PixlBit

There are some pretty terrible games out there. Not too long ago I did Shaq Fu for Retro Game of the Week (you can read my utter dismay of it here), and it's one of the worst. We could list several grade F titles, like Superman 64, Bubsy 3D, the Phillips Zelda games, Atari's ET, just to name a few. But in my opinion (please understand that this is an opinionated blog post), one game trumps them all, and that is this game:

Custer's Revenge was released for the Atari 2600 on October 13, 1982. It was developed and published by an adult-oriented company called Mystique. They had already come out with some adult games for the 2600, but this is by far their worst. Before I talk about the game, watch some game footage below. 

As you can see, there's not much to this game. What there is, however, is very disturbing and completely wrong. ET is often cited as the worst game ever, but I really think this one is worse, and let me give you three reasons why. 

1. Complete Nudity

Custer is wearing a hat, bandana, and boots. The rest of him is completely nude. Thank God this is the Atari 2600! Still, a digitized penise is sticking straight out from him, and that is just wrong. Wait, this is his revenge? Has he been hitting the liquor barrels? No wonder arrows are being shot at him! 

The Indian maiden on the other side is also completely nude, and big digitized breasts are given to the avatar. Her skin is slightly darker, making it obvious that this is a Native American (that, and the box art). 

Now I understand that this is labeled as an adult game, but was the nudity really necessary? Could sexual desire or even masturbation be possible by seeing these naked digitized characters? It just seems ridiculous. Look at the box art: Custer is a little cartoon character, whereas the Indian maiden is a life-like person; does that make a statement at all? But even if you take away the nudity, the game is still abysmal. 

2. The whole point of the game

As you can see from the footage, the whole point of this game is to dodge the arrows and make it to the other side to rescue the Indian maiden who is tied up. That's what you would think, but the truth comes out when you see what really happens. That's right, Custer rapes the Indian woman. The whole point of this game is to rape that girl. 

Joel Miller, the game's designer, explains that Custer was "seducing" the woman and that she was "a willing participant." Really? Is that why she's tied up? Is that why her tribe is shooting arrows at the naked General? Is that why it's called "Custer's Revenge," because she is willing and wants to be raped?

The entire purpose of this game is just sick. That's all there is to it. You raper her, then you do it again, and again, and again. You watch the same scene over and over again. Having rape in a game is one thing, but having an entire game revolve around rape, and that is the only thing in the game, makes it complete garbage. 

3. The Three R's: Raunchy, Raping, and Racism

As simple as Custer's Revenge was, it was received with disgust and outburst from many people. Three groups in particular were offended: Native Americans, women activists, and parents. 

Native Americans were offended becaus it depticted an Indian woman as helpless and only a tool for sexual pleasure. One woman claimed that the game generated many gang rapes of Native American women. The native American woman was suddenly thrust into the lime light, and it depicted her in the worst way possible. 

Women activists were offended, stating that the game was a simulation of rape; in pixelated form, yes, but rape nonetheless. The back of the box said this: "She's not about to take it lying down, by George! Help is on the way. By God! He's coming." And he's coming to rape her. Is this the "help" the box is talking about? 

Finally, parents were offended because they didn't want their kids seeing what was going on in this game. "Mommy, what is that man doing to the girl?" Can you imagine the horrified look on the mother's face? As a result, the game was outlawed in some cities. Certain game stores refused to carry it; others simply kept it out of sight. 

How bad was Custer's Revenge? Atari made an attempt to sue the game's makers due to all the complaints. Apparently, the lawsuit was unsuccessful, but still, it was attempted. You know a game has to be bad if a lawsuit is involved over sheer complaining. 

So there you have my reasons for why Custer's Revenge is the worst video game ever made.There are no redeeming qualities to this game! Once again, this is my opinion, but I think you'll agree. Nevertheless, let me know what you think of this terrible and disgusting game.