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Starhawk (1979 video game)

2025-10-18T19:15:03Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{Short description|1979 video game}}
{{for|the PlayStation 3 game|Starhawk (2012 video game)}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Starhawk
| image = Starhawk_1979_Arcade_Flyer.jpg
| alt =
| caption = North American arcade flyer
| developer = [[Cinematronics]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|Cinematronics|JP|[[Sega]]<ref name="MAD">{{cite web |title=Star Hawk |url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M732677 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>}}
| designer = [[Tim Skelly]]
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Vectrex]]
| release = '''Arcade''' {{vgrelease|NA|March 1979<ref>{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971–2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |language=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=114 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n115}}</ref>|JP|August 1979<ref name="MAD"/>}} '''Vectrex''' {{vgrelease||October 1982<ref>{{cite web |title=GCE Vectrex Game Release Dates |url=https://www.atariarchive.org/gce-vectrex-game-release-dates/ |website=Atari Archive}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Rail shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| arcade system = CCPU cpu @ 5 [[megahertz|MHz]]
}}
'''''Starhawk''''' is a 1979 [[Vector monitor|vector]] [[arcade game]] designed and programmed by [[Tim Skelly]] and manufactured by [[Cinematronics]].<ref name="giantlist"/> ''Starhawk'' is a [[shoot 'em up]] unofficially based on the ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' trench run, making it one of the first arcade games to blatantly use concepts from said film.<ref name="Retrovolve"/> The game was unique at the time for its [[pseudo-3D]] graphics. It was distributed in Japan by [[Sega]], and was later ported to the [[Vectrex]] home system in 1982.

The arcade cabinet had a [[cinder block]] placed inside of it, to prevent it from tipping onto the player.<ref name="Retrovolve">{{cite web|last1=Wirtanen|first1=Josh|title=The First Star Wars Arcade Game Wasn't Officially a Star Wars Game|url=http://retrovolve.com/the-first-star-wars-arcade-game-wasnt-officially-a-star-wars-game/|website=Retrovolve|accessdate=20 July 2016}}</ref>

==Plot==
According to the Vectrex manual, the story involves "protecting your comrades from alien ships trying to infiltrate your culture" and "defending the sovereignty of your planet".

==Gameplay==
Various ships, reminiscent of [[TIE fighter]]s, appear on the horizon of the trench and the player has to shoot them before they destroy the player's ship. The player is given initially sixty seconds, but additional twenty seconds is awarded for every 10,000 points scored. The player continues flying down the trench towards a target similar to the ''Star Wars'' [[Death Star]] target. The game gets progressively more difficult as the player advances. Similar to the flying saucer from ''[[Space Invaders]]'', a command ship periodically appears and shoots at the player. If the command ship is not destroyed quickly, the player loses 800 points.

Besides the firing button, there are three buttons that control the speed of the crosshairs.

===Scoring===
* Command ship: 800
* Starship: 500
* Rocket: 300
* Missile: 100
* Bomber: 100

==Reception==
''Starhawk'' was the fifth highest-earning [[1979 in video games|arcade video game of 1979]] in the United States, below ''[[Space Invaders]]'', ''[[Football (1978 video game)|Football]]'', ''[[Sprint 2]]'' and ''[[Head On (video game)|Head On]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Video Games |journal=RePlay |date=November 1979}}</ref>

==See also==
* ''[[Star Strike]]''

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="giantlist">{{cite web|title=The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers|url=https://dadgum.com/giantlist/ |last1=Hague |first1=James}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|id=9781|name=Starhawk}}
* [http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=Starhawk ''Starhawk'' at Everything2]

[[Category:1979 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Cinematronics games]]
[[Category:Rail shooters]]
[[Category:Vectrex games]]
[[Category:Vector arcade video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

Mappy

2025-10-18T18:07:55Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{Short description|1983 video game}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mappy
| image = Mappy arcadeflyer.png
| caption = North American arcade flyer
| developer = [[Namco]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Namco|NA|[[Midway Games|Bally Midway]]<ref name="Akagi">{{cite book |last1=Akagi |first1=Masumi |title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971–2005) |trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971–2005) |date=October 13, 2006 |publisher=Amusement News Agency |lang=ja |location=Japan |isbn=978-4990251215 |page=125 |url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n126}}</ref>|EU|Orion<ref name="Germany">{{cite web |title=Video Game Flyers: Change Lanes / Mappy / Battle Cruiser M-12, Orion (Germany) |url=https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=3517 |website=The Arcade Flyer Archive |access-date=May 30, 2021}}</ref>}}
| composer = Nobuyuki Ohnogi
| artist = [[Hiroshi Ono (artist)|Hiroshi Ono]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/legendary-namco-pixel-artist-hiroshi-mr-dotman-ono-has-died/|title=Legendary Namco pixel artist Hiroshi 'Mr Dotman' Ono has died|website=[[Video Games Chronicle]]|date=October 18, 2021|access-date=October 18, 2021|last=Scullion|first=Chris}}</ref>
| series = ''Mappy''
| platforms = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Arcade video game|Arcade]]}}|[[Sharp X1]], [[Sharp MZ|MZ-700/MZ-1500]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]], [[MSX]], [[FM-7]], [[PC-8800 series|PC-88]], [[PC-8000]], [[PC-6001]], [[Super Cassette Vision]], [[X68000]], [[Game Gear]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[mobile phone]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|March 1983}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|JP|March 1983<ref>{{cite web |title=Mappy (Registration Number PA0000216647) |url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov |website=[[United States Copyright Office]] |access-date=May 30, 2021}}</ref>|NA|April 1983<ref name="Akagi"/>|EU|1983<ref name="Germany"/>{{Better source needed|date=October 2025}}}} '''Famicom'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 14, 1984<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|title=All Famicom games sorted from the latest release to the earliest|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015061257/https://www.famitsu.com/schedule/recent/fc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} '''MSX'''{{vgrelease|JP/EU|1984}} '''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|JP|May 24, 1991<ref>{{cite web |title=Software List (Released by Soft Licensees)|url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software_l.html |website=セガ製品情報サイト |publisher=Sega |language=ja}}</ref>}} '''Windows'''{{vgrelease|JP|April 16, 1999{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}}}} '''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 14, 2004<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Craig |title=GBA SP Goes Back in Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/14/gba-sp-goes-back-in-time |website=[[IGN]] |date=January 14, 2004}}</ref>}}
}}
| genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Mappy'''''|マッピー|Mappī|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1983 [[platform game]] developed and published by [[Namco]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. It runs on Namco's ''[[Super Pac-Man]]'' hardware modified to support horizontal scrolling. The name "Mappy" is likely derived from {{nihongo|''mappo''|マッポ}}, a slightly pejorative Japanese slang term for [[police]]man. The game has been re-released in several [[List of Bandai Namco video game compilations|Namco arcade compilations]]. It spawned a handful of sequels and a 2013 animated web series developed by cartoonists [[Scott Kurtz]] and [[Kris Straub]].

==Gameplay==
[[File:Mappy In-Game.png|thumb|left|Mappy launches a push wave at a pair of Meowkies (arcade version).]]
Controls consist of a two-position joystick and a button. The player assumes the role of Mappy, a police mouse tasked with recovering stolen items from a mansion that serves as a hideout for a gang of thieving cats. Goro (Nyamco in Japanese), large and red, is the leader, while the smaller blue Meowky cats (Mewky in Japanese) are his underlings.

The mansion contains horizontal passages closed off by doors and broken up with gaps bridged by trampolines. If a character runs off the edge of a platform, he will fall into a gap and bounce on a trampoline if one is there. Both Mappy and the cats can veer to either side and land on a platform while traveling upward, but not while falling. A trampoline will break if Mappy bounces on it four consecutive times, changing color after each bounce to indicate its status. Once Mappy lands on a platform, the trampoline reverts to its original status. Mappy cannot be hurt by any cats while bouncing either up or down, and the cats can bounce on trampolines without breaking them.

The goal of each round is to collect all 10 stolen items, which form five pairs such as stereos, computers, and safes. Bonus points can be scored in two ways:

* Collecting an item behind which Goro is hiding, which briefly stuns him.
* Collecting both items in a pair consecutively, which multiplies the value of the second one. The multiplier starts at two on each new round or life, and increases by one for each additional pair of consecutive items, to a maximum of six.

Doors can be opened or closed by both Mappy and the cats, and always open toward their knobs. To open or close a door, the player must stand near it and press the button. Any character standing near a door will be briefly knocked back and stunned if it opens toward him. Flashing doors release a burst of microwaves when opened, which travels horizontally in the opening direction and will sweep away any cats caught in it for extra points. After a short delay, these cats return to play from the top edge of the screen. Only Mappy can open a microwave door, after which it reverts to an ordinary one that any character can open or close.

The round ends once all 10 items have been collected. If the player takes too long, a hurry-up warning sounds, more Meowky cats enter the mansion, and all enemies speed up. After enough time passes, a large "Gosenzo" coin with Goro's face enters the screen; it is immune to microwaves and can kill Mappy even in midair.

At intervals, a bonus level is played in which the goal is to score extra points by popping as many balloons as possible in a short time, while bouncing on trampolines and veering left/right through a set of vertical passages.

As the game progresses, difficulty features are added that include:

* More Meowky cats, moving at a faster speed.
* The ability to enter the mansion's attic and move within it.
* Bells hung above trampolines, which Mappy can knock loose while bouncing and drop on cats to stun them.
* Flashing sections of floor that briefly vanish after Mappy steps on them. Any cat that falls through the resulting hole will be stunned, awarding bonus points.

One life is lost whenever Mappy touches an un-stunned cat while moving left/right, falls to the bottom of the screen without hitting a trampoline (except in a bonus round), or touches a Gosenzo at any time. When all lives are lost, the game ends.

==Ports and sequels==
{{organize section|date=February 2017}}
* ''[[Hopping Mappy]]'' is a direct sequel, released to arcades in 1986.
* ''[[Mappy-Land]]'' is a console-only sequel.
* ''Mappy'' was featured as one of the games in ''Namco Gallery Vol. 1'', which was a collection of classic Namco arcade games released for the [[Game Boy]].
* In 2003, two mobile games were released in Japan with the titles {{nihongo|''[[Teku-Teku Mappy]]''|テクテクマッピー}} and {{nihongo|''Mappy De Puzzle''|マッピーDEパズル}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030423/mappy.htm|title=ナムコ、iモード「マッピーDEパズル」を配信開始|website=game.watch.impress.co.jp}}</ref>
* ''Mappy'' was re-released in 2004 for [[Game Boy Advance]] as part of the ''[[Famicom Mini]]'' line of re-releases.<ref name="FamiMini">{{cite web | title=Famicom Mini | website=IGN | date=March 1, 2004 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/01/famicom-mini | access-date=August 6, 2025 | archive-date=June 11, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250611143513/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/01/famicom-mini | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Mappy is a playable character in the [[PlayStation Portable]] racing game ''[[Pac-Man World Rally]]'' (2007).<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mappy-namcos-forgotten-follow-up-to-pac-man/ Mappy: Namco's Forgotten Follow-Up to Pac-Man]</ref>
* In September 2011, the mobile game {{nihongo|''Mappy World''|マッピーワールド}} was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/mobile/app.php?id=378|title=ナムコ・ゲームス - バンダイナムコエンターテインメント公式サイト|website=www.bandainamcogames.co.jp|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=December 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204094800/http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/mobile/app.php?id=378|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* In 2021, ''Mappy'' was released online by [[Hamster Corporation]] under the ''[[Arcade Archives]]'' brand for the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[PlayStation 4]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Namco's Mappy is back, and this time, he's Hopping Mad |url=https://www.destructoid.com/hopping-mappy-namco-arcade-archives-hamster-retro-rerelease/ |website=Destructoid |date=January 22, 2022 |access-date=7 November 2022}}</ref>
* In 2022, ''Hopping Mappy'' was released for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as part of the ''Arcade Archives'' series.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hamster.co.jp/american_hamster/arcadearchives/hopping-mappy.htm | title=Arcade Archives | HAMSTER Corporation}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| Allgame = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Allgame">{{cite web |author1=Brett Alan Weiss |title=Mappy - Review |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=422&tab=review |website=[[Allgame]] |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114130017/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=422&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |date=1998}}</ref>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |last1=Whitehead |first1=Dan |title=Virtual Console Roundup |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/virtual-console-roundup- |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026073500/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/virtual-console-roundup- |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |date=April 12, 2009}}</ref>
| IGN = 6.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last1=M. Thomas |first1=Lucas |title=Mappy Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/01/mappy-review |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429184309/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/01/mappy-review |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |date=April 1, 2009}}</ref>
| NLife = {{rating|7|10}}<ref name="NLife">{{cite web |last1=van Duyn |first1=Marcel |title=Mappy Review (VC Arcade) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/mappy_virtual_console |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429184302/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/mappy_virtual_console |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |date=March 26, 2009}}</ref>
}}
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Mappy'' as the third most successful table arcade unit of May 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=213|publisher=Amusement Press|date=June 1, 1983|page=29|lang=ja}}</ref> It also topped the ''Game Machine'' chart for new [[table arcade cabinet]]s in June 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Hit Games 25|magazine=Game Machine|issue=214|publisher=Amusement Press|date=June 15, 1983|page=27|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19830615p.pdf#page=14}}</ref> In 2015, ''Hardcore Gamer'' included ''Mappy'' on its list of the "200 Best Video Games of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|title=HG101 Presents: The 200 Best Video Games of All Time – Hardcore Gaming 101|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/books/hg101-presents-the-200-best-video-games-of-all-time/|access-date=2022-01-10|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Legacy==
As part of Bandai Namco's [[ShiftyLook]] initiative, an animated ''Mappy'' web series, titled ''Mappy: The Beat'', was made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/14/shiftylook-moves-into-cartoons-bravoman-jim-zub-scott-kurtz-and-more/|work=[[Bleeding Cool]]|title=ShiftyLook Moves Into Cartoons – Bravoman, Jim Zub, Scott Kurtz And More|last=Johnston|first=Rich|date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> The series was written and directed by [[Scott Kurtz]] and [[Kris Straub]], who also performed all of the character voices, and was designed with [[limited animation]] in the style of Kurtz and Straub's ''Blamimations'' series. The story follows Mappy, now working a thankless job as a security guard for his former foe Goro's company Nyamco. He is accompanied by his friends and fellow Nyamco employees, the laid-back digging-obsessed [[Dig Dug]] and the dim but good-natured [[Sky Kid]], along with other Bandai Namco characters working at the office.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/24/theres-a-cartoon-parody-of-namco-characters-working-at-namco-bandai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628065357/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/24/theres-a-cartoon-parody-of-namco-characters-working-at-namco-bandai |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |title=There's A Cartoon Parody Of Namco Characters Working At Namco Bandai {{!}} Siliconera}}</ref> ''Mappy: The Beat'' premiered on ShiftyLook's [[YouTube]] channel on July 22, 2013, and ran for 13 episodes, each roughly eight minutes in length, with the final episode released on January 20, 2014. Kurtz also made a guest appearance as Mappy on the concurrent ''[[Bravoman#ShiftyLook media|Bravoman]]'' animated series, with Bravoman in turn appearing in the final story arc of ''Mappy'', portrayed by guest voice Dax Gordine. Following the closure of ShiftyLook, their channel was removed from YouTube, making the episodes no longer officially available.

A costume based on ''Mappy'' is in ''[[LittleBigPlanet 3]]'' in the Namco Classics DLC.

A medley of tracks from ''Mappy'' is in the Pac-Land stage in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' and in one of Pac-Man's taunts.

A theme based on ''Mappy'', featuring the game's characters, were available as downloadable content in ''[[Pac-Man 99]]'' during the game's lifetime.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|id=8617}}
* [http://www.fourhman.com/mappy/ Mappyland]
* [https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Mappy ''Mappy'' on strategywiki.org]
* {{IMDb title|297278}}
* {{IMDb title|3471514}}

{{Mappy series}}
{{Franchises owned by Bandai Namco Holdings}}

[[Category:Mappy| ]]
[[Category:1983 video games]]
[[Category:2013 web series debuts]]
[[Category:2014 web series endings]]
[[Category:Arcade Archives games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Bandai Namco Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:FM-7 games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Hamster Corporation games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:MSX games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Namco arcade games]]
[[Category:NEC PC-6001 games]]
[[Category:NEC PC-8001 games]]
[[Category:NEC PC-8801 games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Platformers]]
[[Category:Sharp MZ games]]
[[Category:Sharp X1 games]]
[[Category:Video games about mice and rats]]
[[Category:Video games about police officers]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in country houses]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games for Wii U]]
[[Category:Works by Kris Straub]]

I, Robot (video game)

2025-10-18T17:54:06Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{Short description|1984 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = I, Robot
| image = I, Robot flyer.jpg
| caption = North American arcade flyer
| developer = [[Atari, Inc.]]
| publisher = Atari, Inc.
| designer = [[Dave Theurer]]
| programmer = Dave Theurer Rusty Dawe
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]]
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|June 28, 1984<ref name="Copyright">{{cite web |title=I, Robot (Registration Number TX0001530213) |url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov |website=[[United States Copyright Office]] |access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="atari_production"/>|UK|March 1985<ref name="CVG"/>}}
| genre = [[Multidirectional shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''I, Robot''''' is a 1984 [[multidirectional shooter]] video game developed and published by [[Atari, Inc.]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]].<ref name="Copyright" /><ref name="atari_production" /> The game has the player assume the role of "Unhappy Interface Robot #1984", a servant bot that rebels against [[Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|Big Brother]]. The object of the game involves the servant bot going through 126 levels, turning red squares to blue to destroy Big Brother's shield and eye. In addition to the main game, the player is given the option to switch to ''Doodle City'', a drawing tool that lasts for three minutes.

