Raid Over Moscow is a classic Commodore 64 game released in 1984 by Access Software, capturing the essence of Cold War tensions through its militaristic gameplay and graphics. The game has garnered a reputation for its engaging mix of action and strategy, earning it high praise from players and critics alike.
## Gameplay Overview
In Raid Over Moscow, players take on the role of a pilot tasked with destroying Soviet missile silos while navigating through hostile territory. The game features a variety of levels, each presenting unique challenges, such as avoiding radar detection and engaging enemy defenses, including tanks and missiles. The graphics are considered state-of-the-art for the time, with smooth scrolling and well-defined sprites that enhance the immersive experience.
The sound design is another standout feature, with realistic sound effects that include jet engines and explosions, creating an engaging atmosphere that keeps players hooked. The gameplay is noted for its responsiveness and the satisfaction derived from successfully completing missions.
## Critical Reception
Players have rated Raid Over Moscow highly, with scores averaging around 8 to 9 out of 10 across various platforms. Reviewers appreciate the game’s challenging nature and the addictive quality of its gameplay. Many fondly recall the thrill of toppling the Kremlin’s towers and the satisfaction of completing difficult levels. However, some criticisms highlight that certain sequences, like exiting the hangar, can be frustratingly complex.
## Curiosities from the Cold War Era
Released during a time of heightened U.S.-Soviet tensions, Raid Over Moscow reflects the era’s anti-Soviet sentiment. It was even banned in some countries due to its controversial themes, which only added to its allure among gamers.
#Cultural Impact
The game served as an educational tool for some players who learned about Soviet geography through gameplay. One player humorously noted they were the only kid in their class who could locate obscure Russian cities thanks to this game.
#Technological Milestone
The game showcased early computer graphics capabilities and sound design, setting a benchmark for future titles. Its innovative mechanics influenced subsequent games in the shoot-’em-up genre.
#Legacy
Despite being over three decades old, Raid Over Moscow remains a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts. It has inspired remakes and continues to be discussed in gaming communities today.
Raid Over Moscow is not just a game; it’s a cultural artifact that encapsulates a significant period in history while providing thrilling gameplay. Its combination of engaging mechanics, historical context, and lasting impact on gaming makes it a noteworthy title in the annals of video game history.
There are two control modes, the original that combines joystick and keypad or a modified mode that allows the game to be fully controlled by the joystick. DOWNLOAD.AMIGA.ROM
World MAP: Enter the shed: Fire or Space
HANGAR:
Speed: High
Rise: Fire (Netherlands with modified control)
Turn: Left / Right
Open: F7 / 2 Fire / Low (Fire with modified control)
APPROACH:
Sideshifts: Left / Right (Up / Down with modified control)
Ascent: BAS (with modified control law)
Descent: Top (Left with modified control)
Pull: Fire
SILO:
Bank: Left / Right
Up: Down
Down: Top
Draw: Fire
SOVIET DEFENSE CENTER: Move: Left / Right Aim High: Low (High modified with control) Aim Low: High (Netherlands with modified control) Pull: Fire
REACTION ROOM: Move: Left / Right Adjust objective: Up / Down Start disk: Fire
Original game developed by Bruce Carver and Access Software in 1984
Art by Adrian Cummings and John Tsakiris
Original Sound Track by Simone Bernacchia and John Tsakiris
Amiga version coded in Blitz Basic by Erik Hogan
Special thanks to the users of the English Amiga Board and the Commodore Amiga Facebook page
A partly complete port of Raid Over Moscow (using Adrian Cumming’s art and coded in Blitz Basic) has been zoned, with more than a few caveats:
Only a few levels. Hangar, Defence and Map screens are done. It’s completely missing the Scrolling Approach, Kremlin, Reactor and end cut scene.
Completely not optimized. There’s no usage of hardware sprites, text rendering is done much more often than actually needed etc. As such, the Hangar screen runs sluggishly on a 68000 (it’s OK on a 68020).
No sound effects
Done within extremely tight time constraints during the gamedev event I’m at this weekend, so it’s very unrefined.
If there’s any demand I may finish it off one day.
ADF Image, CD32 ISO and the basic files are included.
Edit: Forgot to mention, at this stage you need a two button pad (no keyboard support).
Button 1: Shoot. Climb in the Hangar scene.
Button 2: Switch to Hangar from the Map scene. Open doors in Hangar.
The first Raid Over Moscow Remake was up thanks to Andrew Layden’s job , and we thank him very much for this contribution to the 80’s cold war era of CBM people!!!
Cutting the high grass , You can find it here , and twice thanks for adding the left ctrl key as fire as we requested.
Quite excellent graphic , a bit harsh not playing with joypad but who knows , Layden could add a day also that , just update us .
Brief History of Raid Over Moscow Jet and its connection to 23 :
Based on the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 which was a prototype fighter aircraft designed for the United States Air Force.
YF-23 was a finalist in the U.S.Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter competition. Two YF-23s were built and were nicknamed “Black Widow II” and “Gray Ghost”, respectively.
The YF-23 lost the contest to the Lockheed YF-22, which entered production as the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
US Air Force / NASA Helicopter simulator was powered
by Commodore Amiga
In the 80’s the often over looked computer Amiga helped companies and governments develop much cheaper and better solutions to computer problems/needs.
nxs23.c64-Longplay-Raid.Over.Moscow
