Another Missile Command type arcade game, Armageddon was released on the ZX Spectrum by Ocean Software in 1983.
As was usual for Missile Command type games (it was based on Atari's classic arcade game after all) you had to defend six cities from annihilation by incoming missiles.
The incoming missiles were represented by lines which moved further down the screen towards your cities (you did not have missile silos in this version). This version also featured satellites which would roam across the screen and drop missiles downwards too.
This game was slightly different from other offerings in the way you launched your counter attacking rockets.
As you moved your targetting cross-hair around and fired, instead of a 'line' shooting up from your missile silo a rocket would actually fly to where your cross-hair had been and detonate on target. This made the game a little different and was actually a pretty cool effect back in 1983!
You only had a finite supply of missiles to play with so being over zealous with the trigger finger was not a good idea.
Your missiles exploded quite nicely with the usual expanding 'balloon' cloud effect which could take out a cluster of enemy objects in one go.
Another unique feature of this retro game was the wrap around playing screen. Missiles could come down at an angle to disappear off the screen only to reappear at the same point on the opposite site. This made planning your next moves more challenging.
As you advanced through the levels the amount of missiles to destroy increased as well as the pace of the game.
Armageddon was actually quite easy to play and the early levels are not too difficult to master. As such it was fun to play but had little lasting appeal as it really should have been more difficult.
On Release:
Well Missile Command games were popular and quite a few were released for the ZX Spectrum. The main downside to any Spectrum versions was the lack of a trackball controller. Anyway - Ocean's effort was pretty good, playable and even had a decent 'arcade' feel to it. It was one of the better versions of the arcade game and was a reasonable hit.
The test of time:
Well here in the land of Spectrum Games we like a bit of Missile Command now and again. This version is actually pretty good, but it is a bit too easy, even for an old-stager like me! Personally I think the best Speccy version is Keith Burkhill's Missile Defence - but this one is definately worth a look.
Give Armageddon a go - the classic arcade gameplay is still there.
We recommend getting hold of the real Sinclair hardware but if not then download a ZX Spectrum emulator. Alternatively you could try and play it online.
Please see our other ZX Spectrum retro game reviews - all links are listed in alphabetical order. Cheers guys.
GENRE: Arcade game
RELEASE DATE: 1983
RELEASED BY: Ocean Software
DEVELOPER(S): Adrian Sherwin
PRICE: £5.90 - UK
Armageddon it...
Classic Games, Arcade Games and ZX Spectrum Games
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