Summary
Argos (1983): A Classic Single-Screen Shoot’em Up
Argos is a single-screen shoot’em up released in 1983 for the Apple II. It was written by Ron Lowrance and published by Datamost. The game is set in a starfield, and the player controls a spaceship that must shoot down waves of enemy aliens.
Argos is a simple game, but it is also a very challenging and addictive one. The player’s ship is constantly moving forward, and the player must use the joystick to dodge enemy fire and shoot down aliens. The aliens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns.
As the player progresses through the game, the waves of aliens become more and more difficult. The player must also contend with obstacles such as asteroids and space mines. If the player’s ship is hit by an enemy or an obstacle, it will explode and the player will lose a life.
Argos has a total of 16 levels. The player must complete all 16 levels in order to win the game. However, the game is very difficult, and most players will find it impossible to complete all 16 levels without losing a life.
Despite its difficulty, Argos is a very fun and rewarding game. It is a great example of the single-screen shoot’em up genre, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers today.
Gameplay
Argos is a single-screen shoot’em up. The player controls a spaceship that is constantly moving forward. The player must use the joystick to dodge enemy fire and shoot down aliens. The aliens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns.
The player’s ship has a limited amount of energy. If the player’s ship is hit by an enemy or an obstacle, it will lose energy. If the player’s ship loses all of its energy, it will explode and the player will lose a life.
The player can collect power-ups to help them defeat the aliens. Power-ups include:
- Speed: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
- Firepower: Increases the firepower of the player’s ship.
- Shield: Gives the player’s ship a shield that protects it from enemy fire.
- Extra life: Gives the player an extra life.
The player can also collect bonus points by shooting down aliens. Bonus points can be used to purchase power-ups.
Levels
Argos has a total of 16 levels. The player must complete all 16 levels in order to win the game. However, the game is very difficult, and most players will find it impossible to complete all 16 levels without losing a life.
The first few levels of Argos are relatively easy. The player can easily dodge enemy fire and shoot down aliens. However, as the player progresses through the game, the levels become more and more difficult. The aliens become more aggressive, and the player must contend with more obstacles.
The final level of Argos is the most difficult level in the game. The player must defeat a boss alien that is much larger and more powerful than the other aliens. The player must also contend with a large number of obstacles.
Graphics and Sound
Argos has simple but effective graphics. The starfield background is colorful and detailed, and the aliens are well-animated. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere.
Reception
Argos was released to critical acclaim. Critics praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Argos is considered to be one of the best single-screen shoot’em ups ever released. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.
Legacy
Argos has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated by many other shoot’em ups. Argos has also been ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Atari 8-bit family, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
In 2003, Argos was included in the book “Classic Home Video Games, 1972-1984: A Complete Reference Guide” by Brett Weiss. The book praised Argos for its “simple but addictive gameplay” and “challenging difficulty.”
Argos is a classic single-screen shoot’em up that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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