Atomic Robo-Kid (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Atomic Robo-Kid: A Retro Gem Worth Revisiting

Released in arcades in 1988 by UPL, Atomic Robo-Kid is a horizontally scrolling shooter that quickly gained a cult following among fans of the genre. Players control the titular character, a futuristic robot boy, as he battles his way through six increasingly difficult stages, facing off against giant alien bosses and other Robo-Kids along the way.

One of the things that sets Atomic Robo-Kid apart from other shmups is its branching level structure. After completing each stage, players are given the choice of which zone to enter next. This adds a great deal of replayability to the game, as players can experiment with different paths to see which ones lead to the best ending.

Another unique feature of Atomic Robo-Kid is its “duel” levels. After defeating each stage’s boss, players must face off against another Robo-Kid in a one-on-one duel. These duels are a lot of fun, and they add a nice change of pace from the regular shooting action.

Graphically, Atomic Robo-Kid is a very impressive game for its time. The sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and vibrant. The game also has a great soundtrack, with catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head long after you’ve stopped playing.

Overall, Atomic Robo-Kid is a fantastic shmup that is well worth revisiting today. It’s a challenging but fair game with great graphics, sound, and gameplay. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Atomic Robo-Kid.

Gameplay

Atomic Robo-Kid is a horizontally scrolling shooter in which players control the titular character as he battles his way through six stages of increasing difficulty. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, with players using the joystick to move Robo-Kid and the buttons to shoot and jump.

Robo-Kid can fire his gun in eight directions, and he can also jump and hover in the air for a short period of time. Players must use all of Robo-Kid’s abilities to defeat the game’s many enemies, which include aliens, robots, and giant bosses.

In addition to the main shooting action, Atomic Robo-Kid also features a number of unique gameplay elements. For example, players can collect power-ups that give Robo-Kid new weapons and abilities. Players can also enter bonus stages by shooting certain objects in the environment.

Levels

Atomic Robo-Kid’s six stages are all visually distinct and offer a variety of challenges. The first stage takes place in a futuristic city, while the second stage takes place in a forest. The third stage is set in a cave, while the fourth stage takes place in a desert. The fifth stage is set in an underwater base, and the sixth and final stage takes place in a giant alien spaceship.

Each stage is divided into several sections, and players must defeat all of the enemies in each section in order to progress. At the end of each stage, players must face off against a giant alien boss. These bosses are all unique and require different strategies to defeat.

Bosses

The bosses in Atomic Robo-Kid are some of the most memorable and challenging in the genre. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and players must learn how to exploit these weaknesses in order to defeat them.

Some of the most famous bosses in Atomic Robo-Kid include the Giant Crab, the Twin Dragons, and the Final Boss. The Giant Crab is a massive crustacean that shoots lasers from its eyes. The Twin Dragons are two giant snakes that breathe fire. The Final Boss is a giant alien spaceship that is armed with a variety of weapons.

Legacy

Atomic Robo-Kid was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1988. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. It was also one of the first shmups to feature a branching level structure.

Atomic Robo-Kid has been ported to a number of home consoles over the years, including the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo, and the PlayStation. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs.

Today, Atomic Robo-Kid is still considered to be one of the best shmups ever made. It is a challenging but fair game with great graphics, sound, and gameplay. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Atomic Robo-Kid.

Tips for Playing Atomic Robo-Kid

Here are a few tips for playing Atomic Robo-Kid:

  • Use cover to avoid enemy fire.
  • Shoot enemies from behind to do more damage.
  • Collect power-ups to improve your weapons and abilities.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different paths through the game.
  • Practice, practice, practice!

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Atomic Robo-Kid and defeat the evil aliens that threaten the Earth.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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