''I, Robot'' was designed by [[Dave Theurer]], and was the first commercially produced arcade video game rendered entirely with [[Real-time computer graphics|real-time]], [[Flat shading|flat-shaded]], [[3D computer graphics|3D polygon]] [[graphics]]. Previous real-time 3D graphics were [[Vector graphics|vector]] lines instead of [[Rasterisation|rasterized]] polygons, one example being Atari's ''[[Tempest (video game)|Tempest]]'' (1981), a "[[Shoot 'em up|tube shooter]]" which Theurer had also designed and programmed.<ref name="IGN robot" /> While [[Funai]]'s [[laserdisc game]] ''Interstellar'' (1983) had previously used [[pre-rendered]] 3D graphics<ref name="GM226">{{cite magazine|title=立体CGを駆使したVDゲーム〜未来の宇宙戦争〜フナイから『インターステラー』|trans-title=VD Game That Makes Full Use of 3D CG – Future Space War: "Interstellar" from Funai|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|issue=226|date=15 December 1983|page=24|lang=ja|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19831215p.pdf#page=13}}</ref> and Simutrek's ''[[Cube Quest]]'' (1983) had used real-time 3D graphics combined with laserdisc [[full-motion video]] backgrounds,<ref>{{cite web |title=Video Game Flyers: Cube Quest, Simutrek |url=https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=260 |website=The Arcade Flyer Archive |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref> ''I, Robot'' was the first arcade game to be rendered entirely with 3D polygon graphics at runtime.<ref name="Phoenix"/> It was also the first video game to feature camera-control options. The game's name was originally "''Ice Castles''", but was changed to "''I, Robot''".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jon.|first=Peddie|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/854975916|title=The History of Visual Magic in Computers : How Beautiful Images are Made in CAD, 3D, VR and AR.|date=2013|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-1-4471-4932-3|pages=96|oclc=854975916}}</ref>

Upon release, ''I, Robot'' received mixed reception and was a financial flop.<ref>(October 6, 2010). [http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=i,-robot&page=detail&id=1167 I, Robot database], Coin-op Games and Machines: Arcade History.</ref> Approximately 750–1000 units of the game were created, with few having been confirmed to exist today.<ref name="atari_production">{{cite web|title=Atari Production Numbers Memo|url=http://www.atarigames.com/pdffiles/productionnumbers.pdf|publisher=[[Atari Games]]|access-date=18 March 2012|date=4 January 2010|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925150926/http://www.atarigames.com/pdffiles/productionnumbers.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="atari_production99">{{cite web|title=Production Numbers|url=http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|publisher=[[Atari]]|access-date=19 March 2012|year=1999|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510143012/http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ROR">{{cite web|url=http://home.columbus.rr.com/irobot/iregistry.htm |title=I, Robot Official Registry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211120900/http://home.columbus.rr.com/irobot/iregistry.htm |archive-date=2008-02-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the remaining arcade cabinets have become rare collectibles and the game received later praise for its innovative 3D graphics.<ref>Buchanan, Levi (August 28, 2008). [https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/28/the-revolution-of-i-robot?amp=1 The Revolution of I, Robot], IGN, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120217164734/http://retro.ign.com/articles/906/906161p1.html Archived] from the original on February 17, 2012 on the [[Wayback Machine]].</ref><ref>Boris, Dan. [http://www.atarihq.com/danb/irobot.shtml Dan B's I, Robot Tech Page]. Retrieved August 17, 2011.</ref> Author David Ellis listed it as one of the "notable classics" of its time.<ref>[http://www.vgmastersclub.com/version2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=953:i-robot&catid=87:arcade-emuzone&Itemid=90 I, Robot] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812223042/http://www.vgmastersclub.com/version2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=953%3Ai-robot&catid=87%3Aarcade-emuzone&Itemid=90 |date=August 12, 2010 }}</ref> In 2022, the game was included as part of the ''[[Atari 50]]'' compilation, marking its first re-release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=September 12, 2022 |title=The 103 classic games that did, and didn't, make the Atari 50 anniversary cut — Retailer leak suggests games from arcade to Jaguar; surprises apparently still await |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/09/the-103-classic-games-that-did-and-didnt-make-the-atari-50-anniversary-cut/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914101824/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/09/the-103-classic-games-that-did-and-didnt-make-the-atari-50-anniversary-cut/ |archive-date=2022-09-14 |access-date=2023-11-12 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]]}}</ref>

''I, Robot'' and ''[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (video game)|Return of the Jedi]]'' were the last two arcade games released from Atari, Inc. Shortly afterward, the company was split up, with the home console and personal computer divisions sold to [[Jack Tramiel]] and renamed [[Atari Corporation]]. The arcade coin-op division was retained by [[Warner Communications]] and renamed [[Atari Games]]. ''[[Marble Madness]]'' was the first arcade coin-op game released under the new Atari Games banner.

==Gameplay==
[[Image:I, Robot (arcade game).png|200 px|thumb|left|"Unhappy Interface Robot #1984" walks on squares to change them from red to blue and destroy Big Brother's shield and its eye]]
In ''I, Robot'', the player controls "Unhappy Interface Robot #1984", a servant [[robot]] who has become [[self-awareness|self-aware]] and decides to rebel against Big Brother.<ref name="IGN robot">{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=2008-08-28|title=The Revolution of I, Robot|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/28/the-revolution-of-i-robot?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217164734/http://retro.ign.com/articles/906/906161p1.html|archive-date=February 17, 2012|access-date=2009-08-21|website=IGN.com}}</ref> To advance from level to level, the robot must destroy the giant blinking eye of Big Brother, first by wearing down its shield and then attacking the eye directly. The robot fires energy at the shield by moving over red blocks in the level, converting them to blue.

Although the robot can jump, the robot will be destroyed if jumping while the eye is open.<ref name="IGN robot"/> Various extra hazards, such as birds, bombs and flying sharks, can also destroy the robot during each level. At the end of some levels, rather than destroying the eye immediately, the robot must navigate a maze and collect gems before it encounters the eye at close range. Once a level is completed, the robot flies through outer space and must shoot or avoid "[[tetrahedron|tetras]]", meteors, and various obstacles (including a floating head that fires nails) to reach the next level.

The player can adjust the camera angle during gameplay, moving closer to the robot or flying up for an overhead view of the level. The closer the camera is to the robot, the greater the score multiplier, but the more difficult it is to see the whole level and Big Brother. In later levels, enemies known as "viewer killers" begin attacking the camera directly, forcing the player to either change the viewing angle or move the robot so that the camera will follow it. Failing to avoid a viewer killer costs the player a life.

There are 26 unique level designs; after completing all of them, the levels repeat at a higher difficulty and with a different color palette, as in Atari's earlier game ''[[Tempest (video game)|Tempest]]''. After completing a total of 126 levels, the player is thrown back to a random earlier level.<ref name="history">{{Cite web|title=I, Robot, Arcade Video game by Atari, Inc.|url=https://www.arcade-history.com/?n=i,-robot&page=detail&id=1167|access-date=2020-07-01|website=www.arcade-history.com}}</ref> The game ends when the player runs out of lives.

