Platform: Atari Lynx

RoadBlasters (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

RoadBlasters: The Ultimate Arcade Racing Experience

Released in 1987, RoadBlasters is an arcade racing game that quickly gained a cult following. Developed by Atari Games, the game puts players behind the wheel of futuristic cars and tasks them with completing 50 increasingly difficult rallies. RoadBlasters was a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the most popular arcade racing games of all time.

Gameplay

The objective of RoadBlasters is to complete all 50 rallies without running out of fuel. Each rally consists of a series of checkpoints that must be passed through in order to reach the finish line. Along the way, players must avoid obstacles, collect power-ups, and destroy enemy vehicles.

Players can choose from a variety of different cars, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The cars can be upgraded with weapons and other power-ups, which can give players an edge in the races.

RoadBlasters is known for its fast-paced gameplay and challenging difficulty. The races are often intense and unforgiving, and players must use all of their skills to survive. The game also features a variety of different enemy vehicles, each with its own unique attack patterns.

Graphics and Sound

RoadBlasters was one of the first arcade games to use 3D graphics. The game’s visuals are impressive, and they create a sense of speed and immersion that is unmatched by other racing games of the era. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a variety of catchy tunes that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Legacy

RoadBlasters was a major success for Atari Games, and it helped to establish the company as a leader in the arcade racing genre. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles, and it remains popular with retro gamers today. RoadBlasters has also been cited as an influence on a number of other racing games, including the Need for Speed series.

Conclusion

RoadBlasters is a classic arcade racing game that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a retro gamer or a newcomer to the world of arcade racing, RoadBlasters is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.

Additional Details

  • Developer: Atari Games
  • Publisher: Atari Games
  • Release Date: 1987
  • Genre: Arcade racing
  • Platforms: Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Atari Lynx
  • Number of Players: 1-2
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Tips for Playing RoadBlasters

  • Use the power-ups wisely. Power-ups can give you a significant advantage in the races, so be sure to use them wisely. The most important power-ups are the speed boost, the shield, and the invincibility star.
  • Be careful not to crash. Crashing into obstacles or enemy vehicles will damage your car and reduce your fuel. If you crash too many times, you will lose the race.
  • Take your time. The races in RoadBlasters are often difficult, so don’t try to rush through them. Take your time and learn the tracks. Once you know the tracks, you will be able to complete them more easily.
  • Have fun! RoadBlasters is a challenging game, but it’s also a lot of fun. So relax, enjoy the ride, and see how far you can get.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Raiden (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 8 minutes read

Summary

Raiden (1990)

Raiden is a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Seibu Kaihatsu and published by Tecmo in 1990. The player controls the R-99 Raiden fighter craft and must battle through eight stages of increasingly difficult enemies, including robots, tanks, aircraft, and warships. Raiden was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters of all time.

Gameplay

Raiden is a vertically scrolling shooter in which the player controls the R-99 Raiden fighter craft. The player’s goal is to destroy all of the enemies on each stage and progress to the next stage. The player’s fighter craft is equipped with a Vulcan cannon and can also fire missiles. The player can collect power-ups to increase the firepower of their fighter craft and to gain access to special weapons, such as homing missiles and lasers.

The enemies in Raiden are varied and challenging. Some enemies will fire bullets at the player, while others will drop bombs or kamikaze into the player’s fighter craft. The player must use their skills and reflexes to dodge the enemy fire and destroy the enemies before they can destroy the player’s fighter craft.

Stages

Raiden consists of eight stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The first stage is set in a city, and the player must battle through waves of enemy aircraft and tanks. The second stage is set in a forest, and the player must battle through waves of enemy robots and ground troops. The third stage is set in a mountain range, and the player must battle through waves of enemy aircraft and warships. The fourth stage is set in a desert, and the player must battle through waves of enemy tanks and aircraft. The fifth stage is set in a sea, and the player must battle through waves of enemy warships and submarines. The sixth stage is set in a space station, and the player must battle through waves of enemy robots and aliens. The seventh stage is set in a volcano, and the player must battle through waves of enemy robots and lava monsters. The eighth and final stage is set in a boss rush, and the player must battle through waves of all of the previous bosses in the game.

Power-Ups

There are a variety of power-ups that the player can collect in Raiden. These power-ups can increase the firepower of the player’s fighter craft, grant the player access to special weapons, or provide the player with other benefits. Some of the most common power-ups include:

  • Vulcan Cannon Power-Up: This power-up increases the firepower of the player’s Vulcan cannon.
  • Missile Power-Up: This power-up gives the player access to missiles, which can be fired at enemies to deal heavy damage.
  • Laser Power-Up: This power-up gives the player access to lasers, which can be fired at enemies to deal even more damage than missiles.
  • Option Power-Up: This power-up gives the player a pair of僚機 (option) fighters that will follow the player’s fighter craft and fire at enemies.
  • Barrier Power-Up: This power-up gives the player a temporary barrier that will protect the player’s fighter craft from enemy fire.
  • Speed Power-Up: This power-up increases the speed of the player’s fighter craft.

Bosses

Each stage in Raiden features a boss battle at the end. The bosses in Raiden are large and powerful, and they require the player to use all of their skills and resources to defeat them. Some of the most iconic bosses in Raiden include:

  • Stage 1 Boss: The Stage 1 boss is a giant robot that fires lasers and missiles at the player.
  • Stage 2 Boss: The Stage 2 boss is a giant snake that fires fireballs at the player.
  • Stage 3 Boss: The Stage 3 boss is a giant UFO that fires homing missiles at the player.
  • Stage 4 Boss: The Stage 4 boss is a giant tank that fires shells and lasers at the player.
  • Stage 5 Boss: The Stage 5 boss is a giant warship that fires torpedoes and missiles at the player.
  • Stage 6 Boss: The Stage 6 boss is a giant alien spaceship that fires lasers and bombs at the player.
  • Stage 7 Boss: The Stage 7 boss is a giant lava monster that fires fireballs and rocks at the player.
  • Stage 8 Boss: The Stage 8 boss is the final boss of the game, and it is a giant robot that fires lasers, missiles, and bombs at the player.

Legacy

Raiden was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters of all time. The game has been ported to numerous home platforms, and it has been included in several video game compilations. Raiden has also been the inspiration for several sequels and spin-offs.

The Raiden series is still going strong today, with the latest installment, Raiden V, being released in 2016. The series has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, and it is one of the most popular vertical scrolling shooter series of all time.

Conclusion

Raiden is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great vertical scrolling shooter to play, then you should definitely check out Raiden.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Cyberball (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Cyberball: The Future of Football

Released in 1988, Cyberball was an arcade game that took the classic sport of American football and gave it a futuristic twist. Players controlled robotic avatars of different speeds, sizes, and skill sets, and competed on a field with no downs and an explosive ball that could destroy robots if not handled properly.

Cyberball was a groundbreaking game for its time, and it remains a popular classic today. Its innovative gameplay, unique visuals, and catchy music have made it a favorite among arcade enthusiasts and retro gamers alike.

Gameplay

Cyberball is played on a field that is 100 yards long and 50 yards wide. The goal of the game is to score more points than the opposing team by carrying the ball into the end zone or kicking it through the goalposts.

The game is played with a unique ball that starts out “cool” and gradually heats up as it is used. As the ball heats up, it becomes more difficult to control and can eventually explode if it is not defused. Players can defuse the ball by crossing the 50 yard line or by changing possession, whether through touchdown, interception or fumble.

Each team has seven players on the field at a time. Players can control any of their robots at any time, and they can switch between robots at will. Each robot has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players must carefully choose which robot to use for each situation.

The game is played in two-minute quarters, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Robots

There are a total of 14 different robots in Cyberball, each with its own unique stats and abilities. Robots are divided into three classes: light, medium, and heavy.

Light robots are the fastest and most agile, but they are also the weakest. Medium robots are a good all-around choice, and heavy robots are the strongest and most durable, but they are also the slowest.

Each robot has four stats: speed, strength, agility, and durability. Speed determines how fast a robot can run, strength determines how hard a robot can hit, agility determines how well a robot can dodge and jump, and durability determines how much damage a robot can take before it is destroyed.

