01.
  3. "Full text of "Tooth Invaders Manual"". archive.org. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  4. Dillon, Roberto (2014-12-03). Ready: A Commodore 64 Retrospective. Springer. ISBN 9789812873415.
  5. "Tooth Invaders: l'igiene orale ai tempi dei pixel • GamesVillage.it" (in Italian). Retrieved 2016-08-31.
  6. "Be Captivated By The Charm City ; Head South To Baltimore, And Your Family Will Find Plenty Of Reasons To Smile". 2011-04-03. Archived from the original on 2016-10-08. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. "'Open Wide!' exhibit displays toys kids have cut their teeth on - USATODAY.com". usatoday30.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2016-08-31.
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