1982 · Starpath · Arcade · Shooter

Phaser Patrol

Atari exclusive

Defeat the Dracon Armada in challenging, realistic battle action. Featuring a real-time clock, energy indicator, Alien proximity indicator, torpedo status indicator, combat-range scanner, torpedo target-lock, Dracon fighter ships, shield status indicator, message display.

Released: 1982
Platforms: Atari 2600
Genres: Arcade Shooter Simulation
Developers: Starpath
Publishers: Starpath
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: First person
Themes: Action Science fiction
Country: United States
Languages: English

About

Phaser Patrol,designed by Dennis Caswell, is the first numbered release by Arcadia for the Atari 2600 and the pack-in game for the Atari 2600 Supercharger accessory in 1982. The company changed its name to Starpath after launch, and the hardware was rebranded the Starpath Supercharger.

The game simulates space combat in which the player pilots a ship to destroy Dracon invaders. It is largely a clone of Star Raiders for the Atari 8-bit computers.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Reception

BYTE called Phaser Patrol an "addictive" game that has a combination of skill and strategy. Danny Goodman of Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games praised the high resolution of the game's instrument panel as an example of the Supercharger's excellent graphics.

The game was a runner-up in the category of "Best Video Game Audiovisual Effects" at the 4th annual Arkie Awards.