Players can upgrade their robots with faster and more durable units using money bonuses they earn during play.

Power-Ups

There are a variety of power-ups that can be collected during the game. Power-ups can give players a temporary boost in speed, strength, agility, or durability. Some power-ups can also grant players special abilities, such as the ability to throw a football through walls or to run through opponents.

Reception

Cyberball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, unique visuals, and catchy music. Cyberball was also a hit with arcade operators, as it was one of the most popular arcade games of its time.

Cyberball has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Sega Genesis. The home versions of the game were generally well-received, although they were not as popular as the arcade original.

Legacy

Cyberball is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time. It was one of the first games to feature 3D graphics, and it was also one of the first games to use motion capture technology. Cyberball’s innovative gameplay and unique visuals have inspired a number of other games, including the popular NFL Blitz series.

Cyberball remains a popular classic today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the early arcade era, and it is a reminder of why arcades were once so popular.

Conclusion

Cyberball is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its innovative gameplay, unique visuals, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging arcade game to play, then Cyberball is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Rampart (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Rampart (1990): A Classic Arcade Gem

Rampart is a strategy and artillery action game released in arcades in 1990 by Atari Games. The game combines the classic gameplay of Tetris with the explosive action of artillery combat. Players must build their castle from Tetris-style pieces, place their cannons, and bombard the enemy castle. The game was a critical and commercial success, and has been ported to numerous home platforms over the years.

Gameplay

Rampart is played on a single screen, with each player occupying one side of the screen. The goal of the game is to destroy the enemy castle by bombarding it with cannon fire. Players can build their castle from a variety of Tetris-style pieces, including squares, rectangles, and triangles. They can also place cannons on their castle walls, which can be used to fire at the enemy castle.

The game is played in real-time, and players must constantly be aware of their surroundings and the enemy’s movements. They must build their castle strategically to protect it from enemy fire, and they must place their cannons carefully to maximize their firepower.

Rampart can be played with one or two players. In single-player mode, the player must defeat a series of computer-controlled opponents. In two-player mode, the players compete head-to-head to destroy each other’s castles.

Strategy

There are a number of strategies that can be used to win at Rampart. One important strategy is to build your castle carefully. The shape of your castle will determine how well it can withstand enemy fire. It is important to create a castle that is both strong and compact.

Another important strategy is to place your cannons wisely. Cannons can be placed on any part of your castle walls, but they are most effective when they are placed on the highest points. This gives them a better field of fire and makes it more difficult for the enemy to destroy them.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the enemy’s movements and to anticipate their attacks. By paying attention to the enemy’s actions, you can better defend your castle and launch your own attacks.

Legacy

Rampart was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1990. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its addictive action, and its charming graphics. Rampart has been ported to numerous home platforms over the years, including the NES, SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation. The game remains popular today, and it is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of all time.

Conclusion

Rampart is a classic arcade game that combines strategy and artillery action. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a unique and exciting experience that is sure to keep players entertained for hours on end. If you are a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Rampart.

Additional Information

  • Release Date: 1990
  • Developer: Atari Games
  • Publisher: Atari Games
  • Genre: Strategy, artillery action
  • Platforms: Arcade, NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation
  • Number of Players: 1-2

Screenshots

[Image of Rampart (1990) screenshot 1] [Image of Rampart (1990) screenshot 2] [Image of Rampart (1990) screenshot 3]

Videos

[Video of Rampart (1990) gameplay] [Video of Rampart (1990) tutorial]

External Links

Review Score

8.5/10

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Pit-Fighter (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Pit-Fighter (1990)

Pit-Fighter is a side-scrolling beat’em up arcade game developed and released by Atari Games in 1990. The player controls one of three fighters who must battle their way through 15 different matches in order to win the championship. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, variety of enemies, and over-the-top violence.

Gameplay

Pit-Fighter is played from a side-scrolling perspective. The player controls one of three fighters: Buzz, Karnov, or Ty. Each fighter has their own unique moves and abilities. Buzz is a well-rounded fighter with no major weaknesses. Karnov is a powerful fighter with slow but powerful attacks. Ty is a fast and agile fighter with weaker attacks.

