Quasar (set 1)

In Quasar, two players cooperate to navigate a vertical playing field and fend off waves of approaching objects. Published in 1980 by Zaccaria/Zelco, this shooter challenges players to use two-way joysticks and buttons to maneuver their ships and eliminate the oncoming threats. The game utilizes a vibrant color palette across its 240x223 pixel resolution screen, which refreshes at 50Hz, presenting a visually distinct experience with its unique orientation. Quasar represents Zaccaria’s first original creation, showcasing their early design efforts in the arcade landscape. The game's technical foundation includes an S2650 main CPU running at 3.5795 MHz and an I8035 sound CPU operating at 400 kHz, contributing to its audio output through a DAC chip. Players will experience a challenging cooperative shooter with straightforward controls designed for two simultaneous participants. The Zaccaria company, founded by three brothers, initially operated from the Republic of San Marino before later distributing games such as Sega titles in Italy. This game offers an engaging gameplay loop for those interested in experiencing a snapshot of arcade gaming history from 1980.