The Last Squadron: A Stellar Shoot 'Em Up for Atari XL/XE

"The Last Squadron," released in 2020, is a standout vertical scrolling shoot 'em up game developed by Janusz Chabowski (Shanti77) for the Atari XL/XE 8-bit computers. With music composed by Michał Szpilowski (Miker), this game took the Atari community by storm, winning first place in the ABBUC Software Contest 2020. Known for its vibrant graphics, immersive sound, and fast-paced gameplay, it has been hailed as a modern classic for the Atari platform. This article explores the game’s development, gameplay, features, and its enhanced edition, shedding light on why it remains a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Development and Release

Developed by Janusz Chabowski, "The Last Squadron" was initially created for the 2020 ABBUC Software Contest, an annual event celebrating new software for Atari 8-bit systems. The game was designed to push the technical limits of the Atari XL/XE, requiring only 64KB of RAM for the original version, with levels loaded from disk. Its polished execution and arcade-inspired design earned it critical acclaim and the top spot in the competition. Following its success, an extended edition was released by Sikorsoft in 2021, featuring significant enhancements and a cartridge-based format for broader compatibility.

Gameplay and Mechanics

"The Last Squadron" is a vertical shooter reminiscent of arcade classics like 1942 and Terra Cresta, with influences from Tyrian. Players control the last remaining squadron defending Earth, navigating through waves of enemies and challenging boss fights. The game offers:

• Four Levels (ABBUC Version): Each level concludes with a unique boss, testing players’ skills and reflexes. The extended edition doubles this to eight levels, with four new stages featuring fresh graphics and challenges.
• Weapons and Power-Ups: Players have access to two types of shots—a standard shot and a special shot activated by rapid fire or a secondary fire button (compatible with modified Mega Drive or Joy2B+ controllers). Power-ups enhance firepower, speed, and survivability.
• Precise Controls: The game is praised for its responsive controls, crucial for navigating the frantic action and avoiding collisions.
• PAL/NTSC Compatibility: The game automatically adjusts speed, colors, and music based on the system, ensuring a consistent experience across regions.
• Scoring and Lives: Players earn an extra life every 10,000 points. The extended edition includes a cheat code—entering "sikorsoft" on the title screen grants 20 lives (though the display shows only 9).

The extended edition introduces three difficulty modes, each altering enemy numbers and damage mechanics (e.g., one-hit kills in harder modes), new bosses, an intro screen, a pause mode with unique music, and high-score tracking for each mode.

Technical and Artistic Achievements

"The Last Squadron" maximizes the Atari XL/XE’s capabilities, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. Its colorful sprites and detailed backgrounds stand out, earning praise for their arcade-quality polish. The soundtrack, composed by Michał Szpilowski, includes a notable rendition of a Tyrian track for the title screen, with in-game music designed to complement rather than overwhelm sound effects. The game’s technical prowess is evident in its ability to handle multiple enemies and actions on-screen simultaneously without slowdown, a feat for the 8-bit hardware.

Extended Edition Enhancements

The 2021 extended edition, distributed by Sikorsoft, builds on the original with:

• Additional Levels: Four new levels with unique graphics, doubling the game’s content.
• New Gameplay Modes: Three modes with varying difficulty, catering to both casual and hardcore players.
• Enhanced Visuals: New title screens, inter-level graphics, game-over screens, and a shadow effect for the player’s ship.
• Improved Audio: Four new sound samples and a pause mode with exclusive music.
• Cartridge Support: Compatible with AVG Cart, Side3, and standard XE GS cartridges (512KB or 256KB). A .xex version is available for systems with 256KB RAM, though compatibility varies.

Cheats in the extended edition include immortality (activated by pressing "START" per level after entering "sikorsoft") and level skipping (via the "SELECT" button), making it accessible for players struggling with difficulty.

Availability and Distribution

The original ABBUC version is freely available, requiring 64KB RAM and disk loading. The extended edition is a paid release, offered in digital and collector’s editions. The digital version includes 512KB and 256KB cartridge images and a .xex file, available via Sikorsoft’s website or platforms like Allegro. The collector’s edition, available until December 2023, included physical media and exclusive gadgets. Pricing details are available through Sikorsoft’s email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), with shipping via InPOST in Poland or courier internationally.

Community Reception

The Atari community has lauded "The Last Squadron" for its technical and artistic achievements. Reviewers on platforms like Indie Retro News and AtariAge highlight its fast-paced gameplay, precise controls, and vibrant presentation, comparing it favorably to professional titles from the Atari’s golden era. Its difficulty has been noted as challenging but fair, with cheats providing accessibility for newcomers. Promotional videos and reviews, such as those on the Gramy na Gazie YouTube channel, showcase its quality and depth.

Legacy and Impact

By winning the 2020 ABBUC Software Contest, "The Last Squadron" reaffirmed the vitality of the Atari XL/XE homebrew scene. Its extended edition, with enhanced content and modern cartridge support, demonstrates the potential for new games to rival classic titles. The game’s success has inspired developers and delighted fans, proving that the Atari 8-bit platform remains a vibrant space for retro gaming innovation.

Conclusion

"The Last Squadron" is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Atari XL/XE and the creativity of its community. With its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and robust enhancements in the extended edition, it stands as one of the finest shoot 'em ups for the platform. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer, this game offers a thrilling experience that captures the spirit of arcade classics while pushing the Atari hardware to its limits. For more details or to purchase the extended edition, visit Sikorsoft’s website or check out community reviews on AtariAge and YouTube.