The player must use their fighter’s moves to defeat a variety of enemies. Enemies include other fighters, bouncers, and even members of the audience. The player can punch, kick, jump, and throw objects at their opponents. The player can also pick up weapons such as knives, crates, and sticks to use against their enemies.

In addition to the regular enemies, the player must also face off against a series of boss characters. The boss characters are much more powerful than the regular enemies and require the player to use all of their skills to defeat them.

The game is divided into 15 different matches. Each match takes place in a different location, such as a boxing ring, a bar, and a construction site. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each match in order to progress to the next one.

The final match is against the Masked Warrior, the mysterious entity that has been taunting the player throughout the game. The Masked Warrior is the most powerful enemy in the game and requires the player to use all of their skills to defeat him.

Development

Pit-Fighter was developed by Atari Games, a subsidiary of Atari, Inc. The game was designed by Ed Boon and John Tobias, who would later go on to create the Mortal Kombat series. Pit-Fighter was released in arcades in 1990.

The game was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, variety of enemies, and over-the-top violence. Pit-Fighter was one of the most popular arcade games of 1990 and helped to revive the beat’em up genre.

Ports and sequels

Pit-Fighter was ported to a number of home consoles, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Amiga. The home versions of the game were generally well-received, but they were not as popular as the arcade version.

Atari Games released a sequel to Pit-Fighter, titled Pit-Fighter 2, in 1992. Pit-Fighter 2 was not as well-received as the original game, and it did not achieve the same level of commercial success.

Legacy

Pit-Fighter is considered to be one of the classic beat’em up games. It was one of the first games to feature three-player co-op, and it helped to popularize the use of weapons in beat’em up games. Pit-Fighter has been cited as an influence on a number of later beat’em up games, including Streets of Rage and Final Fight.

Pit-Fighter is still enjoyed by fans of beat’em up games today. It is available on a number of retro gaming platforms, and it can also be played online.

Conclusion

Pit-Fighter is a classic beat’em up game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, variety of enemies, and over-the-top violence, Pit-Fighter is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

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Shadow of the Beast (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Shadow of the Beast: A Retrospective

Released in 1989, Shadow of the Beast was a groundbreaking 16-bit game that pushed the limits of the Amiga, Atari ST, and Commodore 64 home computers. Developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Psygnosis, Shadow of the Beast was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

The game’s visuals were particularly impressive for the time. Shadow of the Beast boasted the most incredible high-speed parallax scrolling ever seen, creating a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other games of the era. The game’s character sprites were also highly detailed and animated, bringing the world of Shadow of the Beast to life.

The game’s soundtrack was another highlight. Composed by David Whittaker, the soundtrack was atmospheric and immersive, perfectly capturing the game’s dark and brooding atmosphere. The soundtrack was also highly praised for its technical achievements, pushing the sound capabilities of the Amiga to the limit.

Shadow of the Beast’s gameplay was fast-paced and action-packed. The player controlled the protagonist, Aarbron, as he fought his way through hordes of enemies in order to avenge the death of his family. Aarbron was a powerful and agile warrior, and he could use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat his foes.

The game’s difficulty was notoriously high, but this only added to its appeal. Shadow of the Beast was a game that required patience, skill, and determination to master. It was a game that rewarded players who were willing to put in the time to learn its intricacies.

Shadow of the Beast was a major critical and commercial success. It won numerous awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best 16-Bit Game of the Year. The game was also praised by critics for its visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay.

The Story of Shadow of the Beast

Shadow of the Beast tells the story of Aarbron, a young boy who is kidnapped by the evil Beast Mages. The Beast Mages transform Aarbron into a creature of fearsome power, agility, and strength, and they use him as their warrior-messenger.

For many years, Aarbron faithfully serves the Beast Mages. However, one day he discovers the truth about his past. He learns that the Beast Mages killed his family, and he vows to avenge their deaths.

Aarbron sets out on a journey to the heart of the Beast Mages’ stronghold. Along the way, he encounters an awesome array of monsters and traps. He must use all of his skills and abilities to survive and defeat the Beast Mages.

