Shrike Avenger (prototype)

Piloting a futuristic aircraft, players in Shrike Avenger navigate a challenging shooter experience rendered on unique Bally/Sente SAC-II hardware. This solitary flight demands precise control as you maneuver through an environment filled with enemy formations and obstacles. The game utilizes a distinctive first-person perspective, placing the player directly within the cockpit of their craft, adding to the intensity of the aerial combat. Developed in 1986 by a team including Owen Rubin and Jim Turner, Shrike Avenger represents a singular title built for this specialized hardware platform. Initially conceived under the name “D’Arc Angel,” the game features detailed graphics utilizing a palette of over one thousand colors within a resolution of 256x240 pixels. The controls include both a joystick and five buttons to manage your aircraft's actions during gameplay. Remarkably, only ten physical units of Shrike Avenger were ever produced, making it an exceptionally rare find in the world of arcade games. Its advanced pricing structure also marked a notable shift in the industry at the time.