Barrage

Summary

Genres: Indie, Shooter
Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Publishers: Program Power

Barrage: A Retro Arcade Classic

Barrage is a variant of Missile Command that was released in arcades in 1988. The player controls two laser gun towers located at the side of the screen and must use them to destroy acid balls that are dropped by the Draks, a fiendish alien race. The game is played in a series of waves, with each wave becoming increasingly larger and faster.

In addition to the acid balls, the player must also contend with hydrazine meteors, which are fast-moving and can change their course. The player’s guns have limited ammo, so it is important to shoot sparingly. At the start of a new attack, the guns are rebuilt and restocked.

Barrage can be played in single-player mode, as well as cooperative and competitive two-player modes. In the cooperative mode, the players work together to defend the planet from the Draks. In the competitive mode, the players compete to see who can destroy the most acid balls.

Barrage was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its simple gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Atari ST.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Barrage is simple but challenging. The player controls two laser gun towers located at the side of the screen. The towers can be moved up and down, and the player can aim the lasers by moving a crosshair. The player must use the lasers to destroy the acid balls that are dropped by the Draks.

The acid balls fall from the top of the screen in a variety of patterns. Some acid balls fall in a straight line, while others bounce off the walls or change their course. The player must be quick and accurate in order to destroy the acid balls before they reach the ground.

In addition to the acid balls, the player must also contend with hydrazine meteors. Hydrazine meteors are fast-moving and can change their course, making them difficult to destroy. The player must use their lasers to carefully target the hydrazine meteors and destroy them before they reach the ground.

The player’s guns have limited ammo, so it is important to shoot sparingly. The player can collect ammo power-ups that will increase the amount of ammo that they have. The player can also collect speed power-ups that will increase the speed of their lasers.

At the start of a new attack, the player’s guns are rebuilt and restocked. The player can also use the start of a new attack to reposition their towers.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Barrage are simple but effective. The game uses a bright color palette and the sprites are well-drawn. The backgrounds are detailed and the explosions are impressive.

The sound in Barrage is also good. The music is catchy and the sound effects are appropriate. The game’s sound effects are especially effective at creating a sense of urgency.

Overall

Barrage is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. With its simple gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature, it is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

Tips for Playing Barrage

Be patient. Barrage is a challenging game, but it is possible to master it with practice. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep playing and you will eventually get better.
Use your ammo sparingly. Your guns have limited ammo, so it is important to shoot sparingly. Only shoot when you are sure that you can hit an acid ball or a hydrazine meteor.
Collect power-ups. Power-ups can give you an advantage in the game. Collect ammo power-ups to increase the amount of ammo that you have. Collect speed power-ups to increase the speed of your lasers.
Reposition your towers. At the start of a new attack, you can reposition your towers. This can give you a better angle on the acid balls and hydrazine meteors.
Work together. If you are playing in cooperative mode, work together with your partner to defend the planet from the Draks. Communicate with each other and coordinate your attacks.

Legacy

Barrage has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including Robotron: 2084 and Smash TV. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite of retro gamers.

Barrage is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. If you are a fan of retro games or if you are looking for a challenging and addictive game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Barrage.

Review Score

8.5/10