Games published by Stern Electronics, Inc.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Armored Car
Released in 1981, Armored Car was a revolutionary arcade game that took the world by storm. Developed and published by Stern Electronics, it combined thrilling gameplay, stunning graphics, and an intense soundtrack that made it a fan favorite. The game falls under the genre of vehicular combat, and it quickly became a staple in arcades across the globe.
One of the most distinctive features of Armored Car was its unique control system. Unlike traditional arcade games that used a joystick, this game utilized a steering wheel and pedals, making players feel as though they were actually driving the armored car. The steering wheel allowed players to control the direction of the car while the pedals were used to accelerate and brake. The intuitive controls made it easy for anyone to pick up the game and jump right into the action.
The objective of Armored Car was simple yet challenging. Players had to navigate through a maze while fending off enemy tanks and helicopters. The armored car was equipped with unlimited ammunition and a shield, but using them depleted the car's fuel. This added an element of strategy to the game as players had to balance between using their weapons and conserving fuel to complete each level. The gameplay was addictive, and the difficulty increased with each level, keeping players engaged for hours on end.
The graphics of Armored Car were another aspect that made it stand out from other arcade games of its time. The colorful and detailed visuals were ahead of their time and added to the immersive experience of the game. The environment was also interactive, with obstacles and power-ups scattered throughout the maze, providing an extra layer of excitement and challenge.
The soundtrack of Armored Car was composed by David Thiel, who created a heart-pumping and intense score that perfectly complemented the fast-paced gameplay. The sound effects also added to the overall immersive experience, making players feel as though they were truly in the thick of battle.
Despite its release over three decades ago, Armored Car's legacy lives on. It was a groundbreaking game that set the standard for future vehicular combat games. Its success led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs, as well as ports to various home gaming systems.
Cliff Hanger
Released in 1983, Cliff Hanger is an arcade game that stands out as an early example of the interactive animation genre. Developed by the Japanese company Century Electronics, it quickly gained traction among gamers due to its unique premise and engaging gameplay. The game is notable for its use of animated sequences taken from the popular “Lupin III” anime series, which added a compelling narrative element rarely seen in arcade games of that era.
In Cliff Hanger, players assume the role of the charming thief, Lupin III, who must navigate a series of perilous situations while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The gameplay involves controlling the character’s movements through a combination of joystick navigation and button presses, allowing players to jump and dodge at opportune moments. The game relies heavily on quick reflexes and strategic timing, as players encounter various enemies and treacherous landscapes that threaten to thwart their progress.
What sets Cliff Hanger apart is its incorporation of cinematic storytelling. Each level features animated clips that players must engage with in order to successfully advance. This integration of animation and gameplay offers an immersive experience that captivates players' attention. The animations are not merely aesthetic; they are integral to the gameplay, as players must respond to on-screen actions at precise moments, creating a seamless blend between watching and playing.
Despite its appealing features, the game faced challenges, particularly due to its reliance on animated cutscenes. Players could find themselves frustrated when they misjudged a jump or failed to act in time, leading to unintended deaths and setbacks. Nonetheless, the game garnered a dedicated fanbase, appreciating its unique design and the nostalgic charm of the anime aesthetic. It paved the way for future titles that would utilize similar approaches to storytelling and interactive gameplay, laying groundwork that would influence the development of future adventure and action games.
Cliff Hanger’s legacy resides not only in its mechanics but also in its cultural impact. It sparked interest in video games as a narrative medium, proving that storytelling could enhance player engagement. The game's combination of animation, narrative, and arcade action remains a timeless benchmark, showcasing the innovative spirit of early 80s gaming. While it may not dominate today’s gaming landscape, Cliff Hanger holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the rich history of video game evolution. This fusion of literature, art, and play continues to inspire developers, ensuring that the essence of Cliff Hanger lives on in contemporary gaming.
Rescue
Rescue, released in 1982 for the arcade, presents a centered action challenge in which a single rescue helicopter is tasked with evacuating civilians from a sequence of catastrophe-stricken zones. Players pilot the craft across a variety of settings—urban rooftops, flooded harbors, and canyon passes—pulling away from danger just long enough to load those in need and ferry them to safety. The premise is straightforward: locate stranded individuals, extend the winch, secure as many as possible, and return them to a designated rescue point within the time limit of each stage.
The core gameplay rests on precise piloting and careful timing. The helicopter is controlled with a standard eight-direction joystick, enabling smooth movement through cluttered airspace and tight corridors. A pair of action buttons manages the winch mechanism: one lowers the line to reach civilians, the other releases the cargo once the load is secured. Civilians are carried aloft on a rope that must not snag on debris, wires, or rooftops. Each successful pickup increases the score, while a successful deposit at the safe zone completes the objective for that segment. Fuel and rotor heat meters require steady attention, adding a strategic layer to every ascent, hover, and descent.
