Summary
- Release Year: 1977
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: AY-3-8607, PC-50X Family
- Developers: General Instrument Microelectronic
Shooting Gallery (1977): A Classic Light Gun Shooter for the Magnavox Odyssey²
Released in 1977, Shooting Gallery was a cartridge of three shooting games for the Magnavox Odyssey² home video game console. It was one of the first light gun games for a home console, and it offered a unique and exciting gaming experience for the time.
The game came with two light guns, which players used to shoot targets on the screen. The three games included in the cartridge were:
- Skeet Shoot: Players shot at clay pigeons that flew across the screen.
- Duck Hunt: Players shot at ducks that flew and landed in a pond.
- Trap Shoot: Players shot at clay pigeons that were launched from a trap house.
Each game had multiple levels of difficulty, and players could compete against each other or try to beat their own high scores.
Shooting Gallery was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and two-player mode. The game helped to popularize the light gun genre, and it remains a classic title for the Odyssey².
Gameplay
Shooting Gallery is a simple but addictive game. Players use the light guns to aim and shoot at targets on the screen. The targets vary in size, speed, and trajectory, so players must be quick and accurate to hit them.
The game has three different modes:
- Skeet Shoot: In this mode, players shoot at clay pigeons that fly across the screen. The pigeons are launched from two different points, and they fly at different speeds and angles.
- Duck Hunt: In this mode, players shoot at ducks that fly and land in a pond. The ducks are more difficult to hit than the pigeons, because they are smaller and they move more erratically.
- Trap Shoot: In this mode, players shoot at clay pigeons that are launched from a trap house. The pigeons fly at high speeds, and they are difficult to hit.
Each mode has multiple levels of difficulty. The first level is relatively easy, but the difficulty increases as players progress through the levels.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Shooting Gallery had impressive graphics. The targets were well-drawn and animated, and the backgrounds were detailed and realistic. The game also had a catchy soundtrack that added to the excitement.
Two-Player Mode
One of the best features of Shooting Gallery is its two-player mode. Two players can compete against each other in any of the three game modes. This makes the game perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Legacy
Shooting Gallery was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first light gun games for a home console, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game also had innovative graphics and gameplay, and it remains a classic title for the Odyssey².
Shooting Gallery has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Atari 2600, the ColecoVision, and the Commodore 64. It has also been included in several retro video game compilations.
Conclusion
Shooting Gallery is a classic light gun shooter that is still fun to play today. It has simple but addictive gameplay, realistic graphics, and a two-player mode. If you are a fan of light gun games or classic video games, then you should definitely check out Shooting Gallery.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
