Games developed by F.lli Zaccaria
We provide a list of companies that developed abandonware games.
Select a company to view its games.
To make searching easier, use pagination by number or letter.
Astro Wars
Astro Wars, a pioneering arcade game that burst onto the scene in 1979, is often nestled among the classics that shaped the gaming landscape. Developed by the British company, the game immediately drew players into its captivating outer space setting, utilizing a combination of vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics. Players found themselves taking control of a spaceship tasked with combating relentless waves of enemy forces, making strategic decisions under pressure. With its frenetic pace and increasing difficulty, Astro Wars became an instant hit in arcades, captivating both casual gamers and dedicated enthusiasts alike.
The gameplay centers around maneuvering a spacecraft across the screen while fending off incoming enemies that descend in various formations. Players are equipped with a laser cannon capable of firing projectiles to destroy adversaries. As the levels progress, the onslaught of enemies intensifies, introducing more complex patterns and increased aggression. The simple yet addictive nature of Astro Wars also encouraged players to master their skills, leading to high-score competitions among friends. This competitive aspect fostered a sense of community within the gaming environment, prompting players to return to the arcade in pursuit of supremacy.
Astro Wars distinguished itself from contemporaries, thanks in part to its innovative use of a unique control panel. Featuring a joystick alongside buttons for firing and strategic actions, the interface offered a level of precision that enhanced the gameplay experience. This design allowed players to navigate their ships with accuracy, dodging enemy fire while responding swiftly to threats on all sides. The tactile feedback of the controls added to the overall immersion, creating a palpable sense of urgency as players attempted to survive against overwhelming odds.
The game’s aesthetic, characterized by its colorful sprites and retro-inspired sound effects, also played a significant role in shaping its identity. The sounds of lasers firing and explosions resonated within arcades, creating an auditory backdrop that became unforgettable for many. The visual elements not only drew players in but also served as a hallmark of the era, marking a transition in arcade gaming toward more sophisticated graphics and audio.
Despite its age, Astro Wars remains a noteworthy title, influencing the trajectory of future space shooters. Its combination of engaging gameplay, iconic controls, and appealing aesthetics resonated with audiences, solidifying its place in gaming history. As retro gaming continues to thrive, Astro Wars stands as a testament to an era that paved the way for innovation and creativity within the industry, reminding players of simpler times while captivating new generations with its timeless charm.
Dodgem
In 1979, the arcade scene was booming with new and exciting games being released every month. One game, in particular, stood out from the rest - Dodgem. Developed by Atari, Dodgem was a racing game that quickly became a hit among arcade-goers. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Dodgem captured the hearts of gamers all over the world.
The premise of Dodgem was straightforward - players controlled a small car and had to navigate through a maze of obstacles and other cars to reach the finish line. The game had a top-down view, and the controls were simple - players could only move their car left or right. However, what made Dodgem stand out was its challenging level design. As the game progressed, the mazes became increasingly difficult, requiring players to have quick reflexes and strategic thinking.
Aside from the gameplay, another aspect that made Dodgem popular was its graphics. While not as advanced as today's video games, the graphics of Dodgem were impressive for its time. The game had bright and vibrant colors, and the cars were detailed and well-designed. The sounds and music were also well-crafted, adding to the overall immersive experience of playing Dodgem.
One unique feature of Dodgem was its two-player mode. Friends and family could compete against each other, adding a competitive element to the game. This feature made Dodgem a popular choice for parties and gatherings, as it allowed people to have fun and bond over the game.
Dodgem's success paved the way for many similar racing games to be released in the following years. However, none could match the addictive gameplay and overall charm of Dodgem. Its simplistic nature made it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a hit among both casual and hardcore gamers.
As time went on, Dodgem continued to be a favorite among arcade enthusiasts, with many arcades having at least one machine available for players to enjoy. Its popularity also led to various home console and computer adaptations, ensuring that the game could reach a wider audience.
Today, Dodgem is considered a classic among arcade games, with many still fondly remembering the hours spent racing through its mazes. While it may not have the same level of graphics and technology as modern games, Dodgem's simple yet addictive gameplay continues to stand the test of time, making it a timeless classic in the world of arcade gaming.
