Outlaw

• Release Date: 1978
• Genre: Shooter
• Style: Fixed Screen Shooter
• Similar Games: Gunslinger (Atari Video Computer System)

Game Description

One of the first games designed by David Crane (of Activision fame), Outlaw is both a target shooting contest and a shootout game in one cartridge. When playing by yourself, you score points by shooting a moving target. When challenging a friend, the two of you (one gunslinger on the left and one on the right) shoot each other.

Outlaw features 16 variations of play. In each of the games an object such as a cactus, a wall, or a stagecoach moves or stands between the gunslingers, or between the lone gunslinger and the target. In the two-player games, the first player to score 10 points wins. In the one-player games, you've got 99 seconds to score a maximum of 10 points.

Review: Overall

Some things, like going to amusement parks and sporting events, should never be done alone. You can add playing Outlaw to that list. Played alone, Outlaw is an overly simplistic and very boring game. Played with a friend, however, it is a kicking good time. You'll laugh a lot as you both duck behind and break through the various obstacles, shooting the heck out of each other.

Like most of the early Atari 2600 games (Fun With Numbers and Space War come to mind), the graphics in Outlaw are simplistic. The gunslinger is recognizable (he wears a cowboy hat and crouches into a shooting stance), but overall, the visuals and color schemes are very basic. When compared to other games of the day, however, Outlaw doesn't look bad at all.

One appealing aspect of Atari 2600 games from the late 70s was the number of gameplay variations. Many titles boasted at least 16 different games in one cartridge. While these extra games were generally minor variations on a basic theme, at least it seemed like you were getting more for your money. In Outlaw, the variations are welcome. The difference between shooting through a wall and shooting past a stagecoach is indeed significant in terms of the strategies used for hitting your opponent while avoiding his or her gunfire.

Outlaw is an imminently playable game that offers a good amount of enjoyment. Shooting through the obstacles to get to your opponent is a blast. However, when compared to the best shootout game from this era, Combat, it comes up a little short. With its tanks and planes, Combat offers more challenges, variations and excitement.

Review: Enjoyment

There is much fun to be had here if you've got a partner to join in on the action.

Review: Graphics

Compared to certain other Atari 2600 games from this era, such as Miniature Golf and Football, Outlaw looks very good.

Review: Sound

The sound effects are snazzy and clear but not overly elaborate.

Review: Replay Value

There are enough two-player modes to satisfy.

Review: Documentation

The manual is colorful and nicely done.

Production Credits