Insector (prototype)

Insector is a two-player shooter created by Gottlieb in 1982, and represents designer Tim Skelly’s response to the popular game Robotron - 2084. Players control cans of bug spray tasked with eliminating insects while collecting jewels scattered across the screen. The gameplay unfolds on a field where enemies appear, demanding precise aiming and quick reflexes as you navigate your insecticidal arsenal. This prototype is unique for its innovative approach to gameplay variation; entering a three-letter code at the start determines the pseudo-random number generator for each player, allowing for repeatable game experiences or customized handicaps. A hidden code, “DDT,” can also be entered to adjust the difficulty level. Due to its limited production run—estimated at only one or two units—Insector remains a rare and intriguing artifact from arcade history, showcasing a distinctive vision within the shooter genre. Its technical specifications include an I8086 main CPU and MOS Technology M6502 sound CPU alongside a resolution of 256 x 240 pixels.