Page 11 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #7

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Kill the Attacking Aliens
Programmer: Sören Gust
System: Odyssey 2

004 is turning into the year of the Odyssey2 homebrew, with the re-
2 cently-released Planet Lander and this game breathing some new life
into Magnavox's old system. And if Kill the Attacking Aliens has anything to
say about it, the Odyssey2 is taking its rightful place alongside the 2600 in the
"wow, I didn't know this system could do that!" category. The game combines
elements of Defender and Missile Command, with an endless barrage of in-
coming alien ships (and their hostile fire), and players in a nimble defense ship
trying to intercept any or all of the above before ground-based targets -- trees,
houses, submarines, etc. -- are taken out.
Considering the legendary underpowered nature of the system, Kill The At-
tacking Aliens has a lot going on. A running meter of the player's shield
strength (and remaining lives), various custom sprites and combinations of ex-
isting ones from the Odyssey's fixed character set, and quite the lively color pal-
ette. The game's fast and furious action requires split-second decisions: will an
incoming alien missile hit a target or land harmlessly? Can the missile be hit by
a laser shot, or require more direct intervention? Players can intercept some fire
directly by putting their ship in the way, but the resulting shield damage can
mount quickly. The game has numerous power-ups to help in that area, though
(another Odyssey2 first). Kill The Attacking Aliens is fast, nerve-wracking fun
with a strong retro vibe, and hopefully just the first sign of an Odyssey2 renais- -- Earl Green
sance.

Homebrew Previews
Homebrew Previews
Homebrew Previews
By Chris Cavanaugh

Adventure II
Programmers: Ron Lloyd, Keith Erickson, Alan Davis
System: Atari 5200

Adventure II, the much anticipated sequel to Adventure, is on track to
be released later this summer. Designed by Ron Lloyd, Keith Erickson,
and Alan Davis, Adventure II promises larger environments, more ob-
stacles and mazes, and new enemies including a troll and minotaur.
Players will once again be pursued by three dragons while searching
the kingdom for the Golden Chalice. You can follow progress on its de-
velopment here:
http://cafeman.www9.50megs.com/atari/5200dev/Adventure2.html

Fade Out
Programmers: Christopher Tumber, Adam Tierny
System: Atari 2600

Christopher Tumber and GBA artist Adam Tierny are putting their
heads together to create Fade Out, a two-player only title that has two
assassins gunning for each other in an abandoned warehouse full of
moving platforms. The assassins are the same colors as the back-
ground colors, which allows them to blend into their environment for
surprise attacks. Difficulty switches will be utilized to account for player
handicaps in strength, energy, and weapon power. No release date has
been set.

Classic Gamer Magazine July 2004 11