Machine Guides

Game History

Robotron: 2084 is a classic twin-stick shooter arcade game developed by Williams Electronics and released in 1982. It was designed by Eugene Jarvis, who had previously created the seminal Defender, and programmed by Larry DeMar and Vid Kidz. The game's premise was innovative for its time: players controlled a mutant human tasked with rescuing the last human family from an army of killer robots in a dystopian future.

What set Robotron apart from other shooters of its era was its revolutionary control scheme, which featured two joysticks—one for movement and one for firing in any direction independently. This twin-stick configuration allowed for unprecedented control and gameplay depth, establishing a new genre of twin-stick shooters that would influence countless games in the years to come.

Robotron was an immediate commercial success, with Williams shipping over 20,000 units worldwide and the game becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade titles of 1982. Its fast-paced gameplay and distinctive visual style making it a beloved title among players of all ages.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Robotron: 2084 is to survive waves of robot attacks while rescuing the last human family from destruction. You control a mutant human who must defeat all enemies in each wave to advance to the next one. The game emphasizes survival and rescue in a dystopian future where robots have taken over the world.

Controls

• Left Joystick: Use to move your character in any direction
• Right Joystick: Use to shoot your weapon in any direction independently of movement

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your battle against the robot armies.

• Wave Progression: Navigate through multiple waves of increasingly difficult robot enemies with different attack patterns and behaviors.

• Twin-Stick Combat: Move your character with the left joystick while independently aiming and shooting with the right joystick, allowing for 360-degree movement and firing.

• Human Rescue: Rescue the last human family by touching them before they are destroyed by enemy robots. Rescued humans award bonus points.

• Enemy Types: Face various robot enemies including Grunts, Hulks, Brains, Spheroids, Quarks, and Tanks, each with unique movement patterns and attacks.

• Proximity Danger: Avoid getting too close to enemies, as most robots can destroy your character on contact.

• Increasing Difficulty: Progress through waves with increasing numbers of enemies and more complex attack patterns.

• Score System: Earn points for destroying enemies and rescuing humans, with bonus points awarded for completing waves quickly.

• Game Over: The game ends when you lose all your lives. Your final score is displayed based on enemies destroyed, humans rescued, and waves completed.