Another Lynx launch title, later a cult hit on Windows, the 1989 Chip’s Challenge tile-based puzzle game puts you in the role of nerdy high-schooler Chip McCallahan on a quest for love—and logic—to win the heart (and respect) of Melinda the Mental Marvel.  Chip must complete the ultimate initiation: a 149-level gauntlet inside the Bit Busters Clubhouse, filled with puzzles, hazards, and brain-bending mechanics. Each level challenges players to collect microchips while navigating traps, locked doors, teleporters, and roaming monsters. Special items like suction boots and flippers help Chip bypass fire, water, and ice, while movable blocks allow players to forge paths or solve Sokoban-style puzzles. With a built-in timer, every second counts—and every misstep could mean starting over. Designed by Chuck Sommerville, Chip’s Challenge became a breakout hit when ported to Windows 3.1 and bundled in Microsoft Entertainment Pack 4. Beloved for its deceptively simple rules and complex level design, it remains a classic of the genre and an essential title for puzzle fans.

Chip’s Challenge has been sublicensed out to the original developer, Chuck Sommerville, through Niffler Ltd. and he’s released versions for PC on Steam.  We love this game; it’s a ton of fun, and Chuck went ahead and created a sequel called Chip’s Challenge 2, and then a sequel to the sequel called Chuck’s Challenge (in 3D), available from the same link. This original license wasn’t exclusive, and so other licensees and sublicensees have also released versions on various platforms.  We’re not going to renew those other licenses, out of respect for Chuck, so our plan is that he’ll remain the only licensee until he’s no longer interested in maintaining any future releases.  If you do have any new and mind-blowing ideas for this title, we’d be more than happy to put you in touch with him and can help facilitate any licensing conversations.