Word Zapper is a 1982 action shooter for the Atari 2600, published by U.S. Games. Combining arcade target shooting with word puzzles, players pilot a laser gunship to spell out target words by shooting scrolling letter blocks while dodging incoming asteroids and alien defenders.
How to play
Your goal is to spell the required word displayed on screen before the countdown timer runs out. Move your ship along the bottom and shoot the correct letters as they scroll across the top row. Dodging or blasting hazardous space debris and enemy defender ships is essential to survive each round.
| Joystick control: | ||
 |
Player 1: |
Player 2: |
| joystick |
ââââ | TGFH |
| trigger | Spacebar | A |
| turbo | Del | . |
| RESET | F12 | F12 |
| SELECT | F11 | F11 |
| Pause | Alt+P | Alt+P |
| black-white / color mode:Â F2 | ||
| paddle / joystick mode: Alt+L | ||
Tips
- Time your shots: Letters scroll in fixed horizontal cycles, so wait for the correct letter to align rather than firing blindly across the screen.
- Prioritize hazards: Destroy or dodge incoming asteroids and enemy zappers before aiming at target letters to protect your remaining ship lives.
Leave a Comment / Review: