Summary

• Release Year: 1982
• Genres: Arcade
• Platforms: Atari 2600
• Developers: Mystique
• Publishers: Mystique

Custer’s Revenge: A Controversial Classic

Custer’s Revenge is a side-scrolling shooter game released for the Atari 2600 in 1982. The game was developed by Mystique and published by Atari, Inc. The player controls General George Custer, who must shoot arrows at Native Americans in order to rescue a white woman named Revenge.

Custer’s Revenge was a commercial success, selling over 80,000 copies. However, the game was also highly controversial due to its depiction of violence against Native Americans. Many critics accused the game of being racist and sexist.

In 1983, Atari withdrew Custer’s Revenge from the market. The game has since been re-released on several compilation albums, but it remains a controversial title.

Gameplay

Custer’s Revenge is a side-scrolling shooter game. The player controls General George Custer, who must shoot arrows at Native Americans in order to rescue a white woman named Revenge. The game is divided into three levels, each of which becomes progressively more difficult.

In the first level, Custer must shoot arrows at Native Americans who are running towards him. In the second level, Custer must shoot arrows at Native Americans who are riding on horseback. In the third level, Custer must shoot arrows at Native Americans who are hiding behind trees.

Custer can shoot arrows in eight directions. He can also jump to avoid being hit by enemy arrows. If Custer is hit by an enemy arrow, he will lose one of his three lives.

The game ends when Custer either rescues Revenge or loses all of his lives.

Controversy

Custer’s Revenge was a highly controversial game due to its depiction of violence against Native Americans. Many critics accused the game of being racist and sexist.

One of the most common criticisms of Custer’s Revenge is that it perpetuates the stereotype of the “savage Indian.” In the game, Native Americans are depicted as bloodthirsty savages who are intent on killing Custer. This stereotype is both inaccurate and harmful.

Another criticism of Custer’s Revenge is that it glorifies violence against Native Americans. In the game, Custer is rewarded for killing Native Americans. This sends the message that violence against Native Americans is acceptable.

Custer’s Revenge was also criticized for its sexual content. In the game, Revenge is depicted as a scantily clad white woman who is being held captive by Native Americans. This depiction of Revenge is both sexist and racist.

Legacy

Custer’s Revenge is a controversial game with a complex legacy. The game is often cited as an example of the racism and sexism that was prevalent in the video game industry in the early 1980s. However, the game is also a reminder of the power of video games to provoke thought and discussion.

Custer’s Revenge has been re-released on several compilation albums, and it remains a popular game among collectors. The game is also a valuable historical artifact, as it provides a glimpse into the attitudes and values of the early video game industry.

Conclusion

Custer’s Revenge is a controversial game with a complex legacy. The game is often cited as an example of the racism and sexism that was prevalent in the video game industry in the early 1980s. However, the game is also a reminder of the power of video games to provoke thought and discussion. Custer’s Revenge is a valuable historical artifact that provides a glimpse into the attitudes and values of the early video game industry.

Review Score

1/10

Art

Cover Art

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