Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 2600, DOS, Intellivision
- Developers: Mattel Electronics
- Publishers: Mattel Electronics
Night Stalker (1982): A Retro Maze Shooter Classic
Released in 1982 for the Intellivision console, Night Stalker is a top-down maze shooter that quickly became a fan favorite. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, addictive action, and simple yet effective graphics.
Gameplay
Night Stalker is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls a lone adventurer who must navigate a maze filled with robots, bats, and spiders. The goal of the game is to collect all of the keys in the maze and then escape through the exit door.
The player’s adventurer is armed with a gun that can fire a limited number of shots. The gun must be picked up from a random location in the maze after each use. The player must also be careful to avoid the various enemies in the maze. Robots will chase the player relentlessly, while bats and spiders will fly around the maze and attack on contact.
Development
Night Stalker was designed by Steve Montero and released by Mattel Electronics in 1982. The game was originally released for the Intellivision console, but was later ported to the Atari 2600, Apple II, and IBM PC.
The game’s development was inspired by the arcade classic Berzerk. Montero wanted to create a similar game for the Intellivision, but with a unique twist. He added the ability to pick up and use a gun, as well as a variety of different enemy types.
Reception
Night Stalker was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive action, and simple yet effective graphics. Night Stalker was also one of the first games to feature a female protagonist, which was a groundbreaking move at the time.
The game has been included on several lists of the best Intellivision games of all time. In 2009, IGN ranked Night Stalker as the 8th best Intellivision game.
Legacy
Night Stalker is considered to be one of the classic maze shooter games of the early 1980s. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has stood the test of time, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Night Stalker has also been cited as an influence on several later games, including the popular first-person shooter Doom.
Tips for Playing Night Stalker
- Be careful when picking up the gun. The gun is essential for survival, but it can also be a liability. If you pick up the gun when there are enemies nearby, you may not have time to use it before you are attacked.
- Use the walls to your advantage. The walls of the maze can be used to block enemy fire and to trap enemies.
- Don’t be afraid to run away. If you are outnumbered or outgunned, don’t be afraid to run away and regroup.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Night Stalker is to practice. The more you play, the better you will become at navigating the maze and defeating the enemies.
Conclusion
Night Stalker is a classic maze shooter game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive action, and simple yet effective graphics make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of retro games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Night Stalker.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