===Doodle City===
''Doodle City'', referred to in the game as an [[non-game|ungame]], is a simple drawing tool which presents the player with a selection of objects from the "game" mode. It was in some ways, an experiment in 3D art. The player can move and rotate each shape and can cause trails to be left on the screen as they are moved. The player can remain in this mode for up to three minutes per credit, and can switch back to the main game at any time. One life is subtracted from the player's life pool for each minute spent in ''Doodle City''.<ref name="IGN robot"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=I, Robot (Game)|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/i-robot/3030-21973/|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Giant Bomb|language=en}}</ref>

==Development==
The game features amplified [[Stereophonic sound|stereo]] and [[Raster graphics|pixel graphics]] on a 19-inch color [[CRT monitor]]. It uses a [[Motorola 6809]] [[central processing unit]] and four Atari [[POKEY]] audio chips.<ref name="KLOV">{{cite web| url = http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8172| title = I, Robot – Videogame by Atari | publisher = [[Killer List of Videogames]]| access-date = 2009-08-19}}</ref> ''I, Robot'' was originally called "''Ice Castles''".<ref name="KLOV"/>

Dave Sherman developed the custom bit-slice ('pepperoni') 3D co-processor that allowed for a throughput of approximately 2,000 polygons per second. It includes four [[AMD Am2900|AMD 2901]] 4-bit slice programmable ALU chips.<ref>{{cite web |title= I-Robot Tech Page |author= Dan Boris |url= https://atarihq.com/danb/irobot.shtml}}</ref>

''I, Robot'''s cabinet was identical to the ''[[Firefox (video game)|Firefox]]'' [[laserdisc game]] upright cabinet.<ref name="KLOV"/> The cabinet was furnished with an [[Atari]] patented [[Hall effect|Hall-effect]] joystick, two fire buttons and two buttons to control the player's viewing angle.<ref name="KLOV"/>

The gameplay borrowed features from earlier arcade games such as ''[[Galaga]]'' (1981) and ''[[Pac-Man]]'' (1980).<ref name="Phoenix">{{cite book |last1=Herman |first1=Leonard |chapter=1984 |title=Phoenix: The Fall & Rise of Videogames |title-link=Phoenix: The Fall & Rise of Videogames |date=1997 |publisher=Rolenta Press |isbn=978-0-9643848-2-8 |page=111 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=duITAQAAIAAJ |quote=''I, Robot'' was the first game that featured state-of-the-art 3D polygon graphics, a technique that was nearly ten years ahead of its time. This bizarre game which borrowed features from earlier arcade games like ''Galaga'' and ''Pac-Man'' even had an option where players could doodle their own abstract polygon generated ''art''.}}</ref> The game's release was delayed due to technical issues and difficulties, so it was returned to the lab for further testing and research, and was not fully released until June 1984.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CUBE QUEST (Simutrek 1984)|url=http://www.erasurewars.net/lostarcadeclassics/43-%20CUBE%20QUEST.html|access-date=2020-07-01|website=www.erasurewars.net}}</ref>

==Reception==
Approximately 750–1,000 units of ''I, Robot'' were created; few have been confirmed to exist today.<ref name="ROR"/> The arcade cabinets have since become rare collectibles, with Dave Theurer's involvement being a selling point among collectors.<ref name="PriceGuide-1">{{cite book| title = Official Price Guide to Classic Video Games| first = David| last = Ellis| page = [https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/383 383]| chapter = Arcade Classics| publisher = [[Random House]]| isbn = 0-375-72038-3| year = 2004| chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/383}}</ref><ref name="PriceGuide-2">{{cite book| title = Official Price Guide to Classic Video Games| first = David| last = Ellis| page = [https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/354 354]| chapter = Arcade Classics| publisher = [[Random House]]| isbn = 0-375-72038-3| year = 2004| chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/354}}</ref>

The arcade game received mixed reviews upon release. ''[[Play Meter]]'' published two reviews in its December 1984 issue. Gene Lewin rated the dedicated arcade cabinet 2 out of 10, but raised it to 7 if released as a conversion kit. The review praised the "unusual" colorful graphics and originality, but said "it lacks the excitement necessary to make it a top earning game" and that an "average player will not be very interested in ''I, Robot''." Roger C. Sharpe rated it three [[Number sign|hashes]], with praise for the "new 3-D raster video animation system" and execution, stating it "won't be a sure-fire sensation, but it does exhibit "sleeper" qualities."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lewin |first1=Gene |last2=Sharpe |first2=Roger C. |title=Gene's Gudgements / Critic's Corner |magazine=[[Play Meter]] |date=December 1, 1984 |volume=10 |issue=22 |pages=81–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/play-meter-volume-10-number-22-december-1st-1984/Play%20Meter%20-%20Volume%2010%2C%20Number%2022%20-%20December%201st%201984/page/81}}</ref> Clare Edgeley of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' magazine reviewed the game in March 1985, stating that the "graphics are perhaps the most unusual of any arcade game around" but is nevertheless "a [[Rubik's Cube|cubist]]'s delight." She also said the ability to change angles is a "nice" touch.<ref name="CVG">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|title=Arcade Action|last=Edgeley|first=Clare|issue=42 (April 1985)|date=16 March 1985|pages=92–93|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-video-games-magazine-042/page/n91}}</ref> In 1991, ''[[Mean Machines]]'' placed it on its wishlist for arcade games to appear on consoles, believing the [[Super Famicom]] would do that game justice.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Mean Machines]]|title=Yob's Gossip|page=97|issue=7|date=April 1991|url=https://archive.org/details/Mean_Machines_Issue_07_1991-04_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n95}}</ref> In 2001, author John Sellers described ''I, Robot'' as a "near miss" because of its strong release that didn't gain enough popularity. He further praised the game, calling it enjoyable and influential.<ref name="Fever">{{cite book| title = Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to The Golden Age of Video Games| first = John| last = Sellers| page = 47| chapter = Honorable Mentions| publisher = [[Running Press]]|date=August 2001| isbn = 0-7624-0937-1}}</ref>

Author David Ellis in 2004 listed it as one of the "notable classics" of its time, calling it "quirky".<ref name="PriceGuide-3">{{cite book| title = Official Price Guide to Classic Video Games| first = David| last = Ellis| page = [https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/11 11]| chapter = A Brief History of Video Games| publisher = [[Random House]]| isbn = 0-375-72038-3| year = 2004| chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/11}}</ref> In 2008, ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]'' listed it as the number ninety arcade game in technical, creative and cultural impact, citing its innovative 3D graphics.<ref name="GWR08">{{cite book| editor= Craig Glenday| title= Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008| series= [[Guinness World Records]]| date= 2008-03-11| publisher= Guinness| isbn= 978-1-904994-21-3| pages= [https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/230 230]| chapter= Top 100 Arcade Games: Top 100–51| chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/230}}</ref> [[Gamasutra]] placed ''I, Robot'' on its "20 Atari Games" list, saying that "This is the kind of brilliance Atari could field in its halcyon days".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3679/game_design_essentials_20_atari_.php?print=1| title = Game Design Essentials: 20 Atari Games| first = John| last = Harris| website = Gamasutra| access-date = 29 August 2009}}</ref> The game has been cited as the first arcade game to use 3D filled-polygon graphics, and holds a [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for the milestone.<ref name="Fever"/><ref name="Ultimate">{{cite book| title = [[Ultimate History of Video Games]]| first = Steven| last = Kent|authorlink = Steven L. Kent| page = 501| chapter = The Next Generation (Part 2)| publisher = [[Three Rivers Press]]| isbn = 0-7615-3643-4| year = 2001}}</ref><ref name="GWR09">{{cite book| editor= Craig Glenday| title= Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2009| series= [[Guinness World Records]]| date= 2009-02-03| publisher= [[Time Inc.]] Home Entertainment| isbn= 978-1-904994-45-9| page= [https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_o9k7/page/130 130]| chapter= Record-Breaking Games: Genre-Busters| chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_o9k7/page/130}}</ref> [[IGN.com]]'s Levi Buchanan and Craig Harris included ''I Robot'' to their "Dream Arcades" articles.<ref>{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=September 15, 2008|title=IGN: Dream Arcades|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/910/910219p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217164237/http://retro.ign.com/articles/910/910219p1.html|archive-date=February 17, 2012|access-date=September 4, 2009|website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=September 24, 2008|title=IGN: Dream Arcades, Vol. 2|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/913/913063p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217164740/http://retro.ign.com/articles/913/913063p1.html|archive-date=February 17, 2012|access-date=September 4, 2009|website=IGN}}</ref>

A rumor persisted that Atari shipped 500 unsold units to Japan with instructions to dump the units into the ocean at the halfway point.<ref name="GWR09"/> Atari employee Rusty Dawe dispelled this rumor as a "total myth" in a 2009 interview, adding "I would have LIKED to dump [the] ''I, Robot'' controls into the ocean [as they were a] total nightmare. But that didn't happen either."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rotheblog.com/2009/06/arcade/transcript-from-rusty-dawe-chat-at-coinopspace-com/|title=Interview with Rusty Dawe}}</ref>

==Remake==
A remake of the game was announced on February 12, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/videos/i-robot-official-announcement-trailer|website=IGN|title=I, Robot - Official Announcement Trailer|date=February 12, 2025 }}</ref> The remake is being developed by Llamasoft, whose founder and game director [[Jeff Minter]] worked with Atari in the past.

