2004-01-28 (updated 2014-06-11)
Arcadia is a fast paced action shooter released for many formats. The Vic-20 version was superior in terms of gameplay.

There were eight levels of different aliens to shoot (on the Vic atleast), afterwhich it wraps back around to the first set of aliens. Each level you progress increases the score received for shooting each alien, so by the time you get to the nineth level you are getting 9 points per hit rather than 1.

8 different aliens does not sound a lot of variety in the game, but each level is very hard to complete so you will need a lot of practice to get past them all. Even when you do the temptation is there to keep on going racking up your score.

But discovering the different aliens and their behaviour is just one part of the appeal. The ship you control constantly falls to the bottom of the screen and you have to thrust up to climb higher. This coupled with independant twin lasers that have a very short range adds a gaming experience that is very addictive to master. Very simple concept but works remarkably well!