Beat Em and Eat Em Game: A Controversial Classic in Retro Gaming History

The early days of video gaming were full of experimentation, wild creativity, and in some cases — controversy. One of the most infamous titles to emerge from this era was Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em, a game that stirred debates due to its explicit content and unconventional gameplay.

In this article, we explore the Beat Em and Eat Em game, its history, gameplay mechanics, cultural impact, and legacy in the world of retro and adult-themed video games.

What is Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em?

Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em is an adult video game developed and published by Mystique for the Atari 2600 in 1982. Known for pushing boundaries, Mystique was one of the few companies creating X-rated content for home consoles during that time.

Game Overview:

Platform: Atari 2600
Developer/Publisher: Mystique
Genre: Adult/Arcade
Release Year: 1982
Rating: Not officially rated (pre-ESRB era)

How to Play Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em

The gameplay is simple yet highly controversial. Players control two nude women standing at the bottom of the screen, attempting to catch white droplets falling from a man positioned at the top of the screen.

Game Objective:

Catch all falling droplets to earn points
Avoid missing the drops, or you lose a “life”

Game Mechanics:

Players move the characters side to side
If drops hit the ground, it’s considered a miss
After several misses, the game ends

Note: Due to its adult content, this game was marketed to a niche, mature audience and is not suitable for children.

Alternate Version: Cathouse Blues

Mystique also released gender-swapped versions of its adult titles. In this case, the alternate version to Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em is Cathouse Blues, where roles and characters are reversed. The mechanics remain mostly the same but cater to a different adult fantasy theme.

Historical Context and Controversy

In the early 1980s, the video game industry was still the Wild West. With no content ratings, developers could release almost anything. Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em, along with other adult games like Custer’s Revenge, sparked controversy for their sexually explicit themes and objectification.

Criticism and Backlash:

Heavily criticized by women’s rights groups and parent organizations
Seen as degrading and inappropriate for video gaming audiences
Often cited as an example of why content regulation became necessary

Cultural Impact:

Helped fuel the push for content rating systems like the ESRB
Became a collector’s item among retro gaming enthusiasts
Continues to be a topic in discussions about censorship and video game ethics

The Company Behind It: Mystique

Mystique, a subsidiary of American Multiple Industries (AMI), was dedicated to developing adult video games. Their games were often sold discreetly and marketed to adults only, typically in adult video stores or through mail order.

Despite the novelty, Mystique folded quickly after the video game crash of 1983, and its games faded into obscurity—except among niche collectors.

Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em Today

Availability:

Original cartridges are rare and considered collectibles
Some ROM versions exist online, though access is typically age-gated
Can be played via emulators, but caution is advised due to NSFW content

Modern Perception:

Viewed as a cult classic for retro collectors
Discussed more for its place in gaming history than its actual gameplay
Often used as an example in discussions of early gaming controversies

Is Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em Suitable for Modern Players?

Not really — and not for its gameplay. While it holds historical significance, its graphics, mechanics, and theme don’t hold up to modern gaming standards.

For mature players curious about the evolution of game content regulation or those interested in video game preservation, it’s a relic worth examining — with caution and understanding of its era.

Conclusion

The Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em game is more than just an adult-themed novelty — it’s a snapshot of a chaotic, creative, and controversial era in gaming history. While it may not offer groundbreaking gameplay, its cultural significance in the rise of video game ratings, debates about content censorship, and the evolution of adult games make it a subject of lasting interest.

Whether you’re a collector, a gaming historian, or someone intrigued by the untold stories of retro gaming, Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em remains one of the most notorious and discussed adult video games ever made.

FAQs

1. What is Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em about?

It’s an adult video game for the Atari 2600 where players catch falling white droplets from a male character, using two nude female characters at the bottom of the screen.

2. Who made Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em?

The game was developed by Mystique, a company known for producing X-rated video games in the early 1980s.

3. Why is Beat ‘Em and Eat ‘Em controversial?

Due to its sexually explicit nature and depiction of women, the game faced backlash and helped spur calls for content regulation in the gaming industry.