Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Texas Instruments TI-99, TRS-80 Color Computer
- Developers: Synapse Software Corporation
- Publishers: Atari
Protector II (1982): A Challenging and Rewarding Arcade-Style Shooter
Protector II is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game released in 1982 by Bally Midway. It is a sequel to the 1981 game Protector, and like its predecessor, it is loosely based on the arcade hit Defender. However, Protector II features a number of new gameplay elements and improvements that make it a unique and challenging experience in its own right.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that must rescue humans from aliens and other hazards. The game is played in a continuous side-scrolling environment, with the player’s ship moving automatically from left to right. The player can control the ship’s speed and altitude, as well as fire weapons in eight directions.
The player must rescue humans from two different types of locations: alien ships and cities. To rescue a human from an alien ship, the player must first destroy the ship’s defenses and then land on the ship to pick up the human. To rescue a human from a city, the player must first clear the city of aliens and then land to pick up the human.
Once the player has rescued a human, they must then transport the human to a teleporter tube. The teleporter tube will then transport the human off the planet. The player can only carry one human at a time, so they must make multiple trips to rescue all of the humans.
The game is divided into several sub-missions, each with its own unique objectives. The player must complete each sub-mission in order to progress to the next one. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more aliens and other hazards to contend with.
Graphics and Sound
Protector II’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s characters and environments are all rendered in a blocky, pixelated style, but they are still easily recognizable and expressive. The game’s colors are bright and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid.
The game’s sound effects are also simple but effective. The sound of the player’s ship’s weapons firing is particularly satisfying, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Difficulty
Protector II is a challenging game, even for experienced arcade gamers. The game’s fast-paced action and precise flying controls can be difficult to master, and the game’s later levels are particularly difficult. However, the game is also fair, and the player is always given a chance to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills.
Legacy
Protector II was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade shooters of all time. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it has been included in several arcade game compilations. Protector II has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its challenging difficulty.
Conclusion
Protector II is a challenging and rewarding arcade-style shooter that offers a unique mix of action and strategy. The game’s simple but effective graphics and sound, combined with its fast-paced gameplay and precise flying controls, make it a timeless classic. Protector II is a must-play for fans of arcade shooters and retro gaming.
Tips for Playing Protector II
- Use the game’s practice mode to get a feel for the controls and the different types of enemies.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you die a lot. The game is difficult, but it is possible to beat with practice.
- Focus on rescuing the humans first. The aliens can be killed later.
- Don’t be afraid to use your bombs. They can be very effective against large groups of enemies.
- Be careful when landing on alien ships and cities. The aliens will often try to trap you and kill you.
- If you get stuck, don’t be afraid to restart the level. The game is designed to be difficult, and there is no shame in starting over.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
