Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Platforms: Commodore 16, ZX Spectrum
Alien Attack (1985)
Alien Attack is a Space Invaders clone written by John P. Shay and published by Solar Software for the Commodore 16. It was released in 1985 and is one of the most popular games for the platform.
The game is set in a futuristic space environment, where the player controls a lone spaceship that must defend Earth from an alien invasion. The aliens attack in waves, and the player must shoot them down before they reach the bottom of the screen. The player’s ship can be upgraded with new weapons and abilities, and there are also power-ups that can be collected to help the player survive.
Alien Attack is a challenging and addictive game that is sure to please fans of retro gaming. It is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master, and it offers a lot of replay value.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Alien Attack is very similar to that of Space Invaders. The player controls a spaceship that moves left and right at the bottom of the screen. The aliens attack in waves, and the player must shoot them down before they reach the bottom of the screen. The aliens move in a predictable pattern, but they can speed up and become more difficult to hit as the game progresses.
The player’s ship can be upgraded with new weapons and abilities. There are three different types of weapons: lasers, missiles, and bombs. Lasers are the weakest weapon, but they have the longest range. Missiles are more powerful than lasers, but they have a shorter range. Bombs are the most powerful weapon, but they can only be used once per level.
In addition to weapons, the player can also collect power-ups that can help them survive. These power-ups include:
- Extra lives: Grants the player an extra life.
- Shield: Protects the player’s ship from enemy fire.
- Speed boost: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
- Weapon upgrade: Upgrades the player’s ship’s weapons.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Alien Attack are simple but effective. The aliens are well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Difficulty
Alien Attack is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The aliens attack in waves, and the player has plenty of time to prepare for each wave. The player’s ship can also be upgraded with new weapons and abilities, which makes it easier to survive the later levels.
Replay value
Alien Attack has a lot of replay value. The game is challenging, but it is also fair, and it offers a lot of different ways to play. The player can try to beat the game on different difficulty levels, or they can try to collect all of the power-ups. There are also a number of different ways to upgrade the player’s ship, which allows for a lot of experimentation.
Conclusion
Alien Attack is a classic arcade-style shooter that is sure to please fans of retro gaming. It is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master, and it offers a lot of replay value. If you’re looking for a challenging and addictive game to play, then Alien Attack is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for playing Alien Attack
Here are a few tips for playing Alien Attack:
- Use the shield power-up wisely. The shield power-up is one of the most important power-ups in the game. It can protect your ship from enemy fire, and it can save your life. Use the shield power-up whenever you are in danger of being hit by an alien.
- Upgrade your ship’s weapons. The weapons in Alien Attack are essential for survival. Upgrade your ship’s weapons as soon as possible, and experiment with different weapon combinations to find the ones that work best for you.
- Don’t be afraid to use bombs. Bombs are the most powerful weapon in Alien Attack, but they can only be used once per level. Use bombs wisely, and save them for when you are in danger of being overwhelmed by aliens.
- Practice makes perfect. Alien Attack is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The more you play, the better you will become at it. Practice makes perfect, so don’t give up if you find yourself struggling at first.
Review Score
8/10
