Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Sirius Software
- Publishers: Spectravision
The Challenge of Nexar: A Retro Crosshair Shooter That Still Packs a Punch
Released in 1982, The Challenge of Nexar is a single-screen crosshair shooter that was developed and published by Atari, Inc. for the Atari 2600 video game console. The game was programmed by David Lubar, who was also responsible for programming other classic Atari 2600 games such as Missile Command and Centipede.
The Challenge of Nexar is a simple but addictive game that challenges players to defend their base from waves of enemy ships. The player controls a crosshair that can be moved around the screen to shoot at the enemy ships. The enemy ships come in different shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns.
To destroy an enemy ship, the player must shoot it multiple times with the crosshair. The number of shots required to destroy a ship depends on its size and type. Smaller ships can be destroyed with a few shots, while larger ships may require many more shots to take down.
As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemy ships become increasingly difficult to defeat. The enemy ships start to move faster and fire more shots, and they also become more aggressive in their attacks. The player must use all of their skills and reflexes to survive and protect their base.
The Challenge of Nexar is a challenging but rewarding game that offers hours of fun. The game’s simple gameplay is easy to learn, but it is difficult to master. The game’s fast-paced action and intense challenge will keep players coming back for more.
Gameplay
The Challenge of Nexar is a single-screen crosshair shooter in which the player controls a crosshair that can be moved around the screen to shoot at enemy ships. The enemy ships come in different shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns.
The player’s goal is to destroy all of the enemy ships before they can reach the bottom of the screen and destroy the player’s base. To destroy an enemy ship, the player must shoot it multiple times with the crosshair. The number of shots required to destroy a ship depends on its size and type. Smaller ships can be destroyed with a few shots, while larger ships may require many more shots to take down.
As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemy ships become increasingly difficult to defeat. The enemy ships start to move faster and fire more shots, and they also become more aggressive in their attacks. The player must use all of their skills and reflexes to survive and protect their base.
Graphics and Sound
The Challenge of Nexar’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s single-screen environment is well-designed and easy to navigate. The enemy ships are also well-designed and varied, and they each have their own unique attack patterns.
The game’s sound effects are also simple but effective. The sound of the player’s crosshair firing is satisfying, and the sound of the enemy ships exploding is also well-done. The game’s music is also catchy and adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Legacy
The Challenge of Nexar was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1982. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its excellent graphics and sound. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
The Challenge of Nexar has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Atari 5200, the Atari 7800, the Atari Lynx, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in a number of Atari game compilations.
The Challenge of Nexar is still considered to be one of the best crosshair shooters ever made. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its excellent graphics and sound have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Conclusion
The Challenge of Nexar is a classic crosshair shooter that still packs a punch today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its excellent graphics and sound have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today. If you are a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out The Challenge of Nexar.
Review Score
8/10