Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 7800
- Developers: Atari Corporation
- Publishers: Atari Corporation
Barnyard Blaster: A Lighthearted Shooting Spree on the Farm
Released in 1988 for the Atari 2600, Barnyard Blaster is a light gun shooter game that puts players in the role of a farmer tasked with protecting their property from a variety of pests. Armed with an Atari light gun, players must shoot down targets that range from bottles and cans to birds, rabbits, and even owls.
The game is played across three different scenes: the barnyard, the cornfield, and the barn. Each scene presents its own unique challenges, with targets moving at different speeds and appearing in different locations. In the barnyard, players must shoot down bottles and cans that are placed on fences and other objects. The cornfield is home to birds and rabbits that scurry about, while the barn is infested with owls and other pests.
To progress through the game, players must hit a certain number of targets in each scene. Once enough targets have been hit, the game will advance to the next scene. The game also features a bonus round, which is awarded to players who achieve a high score in the previous scenes. In the bonus round, players must shoot down bottles that are tossed into the air by a farmer.
Barnyard Blaster is a simple but addictive game that provides hours of mindless fun. The light gun controls are responsive and the targets are varied enough to keep players engaged. The game’s graphics are also quite good for the Atari 2600, with bright and colorful visuals that bring the farm to life.
Gameplay
Barnyard Blaster is played using the Atari light gun. The player controls a farmer who stands in the center of the screen. Targets appear on the screen in a variety of locations and the player must shoot them down before they disappear.
The game is played across three different scenes: the barnyard, the cornfield, and the barn. Each scene has its own unique set of targets. In the barnyard, players must shoot down bottles and cans. In the cornfield, players must shoot down birds and rabbits. In the barn, players must shoot down owls and other pests.
To progress through the game, players must hit a certain number of targets in each scene. Once enough targets have been hit, the game will advance to the next scene. The game also features a bonus round, which is awarded to players who achieve a high score in the previous scenes. In the bonus round, players must shoot down bottles that are tossed into the air by a farmer.
Graphics and Sound
Barnyard Blaster’s graphics are bright and colorful, with a cartoonish style that brings the farm to life. The targets are varied and well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and inviting. The game’s sound effects are also well done, with realistic gunshots and animal noises.
Overall
Barnyard Blaster is a fun and challenging light gun shooter that provides hours of mindless entertainment. The game’s simple gameplay and responsive controls make it easy to pick up and play, and the varied targets and challenging levels keep players engaged. The game’s graphics and sound are also quite good for the Atari 2600, making it a visually appealing and immersive experience.
Tips for Playing Barnyard Blaster
Here are a few tips for playing Barnyard Blaster:
- Use the light gun’s crosshairs to aim at the targets.
- Lead the targets slightly to compensate for their movement.
- Shoot the targets as quickly as possible to prevent them from disappearing.
- Conserve your ammo by only shooting at targets that are close to the center of the screen.
- Take advantage of the bonus round to earn extra points.
Trivia
- Barnyard Blaster was one of the first light gun shooters to be released for the Atari 2600.
- The game was developed by Atari and published by Sears.
- Barnyard Blaster was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
- The game was ported to the Atari 7800 in 1989.
- Barnyard Blaster was included in the Atari Flashback 2 and Atari Flashback 3 classic game consoles.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
