About Alien Attack (1981 Handheld Electronic By Coleco)

It’s Coleco’s Alien Attack!

This little gem from 1981 brought the excitement of arcade shoot-’em-ups into the palm of your hand, making it a must-have for space enthusiasts and gamers alike. So, strap in, and let’s explore this intergalactic adventure!

Release Date and Background: Alien Attack was released by Coleco in 1981, at a time when space invaders were all the rage, thanks to the popularity of arcade games like Space Invaders and Galaxian. Coleco, short for Connecticut Leather Company (yes, they started with leather goods!), had already made a name for itself in the electronic gaming market with hits like the ColecoVision and Cabbage Patch Kids. Alien Attack was their attempt to capture the arcade magic in a handheld format.

Design and Gameplay: Alien Attack’s design was sleek and futuristic, with a black casing that made it look like a mini spaceship control panel. The game featured a small, but vibrant LED screen, where players could see their spaceship battling waves of alien invaders. The controls were simple, with a joystick to move your ship and a button to fire your laser. Despite its simplicity, the game was surprisingly challenging and addictive.

The objective was straightforward: defend your base from incoming aliens by shooting them down before they could destroy your defenses. The aliens descended in ever-increasing waves, requiring quick reflexes and sharp shooting to survive. Each hit scored points, and the goal was to rack up the highest score possible before losing all your lives.

Popularity and Impact: Alien Attack was quite popular in its day, riding the wave of the space-themed arcade craze. It wasn’t as iconic as some other handhelds of the time, but it found a loyal fan base among kids and teens who loved the thrill of alien-blasting action. It was one of those games that you could easily play for hours, trying to beat your own high score or challenge your friends.

Coleco’s reputation for quality electronics helped Alien Attack stand out in a crowded market. The game was durable and well-made, often surviving the rough-and-tumble world of backpacks and playgrounds. It was also reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers.

Technology: For its time, Alien Attack packed quite a punch in terms of technology. The LED screen was bright and responsive, and the game’s simple yet engaging graphics were more than enough to keep players hooked. The sound effects, though basic, added to the immersive experience, with satisfying pew-pew sounds for your lasers and ominous tones for incoming aliens.

The game ran on a few AA batteries, which, back then, was a small price to pay for hours of entertainment. It was also portable enough to take anywhere, turning long car rides and dull afternoons into epic space battles.

Cultural Impact: Alien Attack may not have reached the legendary status of some other games from the early 80s, but it certainly left its mark. It was part of a broader trend of bringing arcade-style games into the home, a concept that would eventually lead to the development of more sophisticated handheld and console gaming systems.

For many who grew up in the 80s, Alien Attack was a beloved part of their childhood. It’s remembered fondly by retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its place in the evolution of portable gaming.

Legacy: While Alien Attack itself didn’t spawn a series of sequels or spin-offs, its influence can be seen in the continued popularity of handheld electronic games. Coleco’s efforts to miniaturize arcade experiences helped pave the way for future handheld consoles, demonstrating that great gameplay could come in small packages.

Today, Alien Attack is a sought-after collector’s item, cherished for its nostalgic value and its role in the history of electronic gaming. Finding a working unit in good condition can be a thrill for collectors, who appreciate both its gameplay and its design.

Fun Facts:

• Marketing Push: Coleco marketed Alien Attack heavily during the holiday season of 1981, positioning it as the perfect gift for young gamers. Ads highlighted its exciting gameplay and cutting-edge (for the time) technology.
• Durability: The game’s rugged design meant it could withstand the wear and tear of enthusiastic play, a feature praised by parents who often had to deal with broken toys.
• Competition: Alien Attack was released around the same time as other classic handhelds like Mattel’s Football and Milton Bradley’s Simon, making the early 80s a golden era for portable electronic games.

So, there you have it—Alien Attack by Coleco, a handheld adventure that brought the excitement of space battles to 1980s kids everywhere. Whether you were blasting aliens on the school bus or in your bedroom, it offered endless hours of fun. If you ever get the chance to play one, give it a try and see if you can reclaim that high score from your childhood!