Exidy

1980

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shooter maze

Cabaret

13 inch color

Spectar is a classic arcade game released in 1980 by Exidy, serving as a sequel to their earlier hit, Targ. It’s a maze-based shooter that builds on the gameplay of its predecessor, blending elements of strategy, reflexes, and pattern recognition. Below is a detailed description of the game: Gameplay Overview In Spectar, you control a small, tank-like vehicle called a "Wummel" navigating a grid-like maze filled with enemies and obstacles. The objective is to clear each level (or "quadrant") by destroying enemy vehicles while avoiding collisions and enemy attacks. The game is played from a top-down perspective, with the maze scrolling slightly as you move. Key Elements Player Vehicle (Wummel): The Wummel can move in eight directions and fire projectiles in the direction it’s facing. You have a limited number of lives, and losing a life occurs when you collide with an enemy, get hit by enemy fire, or crash into certain maze obstacles. Enemies: Targs: The primary enemies, resembling small, aggressive vehicles. They move in predictable patterns but become faster and more aggressive as the game progresses. Spectars: A more advanced enemy type, introduced in later levels. They are faster, can shoot back, and require more hits to destroy. Other Hazards: Some levels include stationary or moving obstacles, like mines or barriers, that can destroy your Wummel on contact. Maze Layout: Each level features a unique maze with walls, open spaces, and sometimes tunnels or teleporters. The maze design forces strategic movement, as enemies can corner you in dead ends or ambush you in open areas. Some versions of the game include a "radar" display at the top of the screen, showing enemy positions relative to your Wummel. Scoring and Progression: Points are earned by destroying enemies, with Spectars yielding higher points than Targs. Bonus points are awarded for completing a level quickly or clearing a quadrant without losing a life. Every few levels, you encounter a "bonus quadrant," a special stage with unique challenges or higher enemy counts for extra points. The game loops indefinitely, with increasing difficulty (faster enemies, more aggressive AI, and complex mazes). Controls Joystick: Moves the Wummel in eight directions. Fire Button: Shoots projectiles in the direction the Wummel is facing. The controls are simple but require precision to navigate tight maze corridors and dodge enemy fire. Graphics and Sound Graphics: Spectar uses colorful, pixelated 2D sprites typical of early 1980s arcade games. The mazes are vibrant, with distinct colors for walls, enemies, and the Wummel. The game’s visuals were an upgrade over Targ, with smoother animations and more varied enemy designs. Sound: The audio includes basic beeps, bloops, and synthesized effects for movement, shooting, and explosions. A repetitive background hum adds tension, with distinct sounds for enemy spawns and level completions. Unique Features Compared to Targ, Spectar introduced: More varied enemy types (like the titular Spectars). Enhanced maze designs with teleporters and dynamic obstacles. A slightly more polished presentation, though it retained the minimalist aesthetic of early arcade games. The game’s AI was notable for its time, as enemies could "hunt" the player more intelligently, especially in later levels. Difficulty and Strategy Spectar starts relatively easy but ramps up quickly. Key strategies include: Learning enemy movement patterns to anticipate attacks. Using the maze’s layout to funnel enemies into kill zones. Balancing aggression (to clear levels quickly) with caution (to avoid traps or ambushes). The game’s escalating difficulty made it a quarter-muncher, appealing to skilled players who enjoyed mastering its challenges. Reception and Legacy Spectar was moderately successful but didn’t achieve the same fame as other 1980s arcade classics like Pac-Man or Defender. Its niche appeal came from its fast-paced gameplay and strategic depth. It was ported to a few home systems, like the Exidy Sorcerer computer, but these versions were rare and less popular. Today, Spectar is remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts and is playable via emulation or arcade re-releases, such as MAME or Exidy compilations. Fun Facts Spectar’s name is a play on “specter,” reflecting the ghostly, elusive nature of its tougher enemies. The game’s hardware was based on Exidy’s proprietary arcade system, which limited its distribution compared to more widespread platforms. Some arcade cabinets featured a cocktail table design, allowing two players to take turns.

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Joystick and Fire button

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