Tactician (set 1)

In Tactician, players control spacecraft in a vertical shooter experience reminiscent of early classics like Space Invaders. A unique element sets this 1982 Konami game apart: before each wave of enemies appears, you have the opportunity to strategically place defensive barriers on the screen. These temporary obstacles are meant to provide some protection against the incoming swarm but won’t last long against sustained fire. The gameplay involves maneuvering your ship up and down while shooting at approaching alien formations. Destroying a red ball located within an enemy group triggers a powerful explosion, clearing out nearby threats. Two players can cooperate, each controlling their own spacecraft to tackle increasingly challenging levels. Though perhaps overshadowed by its contemporaries, Tactician introduced a distinctive gameplay mechanic, allowing for player-defined defensive strategies that were uncommon in shooters of the era. The game’s technical specifications include Zilog Z80 processors and General Instrument AY8910 sound chips, contributing to its distinct audiovisual character.