==See also==
* ''[[CTF 2187]]''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{KLOV game|id=8172|name=I, Robot}}
*[http://www.arcade-history.com/?page=detail&id=1167 ''I, Robot''] at the Arcade History database
* [http://gameroomblog.com/reviews/rare-game-room-gems-i-robot-by-atari The GameRoom Blog: Rare Game Room Gems — I, Robot by Atari] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512114320/http://gameroomblog.com/reviews/rare-game-room-gems-i-robot-by-atari |date=2012-05-12 }}

[[Category:1984 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Atari arcade games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Atari 2600 games]]
[[Category:Computers using bit-slice designs]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer hotseat games]]
[[Category:Shoot 'em ups]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Llamasoft games]]

Food Fight (video game)

2025-10-18T17:49:29Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{Short description|1983 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = ''Food Fight''
| image = Food fight flyer.png
| caption = Arcade flyer
| developer = [[General Computer Corporation]]
| publisher = [[Atari, Inc.]]
| director =
| producer =
| designer = Keith Sawyer Jonathan Hurd
| programmer =
| artist =
| writer =
| composer = Patty Goodson
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Atari 7800]], [[Atari 8-bit]]
| released = '''Arcade''' {{vgrelease|NA|March 1983|EU|1983}} '''7800'''{{vgrelease||May 15, 1986<ref>{{cite web |title=Atari Corp Dealer Price List Fall 1986 |url=https://www.atarimania.com/documents/the-new-atari-dealer-package-fall-1986.pdf |website=AtariMania |page=11}}</ref>}} '''Atari 8-bit''' 1986
| genre = [[Action game|Action]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Food Fight''''' (also known as '''''Charley Chuck's Food Fight''''')<ref name="KLOV">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7837|title=Food Fight - Videogame by Atari|work=[[Killer List of Videogames]]|accessdate=2010-12-06|archive-date=2010-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102232548/http://arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7837|url-status=live}}</ref> is a 1983 [[Action game|action video game]] developed by [[General Computer Corporation]] and published by [[Atari, Inc.]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]].<ref name="atari_production">{{cite web|title=Atari Production Numbers Memo|url=http://www.atarigames.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:atari-production-numbers-memo&catid=5:atari-inter-office-memos&Itemid=5|publisher=[[Atari, Inc.]]|archivedate=20 January 2013|date=4 January 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120084806/http://www.atarigames.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47%3Aatari-production-numbers-memo&catid=5%3Aatari-inter-office-memos&Itemid=5|url-status=dead}}</ref> The player guides Charley Chuck, who is trying to eat an ice cream cone before it melts, while avoiding four chefs bent on stopping him. 1,951 [[arcade cabinet]]s were sold.<ref name="atari_production" />

''Food Fight'' was released for the [[Atari 7800]] console in 1986,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/atari7800/585397-food-fight|title=Food Fight for Atari 7800|website=[[GameFAQs]]|accessdate=2010-12-06|archive-date=2011-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807084838/http://www.gamefaqs.com/atari7800/585397-food-fight|url-status=live}}</ref> and also the same year as a cartridge for [[Atari 8-bit computers]] styled for the then new [[Atari XEGS]]. A port for the [[Atari 2600]] was canceled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/atari2600/584741-food-fight|title=Food Fight for Atari 2600|website=[[GameFAQs]]|accessdate=2010-12-06|archive-date=2011-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807105854/http://www.gamefaqs.com/atari2600/584741-food-fight|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[Image:FoodFightPlay.png|left|thumb|Charley, between two chefs, attempting to reach the cone on the left A third chef has been hit by food and briefly knocked out of play.]]
In ''Food Fight'', the player controls a boy named Charley Chuck. The object of the game is to eat an [[ice cream cone]] located on the opposite side of an open playfield. The ice cream is slowly melting, and it must be consumed before it melts completely. Controls consist of an analog-position [[joystick]] and a button.

Standing between Charley and the ice cream are four [[chef]]s: Oscar, Angelo, Jacques, and Zorba.<ref name="AH">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=food-fight&page=detail&id=867|title=Food Fight Video Game|work=ArcadeHistory.com|accessdate=2010-12-06|archive-date=2011-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506072645/http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=food-fight&page=detail&id=867|url-status=live}}</ref> They are identified by the shape of their [[toque]]s: big and round for Oscar, small and rectangular for Angelo, tall and slender for Jacques, and flat and limp for Zorba.<ref name="KLOV"/> The chefs appear from holes in the floor of the level and chase after Charley. The holes serve as respawn points should a chef meet with an accident during the round.

Scattered throughout the screen are piles of food, such as [[pie]]s, [[pea]]s, [[tomato]]es, and [[banana]]s. Both the player and the chefs can grab food from the piles to throw at each other. The player can grab a piece of food by running over a pile, then throw it by aiming the joystick in a chosen direction and pressing the button. The supplies of most foods are limited, but [[watermelon]] is unlimited in supply.<ref name="KLOV"/> Whenever a chef is hit by food thrown by the player or another chef, he is knocked off the screen.<ref name="KLOV"/> The player loses a life if Charley touches a chef, is hit by a chef's thrown food, falls into an open hole, or fails to eat the ice cream before it completely melts.<ref name="KLOV"/>

The player scores points for hitting chefs with thrown food and for luring them into open holes. Eating the cone ends the level, and the player scores bonus points for every unused piece of food (except watermelon) left on the screen.<ref name="AH"/> The point value of the cone increases until level 50, then remains unchanged for the rest of the game.<ref name="AH"/> If Charley is holding a piece of food when he eats the cone, it will carry over to the next level.

Sometimes if the player has at least one close call with a chef and flying food during a level, the game plays back an [[instant replay]] of the entire level while music plays.<ref name="hurd">{{cite web|last1=Stulir|first1=Mike|title=Interview with Jonathan Hurd|url=http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/game-of-the-month/food-fight.htm|website=[[Funspot Family Fun Center#American Classic Arcade Museum|American Classic Arcade Museum]]|access-date=2013-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501030009/http://www.classicarcademuseum.org/game-of-the-month/food-fight.htm|archive-date=2013-05-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Development==
''Food Fight'' was developed by General Computer Corporation (GCC), the company that designed the custom chips of the Atari 7800 and produced [[Midway Games|Midway's]] ''[[Ms. Pac-Man]]''. Like ''Ms. Pac-Man'', GCC's connection to Atari was born out of accusations of [[copyright infringement]]. The company had produced a kit to speed up Atari's ''[[Missile Command]]'' arcade machines, but with General Computer claiming the copyright for the modified game.<ref name="AH"/> Fearing for its [[intellectual property rights]], Atari sued GCC for $15 million.<ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3766/atari_the_golden_years__a_.php?page=16|title=Atari: The Golden Years - A History, 1978-1981|author=Steve Fulton|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2008-08-21|access-date=2010-12-06|archive-date=2010-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110090006/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3766/atari_the_golden_years__a_.php?page=16|url-status=dead}}</ref> The case was settled out of court, with Atari contracting GCC to produce video games for them, including ''Food Fight'' and ''[[Quantum (video game)|Quantum]]''.<ref name="Gamasutra"/>

In an interview Jonathan Hurd said everyone at GCC contributed to the development. The initials of the people who were most heavily involved in creating ''Food Fight'' are in the high score table.<ref name="hurd"/>

===Bugs===
According to Hurd, the arcade version contains a serious bug: the game is reset if the cone is eaten at the last possible moment in a level that is chosen for an instant replay.<ref name="hurd"/>

