MOON PATROL

Play Moon Patrol Online - A Timeless Arcade Adventure

Welcome to Moon Patrol, a classic side-scrolling arcade game that takes you on an adventure across the lunar surface. Released by Irem in 1982, Moon Patrol is known for its vibrant graphics, catchy soundtrack, and challenging gameplay that combines shooting and obstacle navigation. Take control of a lunar buggy as you traverse treacherous terrain, avoiding craters and mines while blasting away at enemy ships and obstacles.

History of Moon Patrol

Moon Patrol was one of the first arcade games to feature parallax scrolling, giving players a sense of depth and movement that was innovative for its time. The game was initially developed by Irem and distributed by Williams Electronics in North America. Its mix of shooting action and platform navigation made it stand out in arcades, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Moon Patrol's influence can be seen in many subsequent side-scrolling games, and it remains a beloved classic in the history of arcade gaming.

How to Play Moon Patrol

In Moon Patrol, you control a lunar buggy that must traverse a series of checkpoints on the moon's surface. The game is divided into two courses—beginner and champion—each featuring various levels with increasing difficulty. Players must navigate through craters, jump over land mines, and shoot at rocks and enemy vehicles. The controls allow you to accelerate, decelerate, jump, and fire your weapons to clear obstacles and eliminate threats. The goal is to complete each course while avoiding obstacles and enemies, reaching checkpoints to progress through the game.

Moon Patrol Game Rules

- **Objective**: Reach the end of the course by navigating through the moon's treacherous landscape while avoiding obstacles and enemy attacks.
- **Movement**: Use the controls to move your buggy forward or backward. You can also jump to avoid craters and land mines.
- **Shooting**: Fire your weapon to destroy incoming enemies, such as flying saucers and tanks, as well as obstacles like rocks.
- **Checkpoints**: The course is divided into checkpoints labeled A through Z. Each checkpoint marks progress and allows you to continue from that point if you lose a life.
- **Lives**: You start with a limited number of lives, and losing all lives results in a game over.

Tips and Tricks to Master Moon Patrol

- **Keep a Steady Pace**: Avoid moving too quickly, as this can make it difficult to react to upcoming obstacles. Maintain a steady pace to have enough time to jump and shoot.
- **Jump Timing**: Timing your jumps is key to avoiding craters and mines. Jump just before reaching an obstacle to ensure a safe landing.
- **Prioritize Targets**: Focus on shooting obstacles directly in your path first. Clearing the ground is essential for safe movement.
- **Watch for Air Attacks**: Enemy ships will try to attack from above. Keep an eye on the sky and shoot them down before they get a chance to target you.
- **Practice Jump and Shoot Coordination**: Some sections require you to jump and shoot simultaneously. Practice this skill to handle complex segments more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Moon Patrol

1. What is the goal of Moon Patrol?

The goal of Moon Patrol is to navigate your lunar buggy through the moon's surface, avoiding obstacles and enemies while reaching the end of the course. Players must pass through checkpoints and avoid losing all their lives.

2. How many courses are there in Moon Patrol?

Moon Patrol features two courses: the beginner course and the champion course. Each course contains multiple checkpoints, with the champion course being more difficult and featuring more obstacles and enemies.

3. How do I earn points in Moon Patrol?

You earn points by shooting enemies, destroying obstacles, and successfully passing through checkpoints. The faster you complete a level, the higher your score will be.

4. How do checkpoints work in Moon Patrol?

The course is divided into checkpoints labeled from A to Z. Each checkpoint serves as a progress marker. If you lose a life, you can restart from the last checkpoint you reached, rather than starting from the beginning.

5. What makes Moon Patrol challenging?

The combination of navigating tricky terrain, timing jumps, and shooting enemies makes Moon Patrol challenging. Players must balance between maintaining speed, avoiding obstacles, and targeting enemies, all while managing limited lives.

Discover More Classic Arcade Games

If you enjoyed playing Moon Patrol, be sure to explore other classic arcade games like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Star Castle, Pong, Snake, and Tetris. These timeless classics offer hours of fun and bring back the magic of the arcade era.