Rebellion

How did I miss this?

It's a weird feeling when I come across a game that I've never heard of before. I mean, there are plenty I've heard of yet never played (which is strange enough!), but this is completely new to me. I'm baffled by my ignorance! How do these things happen? Well, I've slapped myself, so let's read the storyline.

A virus has infected the machines on Mars, so the robots have captured our scientists and are holding them captive. We have no anti-virus program, so it's our job to destroy any robots that get in our way and help lead the boffins to safety. Jump inside your spaceship and get ready to save the day, again!

Come on, this sounds unique, right? Well, maybe not, but I'm curious what it looks like...

How are you going to break into that complex, rescue everyone, and get out in time?

Tactics, strategy, guns!

Rebellion is a top-down shoot-'em-up similar to Gauntlet. Each screen has several hostages located in different parts of the level. Some are behind a forcefield which can be partially deactivated by disabling a section of its wall, but you won't have long before a repair droid appears. Others can be in locked rooms that require a key card, which a robot may reveal upon being killed. Every level has a minimum number of hostages to rescue within a set time. Miss it, and the spaceship will leave without you. Yikes, so ruthless!

Enemy robots have a range of abilities: some are slow, whereas others are much faster, and some can even lay down explosive mines. Some have no projectile weapon, but others are only too eager to turn you into a blood splatter! Watch out for gun turrets, trapdoors, and tanks. Interestingly, when you do lose a life, the robots are paused for a few seconds, thus giving you extra time to whack 'em full of lead. Most satisfying!

Our weapons are superb, and the machine gun can be upgraded with greater power and faster action. Try not to kill any humans in the crossfire! You'll be pleased to hear that there are a variety of other power-ups to enhance shields, invincibility, a radar scrambler, and even a supply of extra lives. Oh yeah, we've got it all.

Visually, the graphics are small and detailed, but hardly groundbreaking for a 16-bit computer. Some might turn up their nose at the pace and tiny sprites, but it's ideal; otherwise, each level would feel cramped and difficult to navigate. Sounds are good, and you hear the bam-bam-bam of your weaponry the most.

Guns, tactics, strategy, and extreme military violence. I'm all in!! This game rocks...

As you can see, each level is swarming with enemies and folk to rescue. It's never easy!

The CryptO'pinion?

I don't normally enjoy games that have me worrying over the safety of people, whilst being hunted myself. I panic too much, so people end up dead!! However, Rebellion works well, even though the hostages are lame at following you!! They can get stuck behind a wall, so remember that when planning your move.

Rebellion is fantastic, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the anxious entertainment. Each level is captivating, progressing through increasingly challenging situations. It’s addictive and one of those that keeps you coming back for more. The rush of killing the baddies while guiding the scientists to safety is exhilarating.

One of the best games I have played in ages. It's magnificent, and I absolutely loved Rebellion!!

• Several different menu disks can be found at Atari Legend
• This is the one - a cool hard disk version by D-Bug.