Description

"Planet Patrol" is an engaging side-scrolling shooter video game released for the Atari 2600 console. Developed and published by Spectravision in 1982, the game provides players with a futuristic aerial combat experience. The player controls a spaceship, patrolling a hostile alien planet, tasked with defending against a barrage of enemy attacks from both the air and ground. The gameplay is divided into day and night cycles, adding variety and increasing difficulty as players progress. Visual transitions between day and night feature color changes in the background, enhancing the visual appeal and immersive experience of the game. Players must dodge or shoot down enemy spacecraft while avoiding ground obstacles and navigating the planet’s harsh terrain.

The game stands out for its integration of a continuous play cycle, shifting between attacking and evading phases that correspond to the time of day within the game. Each round of combat is followed by a refueling session where players must carefully land their craft, which adds a strategic element to the otherwise action-packed gameplay. "Planet Patrol" is praised for its colorful graphics and smooth controls, which were notable achievements at the time of its release on the Atari 2600. Despite not being as widely recognized as some contemporary titles, "Planet Patrol" remains a cherished example in the pantheon of early 1980s arcade-style shoot’em up games, reflecting the era’s technology and gaming culture.

Title

Planet Patrol - Title

Close

Gameplay

Planet Patrol - Gameplay

Close