Manic Miner, developed by Matthew Smith and published by Bug-Byte in August 1983 and later by Software Projects, is a platform game for the ZX Spectrum, inspired by Miner 2049er. Players control Miner Willy through 20 single-screen caverns, collecting flashing objects while avoiding enemies like Poisonous Pansies and Manic Mining Robots. Oxygen levels must be monitored, and players reach a portal to progress. The game features Edvard Grieg's 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' and 'The Blue Danube' on the title screen. It topped UK charts in 1983, won 'Best Arcade Style Game' at the 1983 Golden Joystick Awards, and was ported to Amiga, Amstrad CPC, and more, with a notable SAM Coupé version adding 40 caverns. Ranked 97th by Polygon in 2017, it remains a ZX Spectrum classic.
