Zaxxon
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| Zaxxon | |
|---|---|
 Screenshot of Zaxxon (Arcade) |
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| Developer(s) | Sega |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Release date(s) | 1982 |
| Genre(s) | Shoot 'em up |
| Mode(s) | Up to 2 players, alternating turns |
| Platform(s) | Arcade Computers: TRS-80 Color Computer, Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, PC DOS (Booter), Commodore 64, MSX, ZX Spectrum, PC DOS, Amstrad CPC Consoles: ColecoVision, Atari 2600, Intellivision, Atari 5200, Sega SG-1000 |
| Input | 8-way joystick, 1 button |
| Arcade cabinet | Upright and cocktail |
| Arcade system(s) | Sega Zaxxon hardware |
| Arcade CPU(s) | Z80 (@ 3.04125 Mhz) |
| Arcade sound system(s) | Samples |
| Arcade display | Raster, 224 x 256 pixels (Vertical), 256 colors |
Zaxxon is a 1982 arcade game by Sega. The game gives the player the experience of flying a space shuttle-like craft through a fortress while shooting at enemy entities (missiles, enemy gunfire, etc.). The object of the game is to hit as many targets as possible without being shot down nor running out of fuel, which can be replenished by shooting fuel drums.
At the time of its release, Zaxxon was unique as it was the first game to employ isometric projection, something of a three-quarter viewing perspective. This effect simulated three dimensions (albeit from a third-person viewpoint).
The world record on Zaxxon is 4,680,740 points scored by Vernon Kalanikaus of Laie, Hawaii, on March 15, 1982, according to the Twin Galaxies Intergalactic Scoreboard. [1]
A bootleg of the game was released in the arcades in 1982 called Jackson. [2]
Contents |
[edit] Ports
A popular game, Zaxxon was ported to almost all home computer and video game console systems between 1982 and 1985. Among them were DOS (as a booter), Apple II, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari XL, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Dragon 32, ColecoVision and Intellivision.
The Atari 2600 and Intellivision ports were noticeably different because they used a three-dimensional perspective instead of the isometric graphics of the other versions. This is probably due to technical limitations of these consoles.
The game was also released for Sega's own console, the SG-1000, in 1985.
A clone of the game was released on the TRS-80 Color Computer as Zaksund.
In 2006, Zaxxon games were included as bonus game on the Sega Genesis Collection for Sony's PlayStation 2 and PSP consoles. The original Zaxxon is the game included on the PS2, and Super Zaxxon is the one available on the PSP.
[edit] Legacy
Due to its success, Zaxxon spawned an arcade sequel, Super Zaxxon. It didn't do as well as the original.
In 1987, Zaxxon 3-D was released for the Sega Master System. This console variation made use of its 3D glasses add-on for extra depth perception.
A whole decade after, Zaxxon Motherbase 2000 was released for the Sega 32X in 1995. It is the only Zaxxon game to use full 3D graphics. The game bore the Zaxxon brand only in the United States, as the Japanese version was named Parasquad and there never was a European release.
[edit] Board game
In 1982, Milton Bradley made a Zaxxon board game. [3]
[edit] Tabletop and handheld games
In 1982 Sega released Zaxxon as a tabletop game and there was a handheld version released as well [4]. Bandai [5] and Coleco[6] also released Zaxxon handheld games.
[edit] Remakes
The 2003 Retro Remakes competition produced clones for Linux and Windows. [7]
[edit] Similar games
- Future Spy was created by Sega in 1984. This game uses the same hardware as Zaxxon and has very similar game play but with a more realistic military theme.[8]
- Viewpoint was created by American Sammy in 1992 for the Neo-Geo system. This game features the same viewpoit and similar gameplay as Zaxxon. [9]
[edit] External links
- Zaxxon at the Killer List of Videogames
- Zaxxon at MobyGames
- Zaxxon at World of Spectrum
Categories: 1982 arcade games | 1982 video games | Scrolling shooters | Sega games | Arcade games | Apple II games | Atari 2600 games | Atari 5200 games | Atari 8-bit family games | ColecoVision games | Commodore 64 games | Intellivision games | MSX games | SG-1000 games | Sega Master System games | ZX Spectrum games | Isometric video games
