Boxing Bugs

Boxing Bugs pits two players against waves of bizarre insectoid creatures in this unique 1981 shooter from Cinematronics. Each player controls a rotating cannon housed within an octagonal shield, tasked with eliminating bugs while dodging randomly appearing bombs. Fireballs are launched from one end of the cannon, while a boxing glove extension arm provides another attack option for knocking out opponents. The gameplay blends strategic positioning and quick reflexes as players manage their resources and anticipate enemy movements. The game’s unusual mechanics involve both ranged projectile attacks and close-quarters boxing maneuvers, creating dynamic encounters. Players earn points by striking bugs or bombs with fireballs, but receive a significantly higher score for successfully punching them out with the glove. Bonus rounds offer even greater rewards for skillfully destroying sleeping bugs. Boxing Bugs represents one of Cinematronics’ final ventures into vector graphics technology and is notable for its innovative design and unusual combination of shooter and boxing elements. Featuring a distinctive yellow cabinet, this two-player arcade game offered a brief but memorable experience before the company's eventual absorption by Leland Corporation.