Help me identify 3 old arcade video games . . . (circa 1990 to '93)

[TimberWolf]

I can't recall their names, but:

1) First-person shooter - controls were 3-axis joystick and buttons. "Robot-hunter" theme, with maze-type levels that receded into darkness with distance. I seem to recall a second screen or an "insert map" that showed your position in the level. Xybots

2) Third-person, fixed perspective shooter (2-axis joystick and buttons). "Save the earth from the evil robots ("Reptilons"?) that are turning innocent people into mindless zombies (slaves)" theme. You saved them by "touching" them with your character (who also made great "whoops" and "uh-oh" noises when he fell off a wall or catwalk). Escape From the Planet of the Robot Monsters.

3) Top-down tank warfare (Dual joysticks and weapons buttons - 2 player stations). "Repel earth invasion by robot tanks and fight your way to the alien home planet" theme. You had to fight through the tanks and defenses to destroy a fort on each level. Beat a level and you earned points towards upgrades in armor, weapons, shot power and speed, vehicle speed and maneuvering, etc. I recall this one was ported over to the original Nintendo console. Vindicators

I probably blew enough quarters on these to own them outright, but they infected me to the point that I have a few thousand bucks in a couple of systems just so I can continue to do never-ending battle with their decendents to this day . . .

What were they?

 

[RGN]

1) Blake Stone?

Don't know the rest...

 

[Wipeout667]

1) It sounds like "I-Robot" from Atari. Actually a very rare game as it was deemed too "complicated" for a mainstream audience.

2) Robotron: 2084

3) Vindicators

-Wipeout667

 

[Sephiroth_IX]

Normal members are 10x better than all our goldens and some elites too... they always bring what they have to the table, they always answer the question at hand.

Go members!

 

[StageLeft]

Wipeout those are from the early 80's

 

[TimberWolf]

You sure called that one right, Seph.

Annoyed as I was to be unable to recall the titles; I was confident that an AnandTech member would. I hearby nominate Wipeout667 as the resident Obscure Arcade Games Guru, as he's 2 for 3.

Still don't know what the first one was . . .

And Skoorb, I'm far more certain of the time frame than I was of the initial question. The links that Wipeout667 provided refer to (and show graphics and screen-shots from) the original games - but the version of Robotron had much better, highly detailed graphics.

My work schedule allowed me time off during the day. I would drive over 30 miles to get to one of the three different arcades that had those games; planning to arrive mid-morning so I could get on them and play without interruption for most of the day.

You can imagine my reaction when I would find one "Out of Order" after an effort like that (the controls were somewhat easy to damage if handled roughly - I even started to act like some "arcade cop" when I saw kids abusing one of "my" machines). If one was down, it was almost an hour ride to either of the other two arcades.

I admit it - I was obsessed.

And majorly bummed out when they ultimately pulled them for newer releases. I inquired about buying the "Vindicators" unit, and was qouted $1500 (and later advised that would have been "a deal&quot.

Thanks, all.

 

[unxpurg8d]

Thanks for asking that question Timberwolf, and THANKS for that answer, wipeout. I just bought an arcade version of Space Odyssey ($20, don't give me a hard time...) and I'm trying to figure out what to do with the darn thing. It powers up and the screen still lights up but the game itself won't run. Looks like that site and webring'll be a good start on finding out more about it.

 

[Wipeout667]

Just to try and redeem myself, I think the first game might be Xybots.

-Wipeout667
Obscure Game Guru

 

[Wipeout667]

And since the description for #2 changed, it's no longer Robotron. It sounds like Escape From the Planet of the Robot Monsters.

-Wipeout667
Obscure Game Guru

 

[TimberWolf]

I wish it to be duly noted -

By nature of his tenacity and prodigous knowledge of the topic (and despite a "red herring" reference I made to a different game quite likely due to an immoderate lifestyle I indulged during the 1970's and 80's);

Wipeout667 is indeed The Resident Obscure Arcade Games Guru, and is entitled to all rights and priveledges accorded to that exalted rank.