Elevator Panic – Rare 1984 Platformer by Epoch on Cassette Vision

Elevator Panic, developed and published by Epoch in 1984, is one of the final—and rarest—games released for the Cassette Vision, Japan’s first cartridge-based home gaming console.

Blending gameplay elements from Donkey Kong Jr., Elevator Action, and Space Panic, this title stands out as an original platformer that pushed the boundaries of what the Cassette Vision hardware could achieve.

In Elevator Panic, players take control of a character who must ascend a multi-level structure, tagging checkpoints on each floor while avoiding roaming monsters. The goal is to reach the boss monster at the top of the building. Defeating or bypassing this final foe clears the level and allows the player to move on to the next challenge.

The game’s name is likely a nod to the inspirations it draws from—"Elevator" Action and "Space Panic"—but it presents its own unique structure and mechanics. The tension of vertical navigation, coupled with enemy evasion and strategic movement, offers a gameplay experience that feels advanced for the time, particularly on such limited hardware.

Key Features:

Released exclusively in 1984 for the Epoch Cassette Vision

A rare and collectible title, often cited as the rarest in the Cassette Vision library

Combines platforming and action with vertical level design

Gameplay influenced by Donkey Kong Jr., Elevator Action, and Space Panic

Players must tag checkpoints, avoid monsters, and defeat a level-ending boss

Offers a challenging, strategic ascent on each level

Elevator Panic remains a significant piece of retro gaming history—not only for its scarcity but for its inventive gameplay, blending arcade inspirations into an original title for a now-obscure console. For collectors and enthusiasts of early Japanese gaming history, it represents one of the most sought-after and distinctive entries in the Cassette Vision's short-lived but impactful game library.

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