Treasure Trap: Dive into the Wreck
Explore the Sunken Ship as Howard Kelp
Treasure Trap is an action-adventure game that takes you deep underwater to explore a mysterious sunken ship. You play as Howard Kelp, a diver who has descended into the wreck of the cargo ship Esmeralda. Your mission is straightforward but demanding: find as much gold as possible before your air runs out.
The game uses an isometric view, giving you a clear look at the environment and the rooms you are navigating through. The setting is atmospheric, with the eerie silence of the deep sea replaced by the sounds of water and the occasional threat lurking in the shadows. You move from room to room, searching for treasure while keeping a close eye on your safety.
Managing Your Air SupplyThe most critical part of playing Treasure Trap is managing your air supply. An air gauge on the screen constantly depletes as you explore. If it hits zero, the game ends. You must actively look for oxygen tanks scattered throughout the ship to refill your gauge. This adds a layer of urgency to every move. You cannot just wander aimlessly; you need a plan to ensure you can return to the surface or reach the next safe zone.
Collecting Gold and KeysYour primary goal is to collect gold bars hidden in the various rooms of the Esmeralda. The ship is vast, with more than 100 rooms to explore. As you search, you will also find geometric-shaped keys. These keys are essential for unlocking locked doors that block your path to better treasure or escape routes.
Be aware that you can only carry a limited number of keys at any time. If you pick up too many, you may need to drop some to make room for new ones or gold bars. This forces you to make quick decisions about what is most valuable in the moment. You start with a small number of smart fishes, which are trained piranhas that can help you clear rooms of enemies.
Battling Aquatic EnemiesThe wreck is not empty. It is home to various aquatic enemies that pose a threat to your survival. You will encounter crabs, jellyfish, starfish, and man-eating bubbles. These creatures patrol the rooms and can damage you if you get too close.
Combat in Treasure Trap is simple but effective. You can use your smart fishes to clear rooms of enemies. By releasing them, they will attack the hostile creatures, allowing you to pass safely. However, since you start with only two smart fishes, you must use them wisely. If you lose them, you will have to rely on your own wits and speed to avoid danger.
Puzzle-Solving and NavigationWhile the game is action-oriented, it also requires some puzzle-solving. You will find crates that can be pushed or used to solve environmental puzzles. These might involve blocking paths, triggering mechanisms, or creating shortcuts. Understanding how these objects interact with the environment is key to progressing through the ship.
The camera changes from room to room, so you need to orient yourself quickly as you enter new areas. There are no maps provided, which means you must rely on memory and observation to navigate the complex layout of the Esmeralda. This lack of guidance adds to the challenge and sense of discovery.
Why It Is FunTreasure Trap is fun because it balances exploration with tension. The constant threat of running out of air keeps you on edge, while the promise of gold rewards encourages you to keep diving deeper. The isometric view makes it easy to spot treasures and threats alike, and the simple controls make it accessible.
The game was published by Electronic Zoo, with development credited to Doodlebug Designs Ltd. and/or Emerald Software Ltd. It remains a classic example of underwater adventure gaming, offering a unique mix of resource management, combat, and exploration. If you enjoy games where every second counts and every decision matters, Treasure Trap offers a thrilling experience that is worth trying.
Prepare to dive in, manage your resources carefully, and see how much gold you can bring back from the depths of the Esmeralda. You can also try more Amiga games from the same system.