Games published by Synapse Software Corporation
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Air Support
Air Support, released in 1984 by Atari for their 8-bit home computers, is an action-packed game that provides a unique challenge for gamers. Players take the role of a fighter jet pilot and must protect their convoy from enemy planes. The objective is to shoot down as many enemy planes as possible without losing all of your fuel or running out of ammunition.
The game is split into four levels, each increasing in difficulty, with the goal of reaching the end of the level before running out of fuel or ammo. The game has an interesting control setup which requires the player to control the plane with the joystick while firing with the keypad. This adds an extra layer of difficulty as the player must manage both the joystick and keypad simultaneously.
The graphics in Air Support are quite basic, but still effective for the time. The game uses a top-down view of the battleground, allowing the player to see the enemy planes approaching from all directions. The sound effects are also quite simple, with a few explosions and a repetitive background tune.
Overall, Air Support is an enjoyable game that provides a unique challenge. Although the graphics and sound effects are quite basic, the game still manages to provide an entertaining experience. The control setup adds an extra layer of difficulty and requires quick reflexes. With its four levels of increasing difficulty, Air Support is the perfect game for anyone who wants to take a break from the more complex games of the time.
Blue Max
The plot is based on a fictional pilot, Max Chatsworth, who is (in the game) one of the British Air Aces. Chatsworth's fame began in battle, when he was on a reconnaissance mission and his squadron was decimated by enemy aircraft. The pilot survived, and in the process shot down seven enemy fighters. The following month he shot down thirteen more. For these actions, Germany offered its Blue Max medal to anyone who could shoot down Chatsworth, and he received a new nickname: Blue Max.
As Blue Max, you go out on sorties-flight missions-to attack assigned targets. Targets include bridges, buildings, enemy aircraft, tanks, bridges, anti-aircraft batteries, vehicles, and ships. As you eliminate targets, you advance to new missions. Before you start playing you can adjust various parameters, such as the type of control (normal or pilot), the skill level and whether gravity will affect the aircraft.
You must drop bombs to eliminate targets on the ground, and this action also represents a key danger to you. Unlike modern bombers that drop bombs on targets far below, early aircraft performed semi-suicide bombing runs. Pilots would start at high altitude, then tilt the nose of the aircraft toward their ground target and lift off before touching the ground. In the middle of the dive and lift process, they would drop the bomb. There were also timing issues in the game: if you got the timing wrong or started too low, you would crash. You only have one life in this game.
If your plane is destroyed or you complete a mission, a ranking is awarded ranging from Kamikaze Apprentice to Squadron Leader.
This game has also stirred up some controversy, allegedly causing it to be banned in Germany. In the course of your missions, you end up bombing houses.
(The actual Blue Max/Blauer Max, is a nickname for the Prussian 'Pour le Mérite' medal, first awarded to pilots Max Immelmann and Oswald Boelcke. It required shooting down between 8 and 20 enemy aircraft, requirements that increased as the war progressed).
Chicken
In 1982, Atari released a game that would become a classic and a staple in the early days of gaming. Chicken is a simple, yet incredibly fun game that has stood the test of time.
The objective of Chicken is to navigate a chicken through a maze to collect all fifteen eggs before the time runs out. The maze is filled with obstacles like walls, rocks, and other chickens that must be avoided. The player has the advantage of being able to move the chicken through the maze at their own pace and can use various strategies to avoid obstacles and collect eggs.
The gameplay of Chicken is simple yet highly addictive. The player must make quick decisions to evade obstacles and collect eggs while the timer runs down. Although the game is not overly difficult, it is challenging enough to keep the player engaged. Additionally, the game features a unique two-player mode which allows two players to compete against each other to see who can collect the most eggs before the clock runs out.
Chicken has also become a cult classic due to its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack. The game features vibrant, pixelated graphics and a memorable soundtrack that adds to the charm of the game.
Overall, Chicken is an iconic Atari 8-bit game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It has a timeless gameplay, interesting graphics, and a catchy soundtrack that all combine to make it a classic. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of gaming, Chicken is a must-play game that will provide hours of fun.
Claim Jumper
Two players each control a 'cowboy'. A gold bar appears randomly on the screen, and if either cowboy takes it to the assay office at the top of the screen, the target disappears and a ten dollar bill appears nearby. Each player has his own bank in which to deposit money, and after ten bills have been deposited, the player receives a house worth 20,000 points. A second house is worth an additional 30,000 points. The two cowboys can shoot each other, and the victim goes to one of the two hospitals in the upper corners of the screen. Behind the two cowboys are snakes and tumbleweeds; the snakes follow one cowboy and the tumbleweeds follow the other. If caught, the cowboy will be paralyzed for a few seconds. However, if he shoots at what is chasing him, he becomes what is chasing his opponent: the snakes into tumbleweeds; the tumbleweeds into snakes.
Drelbs
Drelbs, released in 1984, was a popular and innovative game for the Commodore 64. Developed by Synapse Software, it combined elements of action, puzzle, and strategy games to create a unique and engaging experience for players. The game's objective was to guide the Drelbs, small creatures with glowing heads, to safety while avoiding various obstacles and enemies.
One of the most notable aspects of Drelbs was its graphics. The game utilized the Commodore 64's advanced graphics capabilities to create a colorful and immersive world. The Drelbs themselves were intricately designed, with each one having its own distinct personality and abilities. The game also featured smooth animations and detailed backgrounds, making it a visually stunning experience for players.
But Drelbs was more than just a pretty face. It was also a game with a lot of depth. The player had to carefully strategize and plan their moves to successfully guide the Drelbs to safety. This involved analyzing the levels, anticipating the movements of enemies, and using the Drelbs' unique abilities to their advantage. The game's difficulty gradually increased, keeping players engaged and challenged throughout.
Another unique aspect of Drelbs was its sound design. The game featured a variety of catchy and upbeat tunes, which added to the overall fun and whimsical atmosphere. The sound effects were also well-crafted, adding to the game's immersive nature.
Electrician
Released in 1984 by Atari, Electrician is a unique 8-bit game that took the gaming world by storm. As an educational game, it aimed to teach children the basics of electricity, but it also succeeded in entertaining players of all ages.
In Electrician, players take the role of an apprentice who must complete various electrical tasks using their tools. The game is broken up into five levels, each one more difficult than the last. In the first level, players must connect electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, and switches. In the second level, they must build a circuit with these components, while in the third they must create a circuit with multiple levels of complexity. In the fourth level, players must construct a computer, and in the fifth level, they must construct a robotic arm.
The graphics of the game are quite basic, yet colorful and cheerful. The sound effects and music add to the atmosphere. The controls are simple and easy to use, making it perfect for even the youngest of players.
Electrician is a great game for teaching children the basics of electricity while also providing an entertaining experience. It is a great way to get young people interested in the world of technology and has been praised for its educational value. Whether you are a parent looking for a way to teach your child about electrical engineering or a gamer looking for a unique and challenging experience, Electrician is a game worth playing.