Hazards in Rescue come in several forms. Gusting winds and thermals complicate the climb and approach, while falling debris, power lines, and collapsing structures threaten to disrupt careful maneuvers. The throttle of time presses players forward, with each stage demanding faster reflexes as the rescue operation grows more complex. Some zones introduce minor adversaries—low-flying drones or hostile lookout craft—that test skillful navigation and timing, encouraging players to weave between obstacles rather than plow straight through. Success hinges on planning routes that maximize rescues while minimizing exposure to danger.
Visuals in Rescue emphasize bold, legible sprites and clear, readable action on a compact arcade screen. Buildings and landscapes are rendered in high-contrast colors with a distinct neon edge, while the helicopter and rescued figures animate with crisp, incremental frames to convey motion and weight. The background parallax sweeps give a sense of depth as the craft moves, and the color palette—bright oranges, cobalt blues, and emerald greens—helps distinguish targets, hazards, and safe zones at a glance. The audio design features a driving rotor hum, engine whine, and crisp beeps for pickups, interspersed with short, explosive effects that punctuate near-misses and successful rescues, all contributing to a brisk, arcade pace that rewards precision and daring pilotage.
Super Bagman
Super Bagman was a popular arcade game released in 1984 by Valadon Automation. Developed by Valadon Automation's founder, Stéphane Costa, this action-packed game was a sequel to their previous hit, Bagman. The game was available in a standard upright cabinet or a cocktail table version, making it easily accessible for all arcade enthusiasts.
The objective of Super Bagman was to help the main character, Bagman, collect all the coins scattered throughout the levels while avoiding falling objects and enemies. Equipped with a bag, Bagman could dig through dirt to create pathways and even stun enemies. The gameplay was fast-paced and challenging, making it irresistible for players of all ages.
One of the most unique features of Super Bagman was its level design. Each level had a different layout, making it unpredictable and adding an element of surprise. The levels also had various obstacles and traps, such as falling rocks, fire pits, and deadly bats, making the game even more challenging. However, players could strategically use bags to block the traps and gain an advantage.
Along with its addictive gameplay, Super Bagman also had eye-catching graphics for its time. The vibrant colors and detailed character designs added to the overall appeal of the game. The sound effects and background music were also well-received by players, adding to the immersive experience.
The arcade game's success led to its release on home gaming consoles, such as the Commodore 64 and Atari ST, in the following years. This allowed players to enjoy the game in the comfort of their homes, further increasing its popularity. Super Bagman also spawned a spin-off game, Super Bagman Jr., in 1985, which was targeted towards a younger audience.
Despite its initial success, Super Bagman did not receive as much recognition as other classic arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. However, it still has a dedicated fanbase and is fondly remembered by many as an exciting and challenging game from the 1980s.
Tazz-Mania
In the early 1980s, the arcade game industry was booming with new and innovative titles being released almost every month. One such game, Tazz-Mania, was released in 1982 and quickly became a hit among gamers. Developed by Stern Electronics, Tazz-Mania featured an unusual protagonist - a Tasmanian Devil, who is often depicted as a whirlwind of chaos and destruction in popular media.
Set in the wild and rugged outback of Australia, Tazz-Mania follows the adventures of our titular character as he tries to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a band of evil hunters. With its unique storyline and colorful visuals, this game was a breath of fresh air in the already crowded world of arcade games. But what truly set Tazz-Mania apart from its peers was its gameplay, which was both challenging and addictive.
The game was a side-scrolling platformer, where the player controlled Tazz as he hopped and swirled through various obstacles and enemies. The controls were simple and responsive, making the gameplay smooth and enjoyable. Tazz's signature move, the tornado spin, was also present and would make quick work of any enemies in his path. However, it had limited uses, adding an element of strategy to the game.
One of the most impressive aspects of Tazz-Mania was its graphics. Considering the limitations of technology at the time, the vibrant and detailed visuals were a testament to the developer's skill. From the sprawling outback to the lively characters, every aspect of the game was beautifully designed, immersing players in the exciting world of Tazz.
The game's difficulty level was moderate, offering a fair challenge to both novice and experienced gamers. The levels were well-designed, with a variety of obstacles and enemies to keep players on their toes. Each level also had a time limit, adding an extra layer of pressure to the gameplay. To add to the excitement, Tazz-Mania also featured hidden bonus levels, which players could find by completing certain tasks or collecting special items.
With its engaging gameplay, fantastic graphics, and unique storyline, it's no wonder that Tazz-Mania was a popular arcade game in 1982. It even spawned a sequel, titled "Tazz-Mania II: The Return of the Devils," which was released the following year. However, the original Tazz-Mania remains a beloved classic among gamers and is still played by many in arcades and on classic gaming platforms.
