Codex Gamicus
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Outlawis a single-player arcade game by Atari, Inc., originally released in 1976 for the Atari 2600. It simulates an Old West fast draw duel between the player and the computer.

Gameplay[]

You and another player are gunslingers who are out to show each other who's the best gun in the west. In single-player games, you practice shooting at a moving target that appears onscreen. In two-player games, you and your opponent try to shoot each other with excellent skill and timing.[1] Outlaw was a response to Midway's Gun Fight, released the year before.[2][3]

Technology[]

The game is housed in a custom cabinet that includes a light gun. The game PCB is composed of discrete technology, with game sprites stored in ROM. Playfield graphics are provided by a screen overlay representing an Old West town street.[1]

Gameplay[]

Players can select one of two characters: Half-fast Pete or Billy-The-Kid. Pete is more accurate while Billy can draw faster. An outlaw appears somewhere in the town, the object being to fast draw your gun as soon as he draws his. Shooting him before he shoots you scores points, with points counting toward end-of-game ratings such as "Dude", "Greenhorn", and "Top Gun".[1]

Atari 2600 Port[]

A home console port was developed for the Atari 2600 by then-Atari employee David Crane. This version is more directly comparable to Midway's Gun Fight,[2] allowing two players to engage in a shoot-out using the 2600's joysticks. There are also multiple types of game play, that differ slightly from the arcade version, in this Atari 2600 port. Among these game types include target practice and versions with obstacles that must be shot around or shot through.

The Atari 2600 version was also made available on Microsoft's Game Room service for its Xbox 360 console and for Windows-based PCs in March 24, 2010.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Outlaw Killer List of Video Games Entry. Retrieved on 2007-12-27
  2. 2.0 2.1 The Dot Eaters: Draw (those pixels)!. Retrieved on 2007-12-27
  3. 1976: Coin-Op Business. Retrieved on 2007-12-27
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