Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Shooter, Strategy
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Bally Astrocade, ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20
- Developers: Perkings Engineering
- Publishers: Astrocade, Inc., Xonox
Artillery Duel (1982)
Artillery Duel is a two-player artillery game released in 1982 for the Atari 2600. The game is played on a single screen, with each player controlling a tank at opposite ends of the screen. The goal of the game is to destroy the other player’s tank by firing artillery shells at it.
Artillery Duel is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The game’s controls are very simple: the player uses the joystick to aim their cannon, and the fire button to fire a shell. The shell will travel in a parabolic arc, and will land on the ground at a point determined by the angle and power of the shot.
The game’s difficulty comes from the fact that the terrain is randomly generated each time the game is played. This means that players must constantly adapt their strategies to the changing terrain. In addition, the game’s physics are very realistic, which means that players must take into account the wind and gravity when firing their shells.
Artillery Duel was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best artillery games ever made. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a great choice for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Gameplay
Artillery Duel is a turn-based game, with each player taking turns firing a shell at the other player’s tank. The game is played on a single screen, with each player’s tank at opposite ends of the screen. The terrain is randomly generated each time the game is played, and can include hills, valleys, and obstacles.
To fire a shell, the player first uses the joystick to aim their cannon. The player can adjust the angle of the cannon, as well as the power of the shot. Once the player is satisfied with their aim, they press the fire button to launch the shell.
The shell will travel in a parabolic arc, and will land on the ground at a point determined by the angle and power of the shot. The shell will then explode, damaging any enemy units that are caught in the blast radius.
The goal of the game is to destroy the other player’s tank. The player can do this by either hitting the tank directly with a shell, or by destroying the terrain around the tank, causing it to fall into a pit or off a cliff.
Strategy
Artillery Duel is a game of skill and strategy. There are a number of different strategies that players can use to win the game. Some of the most common strategies include:
- Aiming for the center of the tank: This is the most straightforward strategy, and it is usually the most effective. By aiming for the center of the tank, the player is more likely to hit the tank with their shell.
- Leading the target: This strategy is more difficult, but it can be very effective against moving targets. By leading the target, the player is aiming ahead of the tank, so that the shell will land in front of the tank and explode when the tank moves into it.
- Using the terrain: The terrain can be used to the player’s advantage. For example, the player can use hills to block the enemy’s line of sight, or they can use valleys to hide their tank from the enemy.
Reception
Artillery Duel was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple gameplay, challenging difficulty, and realistic physics. The game was also praised for its two-player mode, which allowed friends and family to compete against each other.
Artillery Duel has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari 5200, the Commodore 64, and the PC. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs, including the Atari 2600 Action Pack and the Atari 2600 Classics Collection.
Artillery Duel is still considered to be one of the best artillery games ever made. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a great choice for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Legacy
Artillery Duel has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty have made it a popular choice for both casual and hardcore gamers. The game has also been used as a teaching tool in schools, to teach students about physics and mathematics.
Artillery Duel has been cited as an inspiration for a number of other video games, including the popular Worms series. The game has also been featured in a number of television shows and movies, including the movie Tron.
Artillery Duel is a classic video game that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty make it a great choice for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
