Description

"Earth Dies Screaming" is a post-apocalyptic shooter video game developed for the Atari 2600 / VCS, which was released in 1983 by Fox Video Games. The game plunges players into a grim world where Earth has been overrun by malevolent alien forces, and the player is tasked with navigating a small spaceship through devastated cities and enemy-laden landscapes. The primary objective in "Earth Dies Screaming" is to shoot down enemy robots and UFOs, while simultaneously rescuing surviving humans depicted as small figures running about the screen. The gameplay is engaging and challenging, requiring not only sharp shooting skills but also strategic maneuvering to avoid enemy attacks and obstacles.

The game is notable for its distinctive title and for being part of the wave of science fiction games that emerged in the early 1980s, capitalizing on the popularity of space-themed adventures. "Earth Dies Screaming" features several innovative elements for its time, including the use of both air and ground enemies, which added complexity to the gameplay. The graphics, though simple by today's standards, were effective in creating a suitably eerie atmosphere that matched the game's title. The game also includes a radar display at the bottom of the screen, helping players to detect off-screen enemies, a feature that was relatively advanced for games of that era. Despite being released in a crowded market, "Earth Dies Screaming" managed to carve out a niche due to its engaging gameplay and challenging mechanics, making it a remembered title among classic Atari 2600 enthusiasts.