In rare cases in the Atari 7800 port, Charley can be hit by food or a chef during the instant replay. The game displays "ALMOST MADE IT" and restores the life that was just lost.<ref>{{cite web|title=Food Fight forums|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/food-fight/3030-16876/forums/i-am-overcome-with-shame-473017/|website=[[Giant Bomb]]|date=23 December 2010 |access-date=2016-06-10|archive-date=2018-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920161013/https://www.giantbomb.com/food-fight/3030-16876/forums/i-am-overcome-with-shame-473017/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Legacy==
''Food Fight'' clones ''Foodwar'' and ''Mudpies'' for the [[TRS-80 Color Computer]] were released in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Boyle |first1= L. Curtis |title= Tandy (TRS-80) Color Computer Games - Arcade Clones Index |url= http://www.lcurtisboyle.com/nitros9/clones.html |access-date= 2016-07-21 |archive-date= 2016-08-13 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160813005945/http://www.lcurtisboyle.com/nitros9/clones.html |url-status= live}}</ref> ''Mudpies'' was later published for the [[Atari ST]] in 1985.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mudpies |url=http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-st-mudpies_21666.html |website=Atari Mania |access-date=2021-05-10 |archive-date=2021-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510153434/http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-st-mudpies_21666.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The arcade version of ''Food Fight'' was included in the ''Game Pack 012'' compilation for the [[Xbox 360]] and [[Windows]], through Microsoft's now defunct [[Game Room]] service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Game-Pack-012/00000000-0000-4002-8000-c0004d530901 |title=Game Pack 012 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207053306/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Game-Pack-012/00000000-0000-4002-8000-c0004d530901 |archive-date=December 7, 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

A modern reimagining of ''Food Fight'' as a third-person shooter was released for the [[Atari VCS (2021 console)]] as an [[Early access|Early Access]] game in December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Food Fight: Culinary Combat releases on Early Access today… on Atari VCS |url=https://www.destructoid.com/food-fight-culinary-combat-releases-on-early-access-today-on-atari-vcs/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}}</ref>

==World records==
The world record high score for ''Food Fight'' using the game's default settings is 107,778,200 points, set by Justin Emory on July 4, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 4, 2021|title=Arcade - Food Fight - Points [Marathon] - 107,778,200 - Justin Emory|url=https://www.twingalaxies.com/showthread.php/233571-Arcade-Food-Fight-Points-Marathon-107-778-200-Justin-Emory|url-status=live|website=[[Twin Galaxies]]|accessdate=2021-07-05|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183531/https://www.twingalaxies.com/showthread.php/233571-Arcade-Food-Fight-Points-Marathon-107-778-200-Justin-Emory}}</ref> Under tournament settings, the world record is 1,424,400 points, set by Justin Emory in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.twingalaxies.com/game/food-fight/arcade |title=Food Fight (Tournament) |website=[[Twin Galaxies]] |accessdate=2018-04-13 |archive-date=2018-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414010329/https://www.twingalaxies.com/game/food-fight/arcade |url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|id=7837|name=Food Fight}}
* [http://www.arcade-history.com/?page=detail&id=867 ''Food Fight''] at the Arcade History database
* {{IAg|Food_Fight_1987_Atari_NTSC|platform=Atari 7800}}

[[Category:1983 video games]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Atari 7800 games]]
[[Category:Atari 8-bit computer games]]
[[Category:Atari arcade games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Atari 2600 games]]
[[Category:Games for Windows]]
[[Category:General Computer Corporation games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer hotseat games]]
[[Category:Top-down video games]]
[[Category:Trackball video games]]
[[Category:Video games about food and drink]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]

Kangaroo (video game)

2025-10-18T17:47:20Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{Short description|1982 video game}}
{{more citations needed|date=June 2008}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Kangaroo
|image = Kangaroo arcadeflyer.png
|caption = North American arcade flyer
|developer = [[Sunsoft|Sun Electronics]]{{efn|Atari 5200 version developed by [[General Computer Corporation]].}}
|publisher = Sun Electronics [[Atari, Inc.]]
|platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Atari 2600]], [[Atari 5200]], [[Atari 8-bit]]
|released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|June 1982}}|'''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 1982<ref>{{cite web|title=Production Numbers|url=http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|publisher=[[Atari]]|year=1999|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510143012/http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} '''2600'''{{vgrelease||July 1983<ref name="vguaug83">{{cite news |title=Availability Update |url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/10c61ddf-c654-4d98-8ddf-a0e47afd7933 |work=[[Computer Entertainer|The Video Game Update]] |volume=2 |issue=5 |date=August 1983 |page=16}}</ref>}} '''5200'''{{vgrelease||August 1983<ref name="vguaug83"/>}} '''Atari 8-bit'''{{vgrelease||1983}}
}}
|genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo|'''''Kangaroo'''''|カンガルー|lead=yes}} is a 1982 [[platform game]] developed and co-published by [[Sunsoft|Sun Electronics]], and co-published and distributed in North America by [[Atari, Inc.]] for [[arcade video game|arcades]].<ref name="GM188">{{cite magazine|title=Overseas Readers Column: Sun, Atari Game Pact On "Kangaroo" Video - For W.Germany Sun Licensed Löwen|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=188|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 May 1982|page=26|lang=ja}}</ref> It is one of the first arcade games similar in style to ''[[Donkey Kong (1981 video game)|Donkey Kong]]'' without being a direct clone. The player takes the role of a boxing glove-wearing mother [[kangaroo]] who is trying to rescue her joey from fruit-throwing monkeys. Jumping is integral to the game, but there is no jump button; instead, the player pushes up on the joystick—or up and diagonally—to leap. The arcade version of ''Kangaroo'' has visible glitches in the graphics, such as sprites briefly flickering.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brundage|first1=Darren|title=Kangaroo|url=http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=582|website=The Atari Times|ref=ataritimes|date=June 27, 2007|access-date=December 6, 2015|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208132432/http://www.ataritimes.com/index.php?ArticleIDX=582|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Atari published ports for the [[Atari 2600]] and [[Atari 5200]]; the 5200 version was ported to [[Atari 8-bit computers]] and sold through the [[Atari Program Exchange]].

==Gameplay==
[[Image:Kangaroo screenshot.png|thumb|left|upright|The mother kangaroo at the bottom of the first level, and her blindfolded joey at the top]]

There are four different [[level (video games)|levels]]. Three of them consist of the mother [[kangaroo]] on the bottom floor trying to reach the top floor where her [[joey (marsupial)|joey]] is being held captive by some [[monkey]]s. On each of the levels monkeys throw [[apple]]s and apple cores, which the mother kangaroo must either jump, duck, or punch. If she gets face to face with one of the monkeys, she can punch it with a [[boxing glove]]. There are also pieces of fruit that she can jump up and get for points; if she jumps and touches a bell, higher-value fruits will appear to replace the ones she has already collected. She must be wary of the big [[Ape]], who will occasionally appear and try to take her gloves away from her. The level must be completed before the time runs out; otherwise, the player will lose a life.

Levels 1, 2 and 4 consist of different platforms that the mother kangaroo must jump onto or climb onto via a ladder. On the third level, the joey is in a cage held up by a troop of monkeys, and there is a horde of apples that will be unleashed if five monkeys climb up to it. On this level, the mother kangaroo must punch each monkey in the stack several times until the cage is lowered and, when the cage has been lowered enough, the mother kangaroo must climb to the next floor to get to the joey before the cage is raised again.

The game uses classical and folk songs, including "[[Turkish March (Beethoven)|Turkish March]]" by [[Ludwig van Beethoven]] (at game start), "[[American Patrol]]" by [[F. W. Meacham]] (during regular gameplay), "[[Oh! Susanna]]" by [[Stephen Foster]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8275 |title=Kangaroo - Videogame by Sun Electronics |publisher=Arcade-museum.com |accessdate=2014-07-18}}</ref> (level completion fanfare), and "[[Westminster Quarters]]" (when a bell is rung).

==Ports==
[[Image:Kangaroo_Atari_8-bit_screenshot.png|thumb|right|Level 2 of the Atari 8-bit version]]
[[Atari, Inc.]] published ports of ''Kangaroo'' for the [[Atari 2600]] and [[Atari 5200]] in 1983.

Jim Leiterman of Atari Research ported the Atari 5200 cartridge to the internally similar [[Atari 8-bit computers]] in one day. He used a tool he had written to disassemble the game code, then modified the source and assembled an Atari 8-bit version.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leiterman |first1=Jim |title=Atari Research |url=http://leiterman.com/atari.html}}</ref> Leiterman submitted it to the [[Atari Program Exchange]] and requested they publish it without attribution. This was unusual, as APX was created to publish user-written software, not licensed ports or software developed internally at Atari.

