Outlaw (video game)


Outlaw is a single-player arcade game by Atari Inc., originally released in 1976. It simulates an Old West fast draw duel between the player and the computer. Outlaw was a response to Gun Fight, released by Midway in North America the year before.
In 1978, a port of the game for the Atari 2600 home video game console was released.

Technology

The game is housed in a custom cabinet that includes a light gun. The game PCB is composed of discrete technology, with game sprites stored in ROM. Playfield graphics are provided by a screen overlay representing an Old West town street.

Gameplay

Players select one of two characters: Half-fast Pete or Billy-The-Kid. Pete is more accurate while Billy can draw faster. An outlaw appears somewhere in the town, the object being to fast draw your gun as soon as he draws his. Shooting him before he shoots you scores points, with points counting toward end-of-game ratings such as "Dude", "Greenhorn", and "Top Gun".

Atari 2600 port

An enhanced home video game console port was developed for the Atari 2600 by then-Atari employee David Crane and released in 1979. This version is more directly comparable to Midway's Gun Fight, allowing two players to engage in a shoot-out using 2600's joysticks. There are also multiple types of play that differ slightly from the arcade game, including target practice and versions with obstacles that must be shot around or shot through. The Atari 2600 version also features a multiplayer mode in which two players fight against each other.

Reception

Eric Thompson reviewed the Atari 2600 port of Outlaw in The Space Gamer No. 34. Thompson commented that "This game is fun, and if you have the computer you should get it."