Phoenix is one of the many "shoot the alien invaders"
type games released for the 2600. While not very original,
it is still fun to play and is one of the better Atari
releases.
The graphics are colorful and detailed—particularly
the alien birds. The sound effects are good, and the music
is well done and doesn't get irritating after repeat listening
(as a bonus the music can be turned off).
The gameplay is the standard "shoot the moving targets"
fare, but the five different "waves" of attackers (two
rounds of small birds, two rounds of large birds, and
the alien pilot) and little touches like pressing down
for shields, and the regrowth of the large bird wings
help bring depth to the gameplay.
Once you get good enough to clear multiple rounds of the
five waves, you'll probably find yourself getting bored
and reaching for another cart. But Phoenix is still
fun to pull out and play occasionally.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.