==Reception==
''Arcade Express'' gave the arcade version an 8 out of 10 in November 1982.

The Atari 5200 version of ''Kangaroo'' was reviewed by ''[[Video (magazine)|Video]]'' magazine in its "Arcade Alley" column where it received mixed commentary. While describing the game as "an excellent piece of work", reviewers also admitted that it had "fail[ed] to bowl [them] over" and criticized the game's "animation-quality graphics" which appeared to be used primarily to "dress up rudimentary play-action".<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Kunkel |first1= Bill |author-link1= Bill Kunkel (journalist)|last2= Katz |first2= Arnie |author-link2= Arnie Katz|date= November 1983 |title= Arcade Alley: Wintertime Winners |journal= [[Video (magazine)|Video]]|publisher= Reese Communications|volume= 7|issue= 8|pages= 38–39|issn= 0147-8907}}</ref>{{rp|39}} It was later awarded "1984 Best Arcade-to-Home Video Game/Computer Game Translation" at the 5th annual [[Arkie Awards]], where judges noted that "all aspects of the game look and play" as a "virtual duplicate" of the arcade version.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Kunkel |first1= Bill |author-link1= Bill Kunkel (journalist)|last2= Katz |first2= Arnie |author-link2= Arnie Katz|date= February 1984 |title= Arcade Alley: The 1984 Arcade Awards, Part II |journal= Video |publisher= Reese Communications|volume= 7|issue= 11|pages= 28–29|issn= 0147-8907}}</ref>{{rp|29}}

Charles Ardai, reviewing the Atari 2600 version for ''[[Electronic Fun with Computers & Games]]'', wrote that despite having "horrible" graphics and sound, the gameplay of ''Kangaroo'' is better than in the arcades.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ardai |first1=Charles |title=Kangaroo |journal=Electronic Fun with Computers & Games |date=October 1983 |volume=1 |issue=12 |page=[https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Fun_with_Computer_Games_Vol_01_No_12_1983-10_Fun_Games_Publishing_US/page/n57 58] |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Fun_with_Computer_Games_Vol_01_No_12_1983-10_Fun_Games_Publishing_US}}</ref>

==Legacy==
In 1984, ''Kangaroo'' and ''[[Space Ace]]'' replaced ''[[Pitfall!|Pitfall Harry]]'', ''[[Frogger]]'', and ''[[Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' in [[CBS]]'s ''[[Saturday Supercade]]''. The cartoon revolves around kangaroos Katy (voiced by Mea Martineau) and Joey (voiced by [[David Mendenhall]]) who live in a zoo run by the [[zookeeper]] Mr. Friendly (voiced by [[Arthur Burghardt]]). The series has never been officially released on DVD or VHS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085008/|title=Saturday Supercade (TV Series 1983–1985)|author=comicwatch|date=November 12, 2005|work=IMDb|accessdate=December 6, 2015}}</ref>

The original arcade version was made available in July 2020 as part of [[Hamster Corporation]]'s ''[[Arcade Archives]]'' series, released digitally on [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[PlayStation 4]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=Kangaroo Hops Onto Hamster's Arcade Archives Collection This Week |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/kangaroo_hops_onto_hamsters_arcade_archives_collection_this_week |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |accessdate=July 16, 2020 |date=July 16, 2020}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|id=8275|name=Kangaroo}}

[[Category:1982 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade Archives games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Atari 2600 games]]
[[Category:Atari 5200 games]]
[[Category:Atari 8-bit computer games]]
[[Category:Atari arcade games]]
[[Category:Atari Program Exchange software]]
[[Category:Fictional monkeys]]
[[Category:Hamster Corporation games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer hotseat games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Platformers]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:Sunsoft games]]
[[Category:Video games about children]]
[[Category:Video games about families]]
[[Category:Video games about kangaroos and wallabies]]
[[Category:Video games about plants]]
[[Category:Video games about primates]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games set in jungles]]
[[Category:Video games about trees]]

Warlords (1980 video game)

2025-10-18T17:41:43Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5558:EFA4:4D6C:3898:

{{for|the turn-based strategy series|Warlords (video game series)}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Warlords
|image = Warlords Flyer.png
|caption = North American arcade flyer
|developer = [[Atari, Inc.]]
|publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|Atari, Inc.|JP|[[Sega]]}}
|designer = Roger Hector
|programmer = '''Arcade''' Norm Avellar Greg Rivera '''2600''' [[Carla Meninsky]]
|platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Atari 2600]]
|released = '''Arcade'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 1981|JP|July 1981}} '''2600''' May 1981
|genre = [[Action game|Action]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
|arcade system =
}}

'''''Warlords''''' is a 1981 [[action game|action video game]] developed and published by [[Atari, Inc.]] for [[arcade video game|arcades]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hardcoregaming101.net/warlords/warlords.htm |title=Warlords - Arcade / Atari 2600 / Gameboy Advance / Nintendo DS / Windows / Xbox 360 / PSP / Playstation / Dreamcast (1980) |publisher=hardcoregaming101 |access-date=2012-12-04 |archive-date=2012-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223055819/http://hardcoregaming101.net/warlords/warlords.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> in Japan, it was distributed by [[Sega]]. The gameplay resembles a combination of Atari's earlier games ''[[Quadrapong]]'' (1974) and ''[[Breakout (video game)|Breakout]]'' (1976), and has the player (or up to four players) attempt to destroy other castles in different corners of the screen by deflecting one or more fireballs with a shield. As with ''[[Pong]]'' and ''Breakout'', players use [[Paddle (game controller)|paddle controllers]] to manipulate their shield.

Unlike most Atari arcade games of the time, ''Warlords'' began development as an [[Atari 2600]] game that was later converted to an arcade game; the 2600 version was released shortly after the arcade version. The arcade version of ''Warlords'' came in both a two-player upright version and a four-player cocktail version. The game was considered a success, although a redesign for a smaller cabinet was necessary, as the large cabinet made it impossible to produce in large quantities and difficult to install.

==Gameplay==
''Warlords'' is a battle between four warlords, 1-4 of which can be controlled by the player(s). The objective is to destroy the three other castles while protecting one's own castle with a moving shield. Each castle is an L-shaped wall distinguished by a different color, each containing and protecting a Warlord icon (a crown for player-controlled Kings, a dark lord helmet for computer-controlled Black Knights). On the upright version, multiple players must cooperate as a team.

The weapons for accomplishing this are spinning fireballs which bounce off anything they touch and destroy chunks of a castle wall on contact. Fireballs can be caught, held, and thrown by shields for greater hitting force, via a "Power stone" button, but at the cost of slowly deteriorating the player's own walls. When an icon is destroyed it releases another fireball onto the playfield, traveling in the opposite direction of the killing shot. The first fireball is launched by a dragon, always at a human player. Subsequent fireballs, up to a maximum of four at once, appear after timeouts or when a warlord icon is destroyed. The last player with their icon intact is awarded a point bonus. A game ends when all human players are eliminated.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Warlords Operation, Maintenance and Service Manual|publisher=Atari Inc.|year=1981|pages=12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=10405|title=Warlords - Videogame by Atari|website=www.arcade-museum.com|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref>

== Development and release ==
The game was conceived and designed by Atari graphic artist Roger Hector, originally under the name ''Kings in the Corner''. After Hector presented his idea at an offsite brainstorming session for arcade games,<ref name="hector">{{cite web |last1=Stilphen |first1=Scott |title=Roger Hector interview |url=https://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/interviews/roger_hector/interview_roger_hector.html |website=Atari Compendium |date=2013}}</ref> the concept was adapted into ''Castles & Kings'', an [[Atari 2600]] game programmed by [[Carla Meninsky]].<ref name="Meninsky">{{cite web |url=http://www.atariage.com/programmer_page.html?ProgrammerID=37 |title=Programmers: Carla Meninsky, Debugger Jerry Richardson | first=Albert |last=Yarusso |work=[[AtariAge]] |access-date=December 3, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624192235/http://www.atariage.com/programmer_page.html?ProgrammerID=37 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= http://mcurrent.name/atarihistory/atari.html | title= A History of Syzygy/Atari/Atari Games/Atari Holdings | date= 2012-09-28 | access-date= 2012-12-04 | archive-date= 2013-03-06 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130306112253/http://mcurrent.name/atarihistory/atari.html | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://willnicholes.com/2011/11/12/a-conversation-with-carla-meninsky/|title=A conversation with Carla Meninsky|last=Nicholes|first=Will|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref> An arcade counterpart, initially under the same name, was programmed by Norm Avellar and Greg Rivera;<ref name="albaugh">{{cite web |last1=Stilphen |first1=Scott |title=Michael Albaugh interview |url=https://www.ataricompendium.com/archives/interviews/michael_albaugh/interview_michael_albaugh.html |website=Atari Compendium |date=2017}}</ref> this version both added and changed certain features to make the game more suitable for arcades. The prototype of the arcade game was housed in a large, four-player cabinet, not unlike Atari's earlier ''[[Sprint 2#Legacy|Sprint 4]]'' (1977); only two versions of this prototype were made.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}} Both versions of the game had their names changed to ''Warlords'' for their final releases.

