Crossbow – A Classic from Exidy, Incorporated

Released in 1989 for DOS by Exidy, Incorporated, Crossbow is a fascinating game that blends elements of arcade action with strategic decision-making. Originally launched as an arcade game in 1983 before its DOS port, Crossbow is renowned for its unique mechanics that combine light-gun shooting with side-scrolling adventure, creating a captivating gameplay experience that stood out in the 1980s gaming landscape. Let’s delve into the gameplay, key features, and legacy of this iconic title, as well as its place in the context of classic gaming.

Overview of Crossbow 

Crossbow is an action-packed game where players guide a team of adventurers through various perilous environments, all while protecting them from dangerous traps and enemies using a crossbow. The game’s arcade origins influenced the overall experience, where quick reflexes and sharp aim are vital for survival.

In the game, the player doesn’t control the adventurers directly. Instead, they use a crossbow to shoot hazards and enemies that threaten the characters as they automatically march across the screen. This distinct mechanic—playing the protector rather than the protagonist—adds a fresh layer of strategy to the action, requiring both precision and timing to succeed.

Crossbow Gameplay and Mechanics

Protect Your Adventurers

The primary goal in Crossbow is to protect your adventurers as they make their way across dangerous terrain. The game’s key feature is its shooting mechanic, where players aim a crossbow (controlled by the mouse or keyboard in the DOS version) at oncoming threats. This defensive approach is what set Crossbow apart from other arcade games of its time, which often focused on offensive combat.

The adventurers, which include wizards, warriors, and other fantasy characters, move automatically across the screen, and it's up to the player to ensure they reach the end of each stage safely. The game’s difficulty comes from the sheer number of hazards, ranging from falling rocks to enemy archers and environmental traps. Failure to shoot down obstacles or enemies in time results in the death of the adventurers, and players lose lives when too many party members perish.

Levels and Environments

Each level in Crossbow is set in a different environment, ranging from castles and forests to dungeons and mountains. These settings aren’t just for visual variety; they also present different types of challenges. For instance, in a dungeon setting, players might need to protect adventurers from falling debris, while in a forest level, enemies could include flying creatures or arrow-shooting archers.

The transition from one stage to the next occurs through a map selection screen, where players choose which direction to send their adventurers, giving a slight strategy element to the arcade-heavy gameplay. This mechanic allows for some variation in the progression of the game, adding replay value as different paths can be explored in subsequent playthroughs.

Aiming and Shooting

In the DOS version of Crossbow, aiming is done through either the keyboard or mouse, with the crossbow itself acting as a cursor. Players must shoot enemies and traps in real-time to protect the adventurers, demanding quick reactions and hand-eye coordination. The game allows for both single shots and rapid fire, with timing and accuracy being essential.

Some traps and enemies may require multiple hits to neutralize, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay as players must prioritize which threats to deal with first. Missing an enemy or shooting too slowly can be disastrous, resulting in the loss of valuable party members.

The Legacy of Crossbow and Its Place in Classic Gaming

Crossbow is a game that holds a special place in the history of 1980s arcade and DOS games. Its original arcade version, which utilized a light gun, was a popular draw in gaming centers during the mid-1980s. The DOS port brought the same exciting gameplay to home computers, making it accessible to a broader audience.

One of the key aspects of Crossbow’s legacy is its unique approach to action gaming. Instead of being a fast-paced shooter where players must constantly move and attack, Crossbow focused on protecting a team of adventurers. This guardian-like role was quite innovative at the time and still feels fresh compared to other shooters of the era.

The game’s fantasy setting, with its variety of adventurers and different environments, contributed to its appeal among fans of action and adventure genres. While it didn’t have the same widespread recognition as other arcade games like Pac-Man or Space Invaders, Crossbow gained a dedicated following for its originality and challenging gameplay.

Similar Games to Crossbow

If you enjoyed Crossbow, you might want to explore other games with similar mechanics or themes:

1. Chiller (1986) – Another arcade shooter by Exidy, Chiller has a darker tone, where players shoot various haunted enemies in a horror-themed setting.
2. Operation Wolf (1987) – A popular arcade game by Taito, Operation Wolf features a first-person shooting experience, using a light gun to shoot enemies as they appear on screen.
3. Gauntlet (1985) – A top-down dungeon crawler by Atari, Gauntlet features a team of adventurers exploring dungeons, though it focuses more on hack-and-slash combat than the guardian role seen in Crossbow.
4. Lethal Enforcers (1992) – This arcade and home console game also uses a light gun and has players shoot enemies in a first-person perspective, but in a modern crime setting rather than fantasy.

These games share thematic or mechanical similarities, offering a mix of action, shooting, and protection-style gameplay.

Crossbow (1989 DOS version) by Exidy, Incorporated remains a memorable classic that introduced an original twist to arcade shooting mechanics. By placing players in a protector role, the game demanded quick reflexes and smart prioritization, making it stand out in a crowded field of action titles from the 1980s. Whether you're revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Crossbow offers an engaging challenge that continues to be appreciated by retro gaming enthusiasts.

Be sure to explore similar games on platforms like ClassicReload to experience more iconic titles from this golden era of gaming.