Bat Attack (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bat Attack (1983): A Retro Gaming Classic

Bat Attack is a Galaxian clone released in 1983. It is a simple but addictive game that will keep you entertained for hours. The goal of the game is to destroy all of the bats on the screen while avoiding their bullets and the spinning discs that come down the screen.

You control a ship that can move left and right at the bottom of the screen. You must constantly fire your laser at the bats, which swoop down in formation. If a bat touches your ship, you lose a life.

Once you have destroyed all of the bats, you must then avoid the spinning discs that come down the screen. These discs are faster and more difficult to avoid than the bats. If a disc touches your ship, you lose a life.

After you have avoided enough discs, the next level begins. The game gets progressively more difficult as you progress through the levels.

Bat Attack is a challenging but fair game. The controls are simple and responsive, and the difficulty curve is well-balanced. The graphics are simple but effective, and the sound effects are catchy.

Overall, Bat Attack is a great retro game that is still fun to play today. If you are a fan of Galaxian or other classic arcade games, then you should definitely check out Bat Attack.

Gameplay

Bat Attack is a top-down shooter game. You control a ship that can move left and right at the bottom of the screen. You must constantly fire your laser at the bats, which swoop down in formation. If a bat touches your ship, you lose a life.

The bats come in three different colors: red, blue, and green. The red bats are the weakest and are worth 10 points. The blue bats are worth 20 points, and the green bats are worth 30 points.

Once you have destroyed all of the bats, you must then avoid the spinning discs that come down the screen. These discs are faster and more difficult to avoid than the bats. If a disc touches your ship, you lose a life.

After you have avoided enough discs, the next level begins. The game gets progressively more difficult as you progress through the levels.

Strategy

There are a few different strategies that you can use to succeed in Bat Attack.

  • Focus on destroying the red bats first. The red bats are the weakest and are worth the least amount of points. However, they are also the most common type of bat. By focusing on destroying the red bats first, you can quickly rack up points and clear the screen.
  • Be careful of the blue and green bats. The blue and green bats are worth more points than the red bats, but they are also more difficult to destroy. Be careful not to get hit by these bats, as they can quickly deplete your lives.
  • Avoid the spinning discs. The spinning discs are the most dangerous obstacle in Bat Attack. They are fast and difficult to avoid. If you get hit by a disc, you will lose a life.
  • Use the power-ups. There are a few different power-ups that can help you in Bat Attack. These power-ups include:
    • Speed: This power-up increases the speed of your ship.
    • Firepower: This power-up increases the power of your laser.
    • Shield: This power-up gives you a temporary shield that protects you from enemy fire.

History

Bat Attack was developed by Namco and released in 1983. It was one of the first Galaxian clones, and it was a commercial success. Bat Attack was ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.

Bat Attack is still considered to be one of the best Galaxian clones. It is a simple but addictive game that is fun to play for all ages.

Legacy

Bat Attack has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the most popular Galaxian clones, and it has inspired a number of other games. Bat Attack is also one of the first games to feature power-ups, which have become a staple of many video games.

Bat Attack is a classic retro game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a simple but addictive game that is perfect for a quick gaming session. If you are a fan of Galaxian or other classic arcade games, then you should definitely check out Bat Attack.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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