Moon Patrol – Classic Side-Scrolling Action on Atari XL/XE

Moon Patrol is a legendary arcade shooter and platformer hybrid, originally released in 1982 by Irem and licensed in North America by Williams Electronics. Known for introducing parallax scrolling to side-scrolling games, it set new standards for visual depth and gameplay in its time. The Atari XL/XE port successfully captured the spirit of the arcade original, delivering fast action and smooth scrolling on 8-bit home computers.

Gameplay

In Moon Patrol, players control a lunar buggy that automatically moves to the right across the rugged surface of the Moon. The main goal is to travel from start to finish while overcoming numerous obstacles and enemies. The buggy can jump over craters and landmines, shoot at aerial enemies with an upward cannon, and fire at ground targets with a forward-facing gun. The game is divided into two main courses: the Beginner Course (A–E) and the Champion Course (E–Z), each marked with checkpoints.

Obstacles and Enemies

• Crater pits requiring precise jumps.
• Landmines and boulders blocking the path.
• Alien UFOs and enemy ships attacking from above.
• Incoming missiles and rolling rocks from hills.
• Sudden ambushes between checkpoints.

Innovations

Moon Patrol was one of the first video games to use parallax scrolling, with multiple background layers moving at different speeds to create a 3D-like effect. This innovation greatly enhanced the sense of immersion and became a standard in future side-scrolling games. The title also introduced the idea of clear course checkpoints, allowing players to track progress through the level.

Graphics and Sound

The Atari XL/XE version delivered colorful visuals, responsive controls, and smooth scrolling despite hardware limitations. The recognizable, upbeat background music and distinctive sound effects—such as the buggy’s jump and enemy explosions—remain nostalgic for many retro gamers.

Legacy

Moon Patrol is often cited as a milestone in arcade and home gaming history. The combination of racing, shooting, and jumping mechanics influenced future game design in both arcade shooters and platformers. The Atari 8-bit port remains one of the most faithful and enjoyable home conversions of the era.

Conclusion

With its innovative graphics, addictive gameplay, and challenging course design, Moon Patrol on Atari XL/XE stands as a timeless example of early 1980s arcade excitement brought into the home. Its influence on side-scrolling action games continues to be felt decades after its release.

Key Features

• First game to feature parallax scrolling in a side-scroller
• Two courses with multiple checkpoints
• Ground and air combat mechanics
• Colorful 8-bit graphics and catchy music
• Faithful arcade-to-home adaptation