Play Meter

[
Quasar
encounters
U.S. Billiards' new Quasar video
features four different encounters in
space, where the player fights the
multi-phase battle . Progressive
challenges face the player as he
completes each of the series of
encounters.
In phase one, the player's ship
maneuvers left and right as he uses
the fire button to destroy flying
saucers which appear from the top of
the screen. Phase two allows the
player to depress a button to bring
the ship forward and, using three
buttons, to move the ship into any
position and fire at the invading
forces from the left and right .
At the top riqht side of the screen
is the supply of energy for the ship.
The player must complete phase two
before all the energy is exhausted-
or the ship will explode. When the
phase is completed with energy
remaining, the amount is added to
the score .
In phase three, the ship enters the
time tunnel, and the player must
maneuver the ship to avoid
descending meteorites. He must also
fire missiles to hit the eye of the
Quasar at the top of the time tunnel
in order to climb hiqher.
Final phase four puts the ship in
th e center and in danger of
destruction from the white meteors
which advance from all sides. The
player must rotate the ship and fire
to avoid a collision. If all the meteors
are destroyed, the ship will descend
to the bottom of the screen and the
game will start again.
The U.S. Billiards video game is
marketed under license from
Zaccaria of Italy.
PLAY METER, June 15, 1981
Pulsar lieu
Gremlin/ Sega is now shipping its
newest video entry, Pulsar, which
was officially introduced in March at
the Amusement Operators Expo in
New Orleans to the delight of
operators attending , said the
manufactuer.
European distributors got a sneak
preview of Pulsar at the ATE in
London. "Popularity of the game has
exceeded our expectations; in fact ,
we've beefed-up our production
schedule to accomodate multiplying
sales' orders," explained Bob
Harmon , director of marketing.
Pulsating alien creatures roming
through an ever-changing maze field
challenge players in search for the
Pulsar keys. Players map a course of
action, capturing the keys and
depositing them in a color-coded
keyhole. Once the keys are in place,
the lock is turned, opening up a new
game with the addition of more
difficult alien defense .
Vivid sound effects including the
heart throbbing of the master Pulsar
keep player in constant suspens.
"Our game room observations
indicate Pulsar is a real teeth-gritter.
Players get so involved, they hold
their breath an entire round,"
Harmon said.
Pulsar, a one- or two-player game,
available in standard upright and
cocktail cabinets, is now at local
distributors, said Harmon.
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