Summary

• Release Year: 1989
• Genres: Platform, Shooter
• Platforms: Amiga, Atari Jaguar, Atari ST/STE
• Developers: Realms
• Publishers: Hewson Consultants

Custodian (1989): The Atari Jaguar’s Arcade Shooter Masterpiece

Released in 1989, Custodian was the Atari Jaguar’s launch title and one of the first arcade shooters on a home console. Developed by Piko Interactive, the game tasked players with protecting energy bases from parasites that were trying to drain them dry.

Custodian is a top-down shooter in which the player controls a ship that can move in any direction and shoot in eight directions. The game features four area levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must use a variety of weapons and power-ups to defeat the parasites and protect the energy bases.

One of the things that makes Custodian so unique is its fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay. The game is constantly throwing new enemies at the player, and the action never lets up. The player must be constantly moving and shooting to survive.

Another thing that makes Custodian stand out is its impressive graphics and sound. The game’s visuals are colorful and detailed, and the chiptune music is catchy and upbeat. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

Custodian was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best arcade shooters on the Atari Jaguar. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for any fan of classic arcade shooters.

Gameplay

Custodian is a top-down shooter in which the player controls a ship that can move in any direction and shoot in eight directions. The player must use a variety of weapons and power-ups to defeat the parasites and protect the energy bases.

The game features four area levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must progress through each level by defeating all of the enemies and protecting the energy bases.

The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a laser, a spread shot, and a homing missile. The player can also collect power-ups that give them temporary enhancements, such as increased speed or firepower.

The parasites are a relentless enemy, and they will constantly try to drain the energy bases dry. The player must use their weapons and power-ups wisely to defeat the parasites and protect the bases.

Graphics and Sound

Custodian’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the chiptune music is catchy and upbeat. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

The game’s visuals are particularly impressive for an Atari Jaguar launch title. The backgrounds are detailed and varied, and the enemies are well-animated. The game’s use of color is also very effective, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

The game’s music is also very good. The chiptune soundtrack is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and they help to bring the game world to life.

Difficulty

Custodian is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player must be constantly moving and shooting to survive, but the game never feels unfair. The player’s ship is powerful enough to defeat the parasites, but the player must use their weapons and power-ups wisely to succeed.

The game’s difficulty is also adjustable, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. The player can choose from three difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The Easy difficulty level is perfect for beginners, while the Hard difficulty level is a challenge for even the most experienced players.

Legacy

Custodian was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best arcade shooters on the Atari Jaguar. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for any fan of classic arcade shooters.

The game’s legacy is also due in part to its influence on other games. Custodian’s fast-paced gameplay and use of power-ups were influential on the development of other arcade shooters, such as Smash TV and Robotron: 2084.

Custodian is a classic arcade shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics and sound, and challenging difficulty make it a must-play for any fan of classic arcade shooters.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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