Targ (video game)
| Targ | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Exidy |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Arcade |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Maze Shoot 'em up |
| Mode(s) | 1-2 players alternating |
Targ is a 1980 arcade maze shoot 'em up game developed by Exidy, depicting vehicular combat in a future world. Targ was released in North America by Exidy in June 1980, and then released in Japan by Sega in July 1980.[1]
It was listed by Play Meter as one of only two maze games among the top 20 highest-grossing arcade video games of 1980, which was dominated by space shoot 'em ups.[2] A port of Targ was developed for the Atari 2600 by CBS Games, but was never released.[3] It was followed by a more elaborate sequel, Spectar.
Gameplay
The locale, described by the game cabinet as "The Crystal City", is a simple 10x10 grid of roads demarcated by rectangular buildings. The player, piloting the Wummel, which looks like a small green car, maneuvers through the maze trying to shoot enemies and avoid collisions. Most of the enemies consist of angry-looking red wedges, or "Targs". Occasionally, a small cyan-colored "Spectar Smuggler" appears; shooting it scores a significant bonus. When all enemies are destroyed, a bonus is awarded and a new round starts. If the player takes too long to clear the board, the Targs's speed increases until they are traveling faster than the Wummel.
None of the enemies shoot back. Their sole means of killing the player is ramming in to him. Despite this, the game is quite challenging.
Reception
Electronic Games in 1983 stated that Targ had "one of the most unique approaches to the maze-chase contest".[4]
Legacy
Attack Force for the TRS-80 is a clone of Targ released by Big Five Software in 1980.[5]
Exidy released a sequel with improved graphics, Spectar, the same year as Targ.[6]
References
- ^ Akagi, Masumi (13 October 2006). アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005) [Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)] (in Japanese). Japan: Amusement News Agency. pp. 35, 117. ISBN 978-4990251215.
- ^ Bloom, Steve (1982). Video Invaders. Arco Publishing. p. 41. ISBN 978-0668055208.
- ^ "Targ". Atari Protos.
- ^ Pearl, Rick (June 1983). "Closet Classics". Electronic Games. p. 82. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
- ^ Reed, Matthew. "Attack Force". trs-80.org.
- ^ "Spectar". Arcade History.
External links
- Targ at the Killer List of Videogames
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