In 1982, 14-year-old aspiring programmer Ilan Ginzburg, for the education department of the University of Tel-Aviv, developed The Transparent Computer, a software designed to teach programming concepts to non-programmers and provide a graphic representation of the computer and illustrate the information flow within. Four years later, Ginsburg undertook his first and only game, Saracen, an elaborate action strategy game with puzzle elements that would challenge wit and ingenuity.
In 1987, after completing the game, Ginsburg approached several publishers with his creation, including Electronic Arts and Datasoft, which picked it up. As Datasoft pursued multi-platform titles, Ginsburg went on to port his Apple II game to the Commodore 64. The Atari 8-bit version was done by Datasoft programmer Greg Hiscott.

Saracen takes the player back to the time of the Holy Crusades when the Christian soldiers ventured into the Holy Land to fight the infidel Saracens. You assume the role of Ilan the Crusader, a brave and adventurous young soldier who must navigate through 100 challenging levels filled with mazes, fanatical guards, and deadly traps to kill the chief of the Saracens. Armed with a bow, you can pick up directionally specific arrows to stop guards or destroy walls.

Datasoft published Ilan Ginsburg Saracen for a variety of 8-bit computers in 1987. Ginsburg originally developed the game on the Apple II and ported it to the Commodore 64. Greg Hiscott did the Atari 8-bit conversion

Control Ilan the Crusader around each of the 100 levels of mazes all filled with obstacles, enemies, and puzzle elements to destroy the Saracen chief. Saracen will challenge your wit and ingenuity