The Legacy of Shadow of the Beast

Shadow of the Beast was a groundbreaking game that had a major impact on the video game industry. The game’s visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay were all highly praised, and it helped to raise the bar for future 16-bit games.

Shadow of the Beast also had a significant impact on the development of the action-adventure genre. The game’s fast-paced and action-packed gameplay helped to define the genre, and it inspired many future games.

Shadow of the Beast has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game has also been re-released on digital platforms such as Steam and GOG.com.

Shadow of the Beast remains a popular game today, and it is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. The game’s visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay are still impressive today, and it is a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Shadow of the Beast

Shadow of the Beast is a challenging game, but there are a few tips that can help you to succeed:

  • Be patient. Shadow of the Beast is a game that requires patience and skill to master. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you will eventually get the hang of it.
  • Learn the enemy patterns. Each enemy in Shadow of the Beast has its own unique attack patterns. Once you learn these patterns, you can easily defeat them.
  • Use your abilities wisely. Aarbron has a variety of abilities that can help him to defeat his enemies. Use these abilities wisely and you will be able to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
  • Don’t be afraid to explore. Shadow of the Beast is a large and complex game. Don’t be afraid to explore the different areas of the game and find hidden secrets.

Conclusion

Shadow of the Beast is a classic video game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of retro gaming. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play, then Shadow of the Beast is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

9/10

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Gates of Zendocon (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Gates of Zendocon: A Sprawling Space Shooter with a Unique Branching Level Structure

Released in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Gates of Zendocon is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up that takes inspiration from the arcade classic Scramble. However, Gates of Zendocon sets itself apart with its unique branching level structure and a variety of power-ups and enemy types.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that must navigate through a series of 51 levels, each with its own unique layout and enemies. The ship is equipped with a standard blaster, but can also collect power-ups that enhance its firepower, speed, and shield strength.

One of the most unique aspects of Gates of Zendocon is its branching level structure. After completing each level, the player is presented with a choice of two or more paths to take. Each path leads to a different set of levels, so the player can choose their own path through the game.

This branching structure gives Gates of Zendocon a great deal of replayability, as players can experiment with different paths and try to find the best way to complete the game.

Power-Ups

Gates of Zendocon features a variety of power-ups that can help the player to survive and defeat the enemy aliens. These power-ups include:

  • Speed Up: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
  • Power Up: Increases the power of the player’s blaster.
  • Shield Up: Increases the strength of the player’s shield.
  • Missile: Gives the player a homing missile that can lock onto and destroy enemy targets.
  • Laser: Gives the player a powerful laser beam that can pierce through multiple enemies.

Enemies

Gates of Zendocon features a variety of enemy aliens, each with their own unique attack patterns. Some of the most common enemy types include:

  • Grunts: Small, weak aliens that fly in formation.
  • Kamikazes: Small, fast aliens that fly directly at the player’s ship and explode on contact.
  • Gunners: Larger, more powerful aliens that fire lasers at the player’s ship.
  • Bosses: Large, powerful aliens that guard the end of each level.

Graphics and Sound

Gates of Zendocon’s graphics are colorful and detailed, with smooth scrolling and well-animated sprites. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the excitement of the gameplay.

Overall

Gates of Zendocon is a fun and challenging shoot-’em-up that offers a unique branching level structure and a variety of power-ups and enemy types. With its great graphics, sound, and replayability, Gates of Zendocon is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing Gates of Zendocon

Here are a few tips for playing Gates of Zendocon:

  • Use the power-ups wisely. Power-ups can give you a significant advantage in battle, so make sure to use them when you need them most.
  • Be careful of the alien bases. Landing at an alien base at the wrong time can cause your ship to explode and lose all of your power-ups.
  • Experiment with different paths. The branching level structure of Gates of Zendocon gives you a lot of freedom to choose your own path through the game. Experiment with different paths to find the best way to complete the game.
  • Don’t be afraid to die. Dying is a part of the learning process in Gates of Zendocon. Each time you die, you’ll learn more about the game and how to avoid making the same mistakes twice.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Gates of Zendocon and defeat the evil Zendocon Empire.

Review Score

7.5/10

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