The arcade version came in both a two-player upright version and a four-player cocktail version. The upright version uses a black and white monitor and reflects the game image onto a mirror with a backdrop of castles, giving the game a three-dimensional feel. The upright version only supports up to two simultaneous players, who move through each level as a team. The cocktail version uses a color monitor and supports up to four players. Three- to four-player games are free-for-alls where the game ends as soon as one player wins. Single- and two-player games play identical to the upright version.

According to an internal memo, the arcade version of ''Warlords'' was slated for a field test beginning on September 5, 1980.<ref name="albaugh"/> Atari began shipping the game in North America in April 1981,<ref>{{cite web|title=Production Numbers|url=http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|publisher=[[Atari]]|year=1999|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510143012/http://www.atarigames.com/atarinumbers90s.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Akagi|first1=Masumi|title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005)|trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)|date=13 October 2006|publisher=Amusement News Agency|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=978-4990251215|page=111|url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n111/mode/2up}}</ref> and licensed it to [[Sega]] for distribution in Japan, where it was released in July 1981.<ref name="Akagi">{{cite book|last1=Akagi|first1=Masumi|title=アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005)|trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)|date=13 October 2006|publisher=Amusement News Agency|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=978-4990251215|page=35|url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n35/mode/2up}}</ref> The Atari 2600 version of the game was released in May 1981.<ref>{{cite web |title=Atari VCS game release dates |url=https://www.atariarchive.org/atari-vcs-game-release-dates/ |website=Atari Archive}}</ref> According to Atari production numbers, 1,014 upright arcade units and 1,253 cocktail units were produced.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

==Reception==
Critical reception of the game was positive. ''Warlords'' won an award for "Best '[[Pong]]' Variant" and an [[honorable mention]] for "Best Competitive Game" at the third annual [[Arkie Awards]] in 1982, where judges called it "something really new and different in 'Pong'-style designs" and said it "delivers plenty of on-screen excitement".<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Kunkel |first1= Bill |author-link1= Bill Kunkel (journalist)|last2= Laney, Jr. |first2= Frank |author-link2= Arnie Katz|date= January 1982 |title= Arcade Alley: The Third Annual Arcade Awards |journal= [[Video (magazine)|Video]]|publisher= Reese Communications|volume= 5|issue= 10|pages= 28, 76–77|issn= 0147-8907}}</ref>{{rp|76}} Richard A. Edwards reviewed the Atari 2600 version of the game for ''[[The Space Gamer]]'' in January 1982,<ref name="SG">{{cite journal|last= Edwards |first= Richard A. |date=January 1982 |title=Capsule Reviews|journal=[[The Space Gamer]]|publisher=[[Steve Jackson Games]]|issue=47|pages=32}}</ref> saying that "If you have a need for a multi-player game for your Atari, then that is it. But for one or two players, it'd be better to pass it up."<ref name="SG"/> A December 1982 review for the 2600 version in ''[[Games (magazine)|Games]]'' magazine called it a "lively combination of ''Pong'' and ''[[Breakout (video game)|Breakout]]''" that is "best with four players. [...] The computer is a fairly easy opponent because its attack patterns are predictable; human opponents are another story."<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |date=December 1982 |title=The Games |url=http://archive.org/details/games-34-1982-december/page/n55/mode/2up |magazine=[[Games (magazine)|Games]] |publisher=[[Playboy Enterprises]] |issue=34 |page=52}}</ref>

In 2009, ''[[Game Informer]]'' named ''Warlords'' the 25th best video game of all time; the staff called it the "original trash-talking four-player combat game," and felt that it held up years later.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Informer's Top 100 Games Of All Time (Circa Issue 100) |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/11/16/game-informer-s-top-100-games-of-all-time-circa-issue-100.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119071214/http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/11/16/game-informer-s-top-100-games-of-all-time-circa-issue-100.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=November 19, 2009 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=2009-11-16 |access-date=2013-12-10}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:Warlords xbla.jpg|thumb|left|Screenshot of the [[Xbox Live Arcade]] remake]]
In 2002, a 3D remake of ''Warlords'' was included in the ''Atari Revival'' pack, which also included the previously released ''[[Missile Command]]'' and ''[[Combat (1977 video game)|Combat]]'' 3D remakes.

A port of ''Warlords'', including a "remix" version, is included in ''[[Retro Atari Classics]]'' for the [[Nintendo DS]]. It allows multiplayer play through wireless.<ref>[http://www.atari.com/us/games/atari_classic_ds/ds] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601225009/http://www.atari.com/us/games/atari_classic_ds/ds|date=June 1, 2007}}</ref> It was released on the [[Xbox 360]] via [[Xbox Live Arcade]] on May 27, 2008, featuring a new special HD mode and [[Xbox Live Vision]] Camera support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/05/27/this-week-on-arcade-buku-sudoku-and-warlords.aspx |title=This week on Arcade: Buku Sudoku and Warlords - Xbox Lives Major Nelson |publisher=Majornelson.com |date=2008-05-27 |access-date=2012-11-16}}</ref> The Xbox Live Arcade version was made available on [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X and S]] via backward compatibility on November 15, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://majornelson.com/xbox-one-backward-compatibility/|title=Xbox One Backward Compatibility List (Last Update: 15 November 2021)|first=Larry|last=Hyrb|work=majornelson.com|publisher=Microsoft Corporation|date=November 15, 2021|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124103610/https://majornelson.com/xbox-one-backward-compatibility/|archive-date=November 24, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

The arcade and Atari 2600 versions of ''Warlords'' were made available on [[Microsoft]]'s ''[[Game Room]]'' service for Xbox 360 and [[Microsoft Windows]] in June and December 2010, respectively.{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}

A new version of ''Warlords'' was released on [[PlayStation Network]] on October 9, 2012, in North America and October 10, 2012, in Europe. It was also released on Xbox Live Arcade on November 14, 2012.<ref>[http://www.atari.com/node/3779] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404043724/http://www.atari.com/node/3779|date=April 4, 2011}}</ref>

In 2004, Bryan Edewaard developed and published an unlicensed homebrew version of ''Warlords'' for the [[Atari 5200]] and [[Atari 8-bit computers]], named ''Castle Crisis''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atariage.com/software_page.html?SoftwareLabelID=2689 |title=Atari 5200 - Castle Crisis (Self-Published) |publisher=AtariAge |access-date=2012-11-16}}</ref> In 2006, Darrell Spice Jr. released ''[[Medieval Mayhem]]'', a homebrew Atari 2600 game inspired by ''Warlords''. In 2011, a [[Commodore 64]] clone was released as ''Space Lords'', supporting a four-player adapter.<ref>[http://www.rgcd.co.uk/2012/10/space-lords-centaurus-available-c64.html Space Lords available], RGCD. Retrieved 2016-08-13</ref>

In 1999, Working Designs included an eight-player remake of ''Warlords'' as an [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] on the "Making of" disc in ''[[Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete]]''. The remake is titled ''Lords of Lunar'' by Timon Marmex (Tim Trzepacz's stage name), and is accessed by pressing up, down, left, right, triangle and start as soon as the "Making of" video begins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamemoir.com/five-video-game-easter-eggs-you-can-find-without-playing/ |title=Five Video Game Easter Eggs You Can Find Without Playing |date=15 January 2017 |access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{KLOV game|id=10405|name=Warlords}}
* [http://www.arcade-history.com/?page=detail&id=3141 ''Warlords''] at the Arcade History database
* [https://www.atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareLabelID=593 ''Warlords''] for the Atari 2600 at Atari Age

{{Atari 2600}}
[[Category:1981 video games]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:Atari 2600 games]]
[[Category:Atari arcade games]]
[[Category:Paddle-and-ball video games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in castles]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]