The Goonies

The Goonies

Overview & History

Released by Datasoft in 1985 and published for the ColecoVision by Konami, The Goonies translates Richard Donner’s beloved adventure-comedy film into a single-screen, multi-level puzzle-platformer. Capitalizing on the movie's massive box-office success, this 8-bit adaptation tasks players with guiding the resilient kids through a sprawling underground labyrinth. While versions existed for various home computers, the ColecoVision port stands out for its vibrant palette and faithful recreation of the cinematic atmosphere, challenging players to rescue their trapped friends and unearth One-Eyed Willy's pirate treasure before the ruthless Fratelli family puts an end to their expedition.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The game unfolds across eight distinct, vertically and horizontally stacked subterranean stages, ranging from cavernous stalactite pits to subterranean pirate caves. Instead of directly controlling the entire group, players take command of two Goonies at a time—typically starting with Mikey and Brand—switching between them on the fly. Each character brings unique physics to the screen: Mikey is nimble and fits into tight crevices, while Brand relies on raw strength to muscle through obstacles. Survival requires careful inventory management. Players must collect dropped items such as slingshots, bombs, and keys to unlock barred doors. Every single one of Mikey's imprisoned friends—Data, Mouth, Chunk, Stef, and Andy—must be liberated before the exit hatch on each stage swings open. Standing in your way are treacherous environmental hazards, scurrying rats, bouncing skulls, and the persistent threat of the Fratellis. Hitting an enemy drains your precious health meter, turning what looks like a lighthearted treasure hunt into a tense test of timing, item hoarding, and platforming precision.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move character left/right, climb ladders, and enter doors
• Action Keys: Attack with equipped weapon (slingshot/bombs) / Jump over obstacles
• Enter: Start / Pause the game and switch active characters