Galaxia
Galaxia is a classic arcade game that was first released in 1979. Developed by Zaccaria, it quickly became a popular hit among gamers all over the world. The game is a space-themed shooter game in which players take control of a spaceship and attempt to fight off an alien invasion. The objective of the game is to defeat all the enemy spaceships and reach the final level to confront the boss. With its simple yet addictive gameplay and innovative features, Galaxia has stood the test of time, remaining a fan favorite even after over four decades since its release.
One of the most unique aspects of Galaxia was its use of a rotating joystick instead of the traditional up-down/left-right controller. Players had to rotate the joystick to move their spaceship and use the fire button to shoot at the enemies. This added an extra dimension to the gameplay, making it more challenging and exciting. Along with the joystick, Galaxia also featured colorful and appealing graphics, which were rare for arcade games at the time. The game also had a dynamic soundtrack that heightened the overall gaming experience.
Another notable aspect of Galaxia was its difficulty level. The game was notorious for being difficult to beat, and many players would spend hours on end trying to achieve a high score. As players progressed through the different levels, the game became more challenging, with faster enemy spaceships and more obstacles to overcome. This made the game highly competitive, and it was not uncommon to see crowds of people gathered around the arcade machine, waiting for their turn to play.
Apart from its gameplay and graphics, Galaxia also had a unique scoring system that added to the excitement of the game. Players could earn extra points by shooting the enemies at the edges of the screen, which required more precision and skill. The game also had a bonus level where players could collect power-ups and gain extra lives, adding to the overall experience.
Galaxia's popularity led to it being ported to various gaming consoles, such as the Atari 2600 and the Commodore 64, further cementing its legacy in the gaming world. It also had several spin-offs and sequels, such as Galaxian and Galaga, which were also highly successful and popular among gamers.
Quasar
Quasar, released in 1980 for the arcade market, places the player at the controls of a compact starfighter tasked with pushing back a radiation-flecked sector surrounding a distant quasar. The cabinet presents a tall, upright monitor framed by stark chrome and electric-blue trim, with an eight-direction joystick and a single action button for firing. Objective and interface are straightforward: survive through a sequence of hostile formations, destroy as many enemy units as possible, and survive long enough to reach the sector’s core. The setting is vast, but displays remain tightly focused on a single scrolling playfield.
Gameplay unfolds in a single-screen arena where the starfighter glides with direct responsiveness as foes pour in from all sides. The primary laser fires with a steady cadence; the shot travels straight, and skilled players thread their fire through gaps while avoiding diagonal barrages. After defeating certain enemies or completing wave segments, a shimmering power-up icon ascends from the wreckage. Collecting it grants a shield that absorbs one hit, a faster-fire rate, or a temporary spread-shot that fans across the field. A score counter tallies every destroyed foe and combo.
Advancing through the sectors reveals denser patrols and faster projectiles. Enemy types range from small scouts that dart in tight curls to armored drones that boast brief invulnerability windows. The pace increases with each wave, and occasional environmental hazards—asteroid belts, solar glints, and narrow gaps—demand precise navigation. At the end of each sector lies a quasar-borne boss: a rotating core cannon that emits rings of beams and periodically opens a vulnerable window. Defeating the boss requires pattern recognition and meticulous positioning.
Visual presentation emphasizes a bold, neon palette against a black cavern. Sprite art keeps figures crisp and readable while clever use of negative space renders the vastness of deep space. The background shows a star field with parallax scrolling, while the foreground returns bright, easily distinguished enemies in contrasting hues. Sound design uses synthesized tones to mark hits, lasers, and explosions. Each successful action is punctuated by a crisp beep or a heavier explosion cue, giving the play feel a kinetic, arcade-forward rhythm.
Player experience centers on steady improvement rather than ornament. The screen's limited depth compels players to memorize enemy trajectories and exploit openings, making each successful clearing a small triumph. The challenge escalates quickly, but continues and extra credit extend play for high-scorers, inviting competitive cabinets. Quasar rewards precision, timing, and risk assessment: moving in clear lines, choosing when to break formation, and managing resource-like power-ups across a session. In crowded arcades, this combination yields familiar cheers as quarters exchange hands and new high scores rise.
