Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Publishers: Eclipse
Atax (1988): A Classic Shoot-Them-Up That Will Test Your Skills to the Limit
Released in 1988, Atax is a classic shoot-them-up game that will test your skills to the limit. You play as the leader of a rebel force, and your mission is to crush the government’s oppressive systems. Your only weapon is Atax, a small craft which can skim the planet surface.
Atax is a vertically scrolling shoot-them-up, similar to games like Gradius and R-Type. However, Atax has a unique twist: your ship can only move left and right, and cannot fire upwards. This makes the game much more challenging, as you must carefully maneuver your ship to avoid enemy fire and projectiles.
The game is set on a futuristic planet, and the levels are filled with a variety of enemies and obstacles. You’ll need to use your quick reflexes and strategic thinking to survive. Atax is a fast-paced and challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. With practice, you’ll be able to master the controls and defeat the enemy forces.
Gameplay
Atax is a vertically scrolling shoot-them-up game. You control a small spaceship that can move left and right, and fire lasers. Your goal is to destroy all of the enemies on each level, and reach the end of the level.
The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The levels are increasingly difficult, and you’ll need to use all of your skills to survive.
Controls
The controls for Atax are simple and easy to learn. You use the left and right arrow keys to move your ship, and the space bar to fire your lasers. You can also hold down the space bar to fire a continuous stream of lasers.
Weapons
Your ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. You can switch between weapons by pressing the F1, F2, and F3 keys.
Lasers are your basic weapon, and they are effective against most enemies. Missiles are more powerful than lasers, but they are also slower. Bombs are the most powerful weapon in the game, but they are also very rare.
Enemies
Atax is filled with a variety of enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns. Some enemies will fire lasers, while others will drop bombs or kamikaze into your ship. You’ll need to learn the attack patterns of each enemy in order to defeat them.
Bosses
At the end of each level, you’ll face a boss enemy. Boss enemies are much more powerful than regular enemies, and they will require all of your skills to defeat.
Graphics and Sound
Atax features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s backgrounds are filled with lush landscapes and futuristic cities. The character sprites are also well-drawn and animated.
The game’s sound effects are also excellent. The lasers and explosions sound realistic, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Overall
Atax is a classic shoot-them-up game that will test your skills to the limit. The game’s fast-paced and challenging gameplay, combined with its colorful graphics and excellent sound effects, make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Atax
Here are a few tips for playing Atax:
- Learn the attack patterns of each enemy. This will help you to avoid getting hit and to defeat them more easily.
- Use the environment to your advantage. You can use obstacles to block enemy fire and to trap enemies.
- Don’t be afraid to use your bombs. Bombs are the most powerful weapon in the game, and they can be very effective against bosses.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you play Atax, the better you will become at it. So don’t give up if you find the game difficult at first. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually master it.
Review Score
8/10
