Game Classification

Three submarines, endless missiles raining down. How long can you protect your islands by firing interceptor missiles? Defeat is inevitable, as the incoming missiles increase in speed and density. Some will suddenly split into multiple warheads targeting multiple islands, and if you survive long enough, the smart bombs will come out, capable of evading your interceptors. Your only advantages are the broad, area effect of your missiles, replacement islands awarded as your score races upward, and the lightning-fast, hand-eye coordination given by your ancestors just for playing video games like this one.

A ROM cartridge, Polaris presents the standard elevation view of a Missile Command game, placing three submarines among six islands. Islands and submarines alike are targeted by missiles dropping from the top of the screen; destroyed subs come back the next round, and islands are replaced every 2000 points. Points are awarded for surviving islands, submarines, and interceptor missiles, multiplied by the level's difficulty. Interesting effects include color set changes which can camouflage incoming missiles, explosions which endure in mid-air as additional missiles reach the area, and explosions which wrap around from one edge of the screen to the other.

Hot-seat, two-player play is possible, split by round with competing scores shown at the top of the screen. The manual even makes tongue-in-cheek mention that the scores can be targeted and blown up, but to no effect. [source:mobygames]

Distribution : Retail - Commercial
Platform(s) : TRS-80 Color Computer

Links

• http://www.mobygames.com/game/polaris_/