Space Launcher

Console:	Arcade
TV Standard:	Other
Developer(s):	Nintendo
Publisher(s):	Nintendo
Release Date:	1979-01-01
Players:	2
Co-op:	No
ESRB:	Not Rated
Type:	Shooter

Space Launcher is a game by Nintendo that was surprisingly original - the game is similar to Frogger, though is not a clone since it predates it by at least two years.

The game takes place in space, and your goal is to maneuver around space objects and dodge oncoming enemy fire from the aliens that are stationed above. There are treasures at the top: and your goal is to fly up, grab the treasure, and come soaring back down. You must repeat this until all of the treasures have been scavenged.

TECHNICAL
Main CPU: Intel 8080 (@ 2.016 Mhz)
Sound CPU: I8035 (@ 400 Khz)
Sound Chips: DAC, SN76477 (@ 400 Khz)

Players: 2
Control: 2-way joystick
Buttons: 1

TRIVIA
Released in November 1979.

SCORING
Knocking out ships: 50-100 points (first two attempts)
Landing in top docks: points above docking station
Safely Landing on the ground: 500 points
Point values increase as you become more successful.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Use rockets to get up faster. Lay off the rockets only to get around a moving mine or to avoid ramming an enemy ship.
Spend as little time underneath a ship as you can. Enemy shots move quickly in this game.
When you start going downward, don't go sideways until after you've hit one of the upper level ships. Your ship isn't immune to the sides of the docking station.
Again, use the rockets. Again, missiles move fast and it is best to be speeding away from the ships. You also get to the ground faster.