Summary
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
Escape from Sylon 6: A Retro Review
Escape from Sylon 6 is a space shooter game released for the Atari 2600 in 1984. It was developed by Atari, Inc. and designed by Mike Mika. The game is set on the planet Sylon 6, which has been invaded by an alien race known as the Scylons. The player controls a lone spaceship that must fight its way through waves of Sylon ships to escape the planet.
Escape from Sylon 6 is a simple but challenging game. The player’s ship can move left, right, up, and down, and can fire shots in any direction. The Sylon ships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they all have different attack patterns. The player must use their wits and reflexes to avoid getting hit by enemy fire and to destroy the Sylon ships.
One of the things that makes Escape from Sylon 6 so challenging is the fact that the player’s ship is constantly moving. This makes it difficult to aim and to avoid enemy fire. However, the player can also use the ship’s momentum to their advantage. By carefully controlling the ship’s speed and direction, the player can make it more difficult for the Sylon ships to hit them.
Escape from Sylon 6 is also a very rewarding game. When the player destroys a Sylon ship, they are awarded points. The player can use these points to purchase upgrades for their ship, such as increased firepower and speed. These upgrades can make the game significantly easier, and they can help the player to progress further into the game.
Escape from Sylon 6 is a classic Atari 2600 game that still holds up today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you are a fan of retro games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Escape from Sylon 6.
Gameplay
Escape from Sylon 6 is a top-down space shooter. The player controls a lone spaceship that must fight its way through waves of Sylon ships to escape the planet Sylon 6. The player’s ship can move left, right, up, and down, and can fire shots in any direction.
The Sylon ships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they all have different attack patterns. Some Sylon ships will fire straight at the player, while others will move in erratic patterns or fire homing missiles. The player must use their wits and reflexes to avoid getting hit by enemy fire and to destroy the Sylon ships.
The player can also collect power-ups that will give them temporary advantages, such as increased firepower or speed. These power-ups can be found by destroying certain Sylon ships or by flying over them.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Escape from Sylon 6 are simple but effective. The player’s ship and the Sylon ships are all rendered in a blocky, pixelated style that is reminiscent of other early Atari 2600 games. The backgrounds are also simple, but they do a good job of creating a sense of atmosphere.
The sound in Escape from Sylon 6 is also simple, but it is effective. The game features a catchy title screen tune and a repetitive but adrenaline-pumping in-game track. The sound effects are also well done, and they help to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
Difficulty
Escape from Sylon 6 is a challenging game. The player’s ship is constantly moving, and the Sylon ships come at the player from all directions. The player must use their wits and reflexes to avoid getting hit by enemy fire and to destroy the Sylon ships.
However, the game is also fair. The player is given a generous number of lives, and they can continue from the last checkpoint if they lose a life. The player can also purchase upgrades for their ship that will make the game easier.
Conclusion
Escape from Sylon 6 is a classic Atari 2600 game that still holds up today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you are a fan of retro games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Escape from Sylon 6.
Review Score
7/10
