Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 8-bit, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore VIC-20
- Publishers: Hesware, Synapse Software Corporation
Protector (1981): A Classic Atari Game of Rescue and Bravery
Protector is a classic Atari game released in 1981 by Synapse Software. It is an action game where the player controls a helicopter pilot who must rescue people from burning buildings. The game is challenging but rewarding, and it is considered to be one of the best Atari games of all time.
Gameplay
The objective of Protector is to rescue as many people as possible from burning buildings. The player controls a helicopter pilot who can fly around the city, land on buildings, and rescue people. The people are located on different floors of the buildings, and the player must use the helicopter’s ladder to reach them.
The game is played against a time limit, and the player must rescue as many people as possible before the time runs out. The player can also earn bonus points by rescuing people from higher floors and by rescuing multiple people at once.
Development
Protector was developed by Mike Potter for the Atari 400/800. It was one of the first games to use Synapse Software’s Synapse Speech System, which allowed the game to speak to the player. The game was also one of the first to use a split-screen display, which allowed the player to see both the inside and outside of the buildings.
Reception
Protector was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its impressive graphics. The game was also a hit with players, and it is still considered to be one of the best Atari games of all time.
Legacy
Protector has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Apple II, and the PC. It has also been included in a number of Atari game compilations. The game remains popular today, and it is still played by many retro gamers.
Tips for Playing Protector
Here are a few tips for playing Protector:
- Use the helicopter’s ladder to reach people on different floors of the buildings.
- Rescue multiple people at once to earn bonus points.
- Be careful not to crash the helicopter.
- Use the fire extinguisher to put out fires.
- Land the helicopter on the roof of the building to rescue people from the top floor.
Conclusion
Protector is a classic Atari game that is still enjoyed by many retro gamers today. It is a challenging but rewarding game that will test your skills. If you are a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Protector.
Additional Information
- Release Date: 1981
- Developer: Synapse Software
- Publisher: Synapse Software
- Platforms: Atari 400/800, Commodore 64, Apple II, PC
- Genre: Action
- Number of Players: 1
Screenshots
[Image of the Atari 400/800 game Protector (1981), showing a helicopter rescuing people from a burning building.]
[Image of the Commodore 64 game Protector (1981), showing a helicopter rescuing people from a burning building.]
[Image of the Apple II game Protector (1981), showing a helicopter rescuing people from a burning building.]
[Image of the PC game Protector (1981), showing a helicopter rescuing people from a burning building.]
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
