// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Tracer say to her date? You're a blast.
| Tracer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Future Endeavors |
| Publisher | 7th Level |
| Platform | Windows |
| Release | June 25, 1996[1] |
| Genre | Puzzle |
Tracer is a puzzle video game developed by short-lived Ottawa, Canada studio Future Endeavors and published by 7th Level for Microsoft Windows.[2]
Gameplay
[edit]Tracer is an action game with puzzles, in which the player is a contract hacker navigating cyberspace, building pathways across an empty grid by aligning multi‑colored blocks like dominoes. A deadly virus pursues the player, consuming the path behind and forcing constant forward motion. Levels introduce hazards and tools—bridges, zipper pads, bad sectors, code pads, and keys—that complicate route‑building and unlock higher areas. The challenge comes from quick thinking, fast reflexes, and patience, as the puzzles grow tricky early on but offer variety beyond standard block‑matching games.[3]
Development
[edit]Tracer was first mentioned in May 1996.[4]
Reception
[edit]| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| All Game Guide | 2.5/5[5] |
| Computer Gaming World | 2/5[6] |
| Computer Games Magazine | 2.5/5[7] |
| GameSpot | 6.6/10[8] |
| PC Gamer | 55%[9] |
| PC Player | 5/5[10] |
| PC Games | 19%[11] |
| Quad-City Times | 3/4[12] |
Next Generation reviewed the PC version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "as far as this sort of thing goes, the game is certainly worth a look."[3] Games Domain recommended Tracer to people who like puzzle games.[13]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Tracer, the Cyberspace Strategy Game Ships". 7th Level. June 25, 1996. Archived from the original on January 29, 1998. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- ↑ "7th Level Signs Letter of Intent With Future Endeavors Company's First Exclusive Publishing Deal". 7th Level. April 15, 1996. Archived from the original on February 20, 1998. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
- 1 2 "Finals". Next Generation. No. 22. Imagine Media. October 1996. p. 185.
- ↑ "Tracer: The Strategy Game for SeriousHackers". 7thlevel.com. May 7, 1996. Archived from the original on February 20, 1998. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
- ↑ Honeywell, Steve. "Tracer". All Game Guide. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ↑ Carter, Tim (October 1996). "Voracious Virus Left Me Hungry" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. p. 212. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ↑ Bauman, Steve (1996). "Tracer". Computer Games Magazine. Archived from the original on May 23, 2003. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
- ↑ Anderson, Rebecca (July 18, 1996). "Tracer". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 27, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Tracer". PC Gamer. October 1996. Archived from the original on January 16, 2000. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ↑ "Tracers". PC Player (in German). August 1996. p. 61. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Tracer". PC Games (in German). September 1996. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Children's storytelling program is an otter delight". Quad-City Times. November 3, 1996. p. 37. Archived from the original on November 26, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Booker, Greg. "Tracer". Games Domain. Archived from the original on November 26, 1996. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
External links
[edit]- Official website (archived)
- Tracer at MobyGames