Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 7800
- Developers: Ken Grant
- Publishers: Atari Corporation
Alien Brigade: A Side-Scrolling Shooter Classic from 1990
In the annals of arcade gaming, Alien Brigade stands as a side-scrolling shooter classic. Released in 1990, this game pits players against an alien invasion that has brainwashed both soldiers and civilians. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and iconic pixel art, Alien Brigade remains a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Gameplay
Alien Brigade is a side-scrolling shooter in the vein of Operation Wolf. Players control a lone soldier who must battle through five levels, each with its own unique objective. These objectives range from rescuing civilians to destroying alien installations.
Throughout the levels, players will encounter a variety of enemies, including brainwashed soldiers, aliens, tanks, and helicopters. Players must shoot these enemies to defeat them and progress through the level.
In addition to shooting enemies, players can also collect power-ups that will give them additional ammo, more powerful weapons, or increased health. These power-ups are often hidden in crates or dropped by defeated enemies.
If players are hit by enemy fire, their health will slowly decrease. The game ends when the player’s health reaches zero.
Levels
Alien Brigade features five levels, each with its own unique setting and objective. The levels are:
- City Streets: The player must rescue civilians and destroy alien tanks.
- Forest: The player must destroy alien nests and rescue hostages.
- Sewer: The player must navigate a maze-like sewer system and destroy alien generators.
- Factory: The player must destroy an alien factory and rescue scientists.
- Alien Base: The player must defeat the alien leader and destroy the alien base.
Each level is progressively more difficult than the last, and the player will need to use all of their skills to survive.
Graphics and Sound
Alien Brigade’s pixel art graphics are simple but effective. The characters and enemies are well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and atmospheric. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s action-packed atmosphere.
Legacy
Alien Brigade was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and iconic pixel art. Alien Brigade has been ported to a number of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular title among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Alien Brigade is a side-scrolling shooter classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great arcade games. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and iconic pixel art, Alien Brigade is a game that will keep players coming back for more.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
