Summary

• Release Year: 1982
• Genres: Arcade, Racing, Shooter
• Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit, ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Intellivision, Legacy Mobile Device, MSX, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, ZX Spectrum
• Developers: Activision
• Publishers: Activision, Digiplay, Firebird Software, JAMDAT Mobile, Microsoft Studios, Pony Canyon

River Raid (1982): A Classic Arcade Vertical Scrolling Shooter

Released in 1982, River Raid is a classic arcade vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game was developed by Atari, Inc. and was one of the first games to use a trackball for player control.

Gameplay

The player controls a jet fighter that flies down a river, shooting enemy helicopters, tanks, and jets. The river is constantly scrolling, and the player must avoid crashing into the banks or other obstacles. The player’s jet can be destroyed by enemy fire, or by crashing into an obstacle.

The player’s jet is equipped with a rapid-fire cannon and a limited number of missiles. The cannon can be used to destroy enemy helicopters and tanks, while the missiles can be used to destroy enemy jets. The player can also collect power-ups that give them temporary invincibility or increased firepower.

Levels

River Raid has a total of 12 levels, each of which is progressively more difficult. The levels are randomly generated, so the player will never play the same level twice.

Reception

River Raid was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its innovative use of a trackball for player control. River Raid was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s, and it has since been ported to a variety of home platforms.

Legacy

River Raid is considered to be one of the most influential video games of all time. It helped to popularize the vertical scrolling shooter genre, and its gameplay has been imitated by many other games. River Raid is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be a classic of the arcade era.

Tips for Playing River Raid

• Use the trackball to control your jet. The trackball is very sensitive, so you will need to be precise with your movements.
• Shoot down enemy helicopters and tanks as quickly as possible. These enemies can fire back at you, so it is important to take them out before they can do any damage.
• Use your missiles to destroy enemy jets. Jets are more difficult to shoot down with the cannon, so it is best to use your missiles to take them out.
• Collect power-ups whenever you can. Power-ups can give you temporary invincibility or increased firepower, which can be very helpful in completing the game.
• Don’t be afraid to crash into the banks of the river. You will lose a life if you crash, but you will respawn at the beginning of the level.

Conclusion

River Raid is a classic arcade vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its innovative use of a trackball for player control, River Raid is a game that is sure to please fans of retro gaming.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots