Crossbow (version 2.0)

Protect a band of adventurers in Crossbow, an early first-person shooter from Exidy released in 1983. Using a light gun, players must defend these "friends" as they attempt to navigate perilous landscapes and reach safety on the other side of the screen. Shooting the adventurers is possible, but comes with consequences: a warning message appears upon the first accidental hit, followed by cries of pain and reduced movement speed for subsequent shots – ultimately leading to their demise. The game unfolds across varied scenarios selectable from a map, including locations like a town, desert, volcano, and castle. Successful navigation through these areas leads to encounters with increasingly challenging obstacles, culminating in a final confrontation with the Master of Darkness—who can only be defeated by hitting his eyes when they glow red. After victory, players are presented with a congratulatory screen and the option to attempt another challenge. Crossbow was notable for its pioneering use of digitized sound and music, marking an early step toward more immersive arcade experiences. The game’s unique blend of shooter action and dungeon-crawling elements provides a distinctive single-player experience driven by the light gun controls.