Quick answer

If you want a platforming adventure with a sci-fi twist, go with Multiverse. For a horror-themed action game, pick Children of the Night. Fruit Panic is your choice if you prefer a fast-paced arcade maze game.

What makes each game different

Multiverse casts you as Monty Scott, son of a scientist, who must travel between parallel worlds (Terra and Fable) to rescue his father. It's a side-scrolling platformer with a unique world-switching mechanic.

Children of the Night puts you in the role of Count Vlad Drakul, the unlikely hero fighting eternal darkness. It's an action-adventure game with a gothic atmosphere and a story tied to the Van Helsing lore.

Fruit Panic is a pure arcade maze game where you guide WALKY through a six-story fruit store while avoiding NYANKY the cat. It's all about quick reflexes and high-score chasing.

Trade-offs to consider

Multiverse offers the most depth with its world-switching puzzles, but its story-driven design means less pick-up-and-play appeal. Children of the Night has a darker theme that might not suit younger or lighthearted players. Fruit Panic is the simplest and cheapest, but if you crave narrative or variety, it may feel too basic.

How to choose your new ColecoVision game

  • Symptom: You want a game with an engaging story and puzzle-like gameplay that rewards exploration. If this describes you, Multiverse is the best fit.
  • Likely cause: You enjoy dark fantasy themes and a more mature narrative in retro gaming. If that's the case, Children of the Night will satisfy that craving.
  • Corrective action: You prefer fast, simple arcade action without a steep learning curve or story commitment. Then Fruit Panic is your game—it's affordable and easy to jump into.
  • Stop or choose another option: If none of these match your taste, consider that these are the latest homebrews available. You may want to wait for future releases or explore other ColecoVision classics.

Product facts

  • Multiverse - ColecoVision: Multiverse is a homebrew where Monty Scott must travel between parallel worlds (Terra and Fable) to save his father from his own portal device. The world-switching mechanic adds puzzle-solving layers beyond typical platforming, making it a good pick if you want more than just run-and-jump.

    Multiverse - ColecoVision

    Multiverse - ColecoVision

  • Children of the Night - ColecoVision: Children of the Night casts you as Count Vlad Drakul, the son of the Night, in a story that begins with his defeat by Abraham Van Helsing in 1899. It offers a unique horror narrative with a tragic protagonist, appealing to fans of dark fantasy and classic monster lore.

    Children of the Night - ColecoVision

    Children of the Night - ColecoVision

  • Fruit Panic - ColecoVision: Fruit Panic is a maze game where WALKY must eat fruit in a six-story store while avoiding NYANKY the cat. It delivers straightforward arcade action with no story distractions—ideal for quick sessions or high-score competitions.