Exterminator

In Exterminator, players assume control of a digitized hand tasked with clearing infestations from a neighborhood street. This unique shooter places you within houses, where you must navigate rooms and eliminate swarms of insects. Initially, your options are limited to grabbing or “thumping” enemies; however, collecting power-ups like bug spray and a laser finger provides new ways to deal with the insect hordes. Two players can team up for cooperative extermination. The game’s abstract visuals present an unusual take on the shoot 'em up genre as you move from house to house clearing each one of insects. Each property presents a series of rooms to clear, and certain actions, such as shooting while a freezer door is open, can trigger unexpected shortcuts. Exterminator utilized digitized graphics for all its elements—a notable technical choice in its time. Produced by Premier Technology and released in 1989, Exterminator represents a rare find with an estimated production run of only 250 units worldwide. Controlled via dials and featuring two buttons, the dedicated cabinet design was distinct from more common arcade conversions of the era.