The classic video game "Moon Patrol" has just recently celebrated its 36th anniversary, and it remains and integral part of many classic gamers' early memories. "Moon Patrol" was one of the first side scrolling shoot-em-up games to become popular in arcades, and it is credited with introducing the first real "third-person" perspective to the medium.
Developed by Irem and released in 1982, "Moon Patrol" is set on the Moon, where the player controls the character patrolman Buddy Hawk. The game is one of the earliest examples of a side-scroller, with the player using a joystick to maneuver their vehicle and jump over obstacles, shoot at enemies, and collect power-ups throughout the game. The player will also frequently maneuver around craters, which present different levels of difficulty as the player progresses.
The goal of the game is to reach the end of each stage, with points being awarded for each successful mission. Additional points are rewarded for shooting enemies and for collecting power-ups, including a jetpack which can be used to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Each level culminates in an end-of-level boss, which must be defeated in order to progress onto the next stage.
Since its release in 1982, "Moon Patrol" has gone on to become a classic and has been re-released in multiple formats, on multiple gaming systems, and as a part of various compilations. Its unique blend of side-scrolling action and its memorable characters and gameplay made it an enduring classic, and it is still enjoyed today.
The game is also noteworthy for its advanced graphics, which were very advanced for the era. Its sprites are highly detailed, and its in-game animations are particularly polished and smooth. The game also features highly rendered backgrounds, with rolling hills and buildings that move as the player progresses. While the game is not particularly advanced by modern standards, its graphics still stand out when compared to many other classic games from the same era.
What truly makes "Moon Patrol" stand out, however, is its memorable sound effects and music. From the sound of the Patrolman's hovercraft to the eerie background music, the sound design of "Moon Patrol" is an integral part of the game's atmosphere. Every sound and effect is iconic, and when combined with its other elements, the game is able to deliver an immersive experience that will take wannabe astronauts to a distant era.
The success of "Moon Patrol" spawned a sequel, "Moonquake," which is often considered to be the superior game in the series. But even the sequel doesn't quite measure up to the original and its 36th anniversary shows that the legacy of "Moon Patrol" remains very much alive in the gaming world. The game is also credited with influencing countless modern games and it stands as a testament to the skill, creativity, and dedication of the game's developers.
In the end, "Moon Patrol" is a beloved classic and its 36th anniversary is a great time to look back at its legacy. eith the game having been released on numerous gaming systems and compilations, the original still stands out due to its advanced graphics and sound design, its iconic characters, and its overall atmosphere and premise. Now, on its 36th anniversary, "Moon Patrol" stands as a classic and a reminder of why games are so beloved by gamers today.
