Red Alert, also known as WW III, is a fixed screen shooter developed by Irem and published by GDI in 1981 for Arcades. This game features gameplay similar to Space Invaders, but with the Invaders replaced by fighter jets, helicopters and such.
Gameplay[]
Each stage is set on a different country, with three phases each:
FIRST ATTACK IN DAYLIGHT - BOMBERS IN FORMATION WITH ATTACKING AIRCRAFT[]
In this sequence, bombers in formation move from left to right across the screen, and then from right to left, etc. During the attack, some break formation and attack the launcher. The aircraft drop bombs in an attempt to hit the launcher. Also during the attack, a special red colored aircraft flying above the aircraft formation appears and drops a red colored megaton bomb that slowly descends on the country. When hours reach 11:00, present fighter attack is interrupted by a flashing CAUTION on screen, followed by appearance of the MIRV.
The MIRV slowly descends, then breaks up into several bombs. They, in turn, also break up into more bombs. As a result, a shower of bombs slowly descends on the country. The player has to destroy all aircrafts by firing and avoid direct hits by bombs, each of which costs him one rocket launcher. Also during the attack, the player must destroy the red bomb before it lands, or one rocket launcher is destroyed. When MIRV appears, the player must destroy it completely, otherwise the landing of any one will cost the player one launcher.
SECOND ATTACK BY HELICOPTERS - DROPPING PARACHUTE BOMBS[]
The player must destroy all aircraft and keep his launcher away from red areas created by exploding bombs. Both helicopters and bombs may be destroyed by rockets. However, if the parachute, but not the bomb, is hit, the deflated parachute will drop the bomb much faster. MIRV attack, if launched, is a repeat of the first sequence.
THIRD ATTACK AT NIGHT - HEAVY BOMBERS IN FORMATION[]
The player is aided by two searchlights. The object is to destroy all aircraft. When all aircraft are destroyed, the game progresses to next country. During the attack, the player must avoid direct hits by bombs. No time limit is imposed and no MIRV will be launched.