Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, DOS
- Developers: 221B Software Development
- Publishers: Infogrames
Alcatraz (1992): A Nostalgic Trip to the Notorious Island Prison
Released in 1992, Alcatraz is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Sega. The game is set on the infamous Alcatraz Island, and players take control of two team members who must infiltrate the prison and complete three missions within a two-hour time limit.
Alcatraz is notable for its unique gameplay, which allows both players to explore different parts of the prison simultaneously. The game also features a variety of weapons and power-ups, and its fast-paced action and challenging difficulty made it a popular hit in arcades.
Gameplay
Alcatraz is played on a vertically scrolling screen that is permanently split into two halves, even in single-player mode. Players control one team member each, and they can switch between them at any time.
The game’s objective is to complete three missions within a two-hour time limit. The missions are:
- Infiltrate the prison: Players must sneak past guards and security cameras to reach the prison’s interior.
- Rescue the hostages: Players must find and rescue three hostages who are being held captive in the prison.
- Escape the prison: Players must fight their way through the prison’s guards and escape to safety.
Each mission has a time limit, and if players fail to complete it within the time limit, they will lose a life. Players have three lives, and if they lose all three lives, the game is over.
Alcatraz features a variety of weapons and power-ups that players can use to help them complete their missions. Weapons include pistols, machine guns, shotguns, and rocket launchers. Power-ups include health packs, speed boosts, and invincibility.
Graphics and Sound
Alcatraz’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s backgrounds are well-drawn and atmospheric. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Reception
Alcatraz was a popular hit in arcades, and it was praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound. The game was also ported to the Sega Genesis and Sega CD, and it was released on the Wii Virtual Console in 2007.
Legacy
Alcatraz is remembered as one of the best side-scrolling shooters of its era. The game’s unique gameplay and challenging difficulty made it a popular hit in arcades, and it has remained popular with retro gamers to this day.
Tips for Playing Alcatraz
Here are a few tips for playing Alcatraz:
- Use cover to avoid enemy fire.
- Switch between your team members to access different parts of the prison.
- Use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use crates to block enemy fire or jump on platforms to reach higher areas.
- Don’t be afraid to use your power-ups. They can be a big help in completing the game’s missions.
- Be aware of the time limit. If you don’t complete a mission within the time limit, you will lose a life.
Conclusion
Alcatraz is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by retro gamers today. The game’s unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
