The Cat S.O.S. Game (ColecoVision) – Rare 1983 Promotional Game by Nuvatec & CollectorVision

The Cat S.O.S. Game (Caterpillar Scheduled Oil Sampling Game) is one of the rarest and most unique titles ever produced for the ColecoVision home gaming console.

Developed by Nuvatec and later preserved by CollectorVision Games, it was released in 1983 as a promotional tool for Caterpillar’s S.O.S. program. Rather than being sold commercially, each game was bundled with a ColecoVision system and distributed exclusively to Caterpillar heavy equipment dealerships, where customers could play it while waiting in the lobby.

In this educational and promotional simulation, players control a bulldozer tasked with completing “jobs,” represented by dirt piles on the screen. The goal is to earn as much money as possible by pushing dirt and managing equipment performance. A central gameplay mechanic involves regularly submitting oil samples to the Caterpillar dealership for analysis. Players receive feedback on whether the oil is in good condition or needs servicing.

Neglecting to send oil samples leads to engine degradation, and if ignored for too long, the bulldozer explodes—ending the game. Players can visit the dealership to clean or replace the oil, maintaining the bulldozer’s performance and extending their earning potential.

Combining light arcade gameplay with industrial education, The Cat S.O.S. Game served as both a training aid and a marketing tool, reinforcing the importance of Caterpillar’s maintenance programs. Today, it stands as a fascinating piece of gaming and corporate history—a rare example of how video games were used in the early 1980s to promote real-world products and services.

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