Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter, Strategy
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 2600, Atari 8-bit
- Developers: On-Line Systems
- Publishers: On-Line Systems, Tigervision
Marauder: A Berzerk Clone with a Twist
Released in 1982, Marauder is a Berzerk-clone with some unique twists. Instead of seeing all enemies from the start, they only appear when they’re in your line of sight, making for some tense moments.
The goal of Marauder is to destroy the power center, which is located somewhere on the screen. To find it, you’ll need to explore the maze-like levels, shooting enemies and avoiding their fire. Once you’ve found the power center, you’ll need to destroy it before the timer at the bottom of the screen runs out.
If you’re successful, you’ll move on to the next level, which will be even more difficult than the last. The game continues in this way until you lose all of your lives.
Gameplay
Marauder is a top-down shooter in which you control a lone soldier armed with a laser gun. Your goal is to destroy the power center on each level before the timer runs out. To do this, you’ll need to shoot your way through hordes of enemies, including robots, aliens, and mutants.
The enemies in Marauder are varied and deadly. Some enemies will fire at you from a distance, while others will charge at you head-on. There are also some enemies that can only be killed by shooting them in specific weak points.
To help you survive, you can collect power-ups that will give you extra weapons and abilities. These power-ups include spread shots, homing missiles, and even a temporary shield.
Graphics and Sound
Marauder’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s levels are rendered in a top-down perspective, and the敌人 are all distinct and easy to identify. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere.
Difficulty
Marauder is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The game’s difficulty ramps up gradually, and you’ll always have a chance to learn from your mistakes and improve your skills.
Overall
Marauder is a fun and challenging Berzerk-clone with some unique twists. If you’re a fan of classic arcade shooters, then you’ll definitely want to check it out.
Tips for Playing Marauder
- Be aware of your surroundings. The enemies in Marauder can appear from anywhere, so it’s important to be constantly aware of your surroundings.
- Use cover to your advantage. The levels in Marauder are filled with obstacles that you can use to take cover from enemy fire. Use these obstacles to your advantage to avoid getting hit.
- Don’t be afraid to use your power-ups. The power-ups in Marauder can give you a significant advantage in battle. Don’t be afraid to use them when you need them.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Marauder is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at identifying enemy patterns and avoiding their fire.
History
Marauder was developed by Chris Oberth and published by Bally Midway in 1982. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to several home computers, including the Atari 8-bit family, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.
Marauder was one of the first games to use a trackball for player control. This gave the game a more precise and responsive feel than other shooters of the time.
Legacy
Marauder is considered to be one of the classic arcade shooters of the early 1980s. The game’s unique gameplay and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite among retro gamers.
Marauder has been cited as an influence on several later shooters, including Robotron: 2084 and Smash TV. The game’s trackball controls have also been adopted by other games, such as Marble Madness and Spy Hunter.
Conclusion
Marauder is a fun and challenging classic arcade shooter that still holds up today. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
