Warlords (1980 video game) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Warlords |
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North American arcade flyer
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| Developer(s) | Atari, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Atari, Inc. |
| Platform(s) | Arcade, Atari 2600 |
| Release date(s) | Arcade
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| Mode(s) | Multi-player |
Warlords is a classic arcade game released by Atari, Inc. in 1980. It's a bit like a mix of Breakout and Pong. Up to four players can play at the same time. The goal is to protect your own castle while destroying others using a flaming ball!
The game used special "spinner" controllers for players to move their shields. Warlords came in two main types of arcade machines. One was an upright version for two players. It had a black and white screen that reflected onto a mirror, making the castles look 3D.
The other version was a "cocktail" cabinet, which was a table-like machine. This one had color graphics and allowed one to four players. In games with three or four players, it was a free-for-all battle. The game ended when one player won.
How to Play Warlords
Warlords is a battle between four different warlords. One to four of these can be controlled by real players. Your main goal is to destroy the castles of the other players. At the same time, you must protect your own castle with a moving shield.
Each castle is shaped like an "L" and has a unique color. Inside each castle is a special icon. This icon looks like a crown for human players or a dark helmet for computer-controlled enemies.
Using Fireballs and Shields
Your main weapon in the game is a spinning fireball. This fireball bounces off anything it hits. When it touches a castle wall, it breaks off pieces of the bricks.
You can even catch the fireball with your shield! If you hold it, you can then throw it with more power using a "Power stone" button. But be careful! Holding the fireball slowly damages your own castle walls.
When a warlord's icon is destroyed, a new fireball appears. This new fireball travels in the opposite direction of the shot that destroyed the icon. The first fireball in a game is always launched by a dragon, aiming at a human player. You can have up to four fireballs on the screen at once.
The last player who still has their warlord icon intact wins the round. They also get a bonus score. A game ends when all human players have been knocked out.
The Legacy of Warlords
Warlords has been popular for many years, leading to new versions and remakes.
- In 2002, a 3D remake of Warlords was part of the Atari Revival collection.
- A version for the Nintendo DS was included in Retro Atari Classics. This one even let players battle wirelessly!
- The game also came to Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade in 2008. This version had cool new HD graphics.
- Both the arcade and Atari 2600 versions were available on Microsoft's Game Room service in 2010.
- A brand new version of Warlords was released for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in 2012. This Xbox version can even be played on newer Xbox consoles like Xbox One and Xbox Series.
- Fans have also created their own versions of Warlords. These include Castle Crisis for the Atari 5200 and Medieval Mayhem for the Atari 2600.
- In 2011, a game called Space Lords was released for the Commodore 64. It was inspired by Warlords and supported four players.
- An 8-player remake called "Lords of Lunar" was hidden as an Easter Egg in the game Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete in 1999.
- A new remake of the game has been announced for the Intellivision Amico.
