Scramble

TECHNICAL DATASHEET

Game Name: Scramble

Manufacturer: Konami. Distributed by Leijac in Japan and Stern in North America.

Year of development: 1981

Category: Shoot'em up


Hardware Platform Info:

  • Main CPU Z80@3.072 Mhz
  • CPU sound: Z80@1.78975 Mhz
  • Sound chip: 2 x AY8910@1.78975Mhz
  • Video resolution: 224 x 256 pixels
  • Number of players: 2


Main developers: Unknown

Music Composers: Unknown


GAME STORY

History of development:

The game follows the classic wake of the time with a spatial theme. It was developed by Konami, who licensed its distribution in North America to Stern and in Japan to Leijac. In fact, there were many pirated copies of the game, due to the simplicity of its hardware. This enabled Konami to include copy-protection measures in later games.

The game had a very successful launch and sold about 15,000 units. This success led to the release of the sequel Super Cobra, as well as a multitude of ports to various home systems.

General description of the game:

The goal of the game is to progress through the different levels (6 in total) aboard our spaceship, destroying enemy targets and collecting fuel at the same time to continue our mission. The ship has 2 types of shooting: laser and missiles. At the end of each phase we also have a battle to destroy the enemy base.

Curiosities:

Scramble was the first shoot-em-up that included the concept of multi-level. It was also the first to introduce an energy recharging system (with fuel in this case).


HISTORY OF MACHINE IN ARCADE VINTAGE

Status: OPERATIONAL

Information about the location and purchase by Arcade Vintage:

Acquired by José Mª Litarte, in February 2014, from a French amateur, living in Altea (Spain), called Frederic. The contact was made thanks to an advertisement on the website www.milanuncios.es

Information about the restoration process or repairs carried out:

This machine was received operational, but with some defects, and with a game board that was not his (Donkey Kong Jr). It was replaced by the board corresponding to the original game. Minimal additional adjustments.

Links to other related websites:

https://tcrf.net/Scramble

https://steemit.com/gaming/@zulman/classic-video-games-review-1981-scramble-space-theme-shooter-game-from-konami

https://programbytes48k.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/arcade-scramble-konami-1981/