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1981

Fitter

Quick Overview

Fitter is Taito's 1981 maze strategy game in which you steer a robot through the playfield while monsters chase you. It was released as Round-Up in North America (distributed by Centuri) and as Fitter in Japan and Europe. The machine in the museum is the Italian Zaccaria version.

Fitter

Basics

  • Release1981
  • DeveloperTaito
  • Manufacturer (this machine)Zaccaria (Italy)
  • Other titleRound-Up (North America)
  • GenreMaze strategy
  • Players1–2 players, alternating

Standout Features

A maze where monsters chase youCircles in the center of the screen must change colorOne- or two-player mode, alternatingKnown under two names: Fitter and Round-Up

Gameplay

Steering the robot through the mazeRecoloring the center circlesDodging the chasing monsters

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Game Objective

You control a robot in a maze and have to change the color of the circles in the center of the screen while avoiding the monsters that chase you. The game blends maze chase action with tactical thinking: speed is not enough, you have to anticipate where the chasers will head next.

Zaccaria: An Italian Cabinet, a Japanese Game

Zaccaria was a company based in Bologna, Italy, that operated from 1974 to 1990 and built both pinball and arcade machines. In the early eighties it licensed several Japanese games, and Fitter was one of them. Thanks to their distinctive look, Zaccaria cabinets are sought-after collectibles today.

Fun Facts

  • It was released as Round-Up in North America and as Fitter in Japan and Europe.
  • It came out in Japan in October 1981 and in North America in December of the same year.
  • In North America it was distributed by Centuri.
  • You have to change the color of the circles in the center of the screen while monsters chase you.
  • The museum's machine is the Italian Zaccaria version.

The Evolution of Arcade

Fitter is an interesting, lesser-known entry among the maze games of the early eighties. Where Pac-Man's simple rules won over everyone, Fitter asked for more thinking from the player. It was released in Japan in October 1981 and in North America later the same year as Round-Up.

Who Is It For?

Fans of maze games and arcade history. If you like Pac-Man-style chases but are curious about a rarer, lesser-known classic, Fitter is a great pick.