Frenzy (revision RA1)

Following up on the success of Berzerk, Stern Electronics’ Frenzy pits two players against a relentless onslaught of robotic enemies within maze-like environments. Players navigate rooms populated by “Skeleton” and “Eyeball” robots, aiming to destroy them all before seeking an escape route. A key addition to the gameplay is "Evil Otto," a bouncing smiley face that relentlessly pursues players who linger too long; thankfully, Otto can now be defeated through multiple shots, though each subsequent appearance brings increased speed. Beyond combat, Frenzy introduces unique strategic elements. Certain walls are composed of dots that can be shot to create new pathways or trap enemies, while others reflect laser blasts—opening opportunities for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Distinct room types also alter the gameplay dynamic: one triggers a swarm of additional Ottos, another temporarily immobilizes all robots, and yet another causes erratic robot behavior while offering a chance at easy destruction through contact with walls. Synthesized speech adds to the atmosphere, delivering taunts from robots and warnings about approaching dangers—though these phrases are more sparse than in Berzerk. The game’s vibrant color scheme, achieved using a unique overlay circuit board, creates visual distortions when players get close to objects, adding a peculiar aesthetic element.