Word Zapper
In the modern world, Word Zapper has been a topic of constant debate and a central point of interest for millions of people around the world. From its emergence on the public scene to its impact on society, Word Zapper has captured the attention and interest of academics, activists, political leaders, and everyday people alike. Its influence extends across different spheres of life, from popular culture to the global economy, and its meaning and relevance continue to evolve as we enter this new millennium. In this article, we will fully explore the impact and importance of Word Zapper in today's world, analyzing its history, its repercussions, and its potential to shape the future.
| Word Zapper | |
|---|---|
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| Developer | James Wickstead Design Associates[2] |
| Publisher | U.S. Games |
| Designer | Henry Will IV[3] |
| Platform | Atari 2600 |
| Release | |
| Mode | Single-player |
Word Zapper is an Atari 2600 game written by Henry Will IV and published under the Vidtec label of U.S. Games in 1982.[3] Word Zapper combines spelling exercises with action gaming, as the player must shoot letters that scroll across the top of the screen to complete words.[4]
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship-like "Zapper" which can move about the screen and shoot up, left, and right. The objective is to shoot the letters that spell the current word, in order, while shooting or avoiding asteroids in the lower portion of the screen.[5] There are four types of asteroids, and each has a different effect if it comes into contact with the Zapper. The "Doomsday" asteroid ends the game. The "Scroller" asteroid mixes up the scrolling letters for five seconds. The "Zonker" and "Bonker" asteroids knock the Zapper to the side.
The game ends after being hit by a doomsday asteroid, after the 99 second timer runs down, or the ultimate goal of completing three words.[5]
Reception
Richard A. Edwards reviewed Word Zapper in The Space Gamer No. 59.[4] Edwards commented that "It is difficult to make a statement concerning recommendation. Word Zapper is innovative enough to draw attention at first, but it will depend on the individual gamer whether another arcade shooting match with letters is worth the price tag."[4]
In the 1983 Arcade Awards, Word Zapper was one of two runners-up for the "Most Innovative Videogame" category.[6]
References
- ^ "Atari VCS game release dates". Atari Archive.
- ^ Stilphen, Scott (2014). "Interview with Todd Marshall". Atari Compendium.
- ^ a b Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
- ^ a b c Edwards, Richard A. (January 1983). "Capsule Reviews". The Space Gamer (59). Steve Jackson Games: 46, 48.
- ^ a b "Word Zapper Manual". archive.org. U.S. Games. 1982.
- ^ Katz, Arnie; Kunkel, Bill (January 1983). "1983 Arcade Awards". Electronic Games. 1 (11): 23–24.
External links
- Word Zapper can be played for free in the browser at the Internet Archive