Introduction

Released in 1986 by Atari Games, Deactivators is an arcade classic that combines the thrill of tank combat with the challenge of neutralizing enemy robots in a futuristic cityscape. With its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics, Deactivators has earned a dedicated following among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Gameplay

Deactivators is played from an overhead perspective, with the player controlling a tank tasked with destroying enemy robots. The game takes place in a futuristic city, with the player navigating through a maze of buildings, obstacles, and enemy units.

The player’s tank is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a cannon, missiles, and bombs. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must strategically choose the right weapon for the job. For example, the cannon is powerful but slow-firing, while the missiles are faster but less powerful.

The enemy robots come in a variety of types, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses. Some robots are heavily armored, while others are fast and agile. The player must carefully assess each enemy and choose the best strategy for defeating it.

Legacy

Deactivators was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a popular choice among retro gaming enthusiasts today. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari ST, Commodore 64, and NES.

Deactivators has also been praised for its influence on later games in the genre, such as Robotron: 2084 and Smash TV. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and challenging difficulty have set a high standard for arcade shooters.

Conclusion

Deactivators is a timeless arcade classic that offers an intense and rewarding gaming experience. With its challenging gameplay, variety of enemies, and iconic graphics, Deactivators is a must-play for fans of retro shooters and arcade games in general. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Deactivators is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Summary

Release Year: 1987
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Tigress Marketing
Publishers: Activision

Galactic Games (1987)

Galactic Games is a classic arcade shoot ’em up released in 1987 by Midway Games. The game is set in a distant future where the Earth is under attack by an alien armada. The player takes control of a lone starfighter and must fight their way through waves of enemy ships to save the planet.

Galactic Games is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up, similar to games like Gradius and R-Type. The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player must use these weapons to destroy enemy ships and avoid being hit by their fire.

One of the things that makes Galactic Games unique is its variety of enemy ships. The game features over 50 different types of enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns. This keeps the game challenging and forces the player to adapt their strategy constantly.

Another thing that sets Galactic Games apart from other shoot ’em ups is its graphics. The game uses a unique 3D vector graphics engine that gives the game a distinctive look. The graphics are very detailed and colorful, and they still hold up today.

Galactic Games was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. It was also one of the first arcade games to feature a fully digital soundtrack.

Galactic Games has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Amiga. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital storefronts.

Gameplay

Galactic Games is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up. The player controls a lone starfighter and must fight their way through waves of enemy ships to save the Earth. The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player must use these weapons to destroy enemy ships and avoid being hit by their fire.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must defeat a boss at the end of each stage to progress to the next.

Graphics

Galactic Games uses a unique 3D vector graphics engine that gives the game a distinctive look. The graphics are very detailed and colorful, and they still hold up today. The game’s backgrounds are also very impressive, and they help to create a sense of depth and immersion.

Sound

Galactic Games has a fully digital soundtrack that is composed by Tim Follin. The soundtrack is very catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The game also features a variety of sound effects that help to bring the action to life.

Challenge

Galactic Games is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player’s ship is relatively weak, and it can be easily destroyed if the player is not careful. However, the player can also upgrade their ship’s weapons and shields by collecting power-ups.

The game’s difficulty increases gradually as the player progresses through the stages. The later stages feature more difficult enemies and obstacles, and the bosses are also more challenging.

Legacy

Galactic Games is a classic arcade shoot ’em up that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and challenge are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Galactic Games has been influential on a number of other shoot ’em ups, including Super R-Type and Einhander. The game’s unique 3D vector graphics engine has also been used in a number of other games, including Star Fox and Wipeout.

Conclusion

Galactic Games is a classic arcade shoot ’em up that is still worth playing today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and challenge are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding shoot ’em up, then Galactic Games is definitely worth checking out.