Robotron: 2084
Two sticks, hundreds of robots, one family to save. Pure 1982 chaos.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1982
- Manufacturer
- Williams
- Players
- 2 players, alternating turns
- Genres
- Action, Vintage classics
- Decade
- '80s arcade games
Robotron: 2084 got your heart pounding the second the first wave hit. The screen fills with robots closing in from every side, and somewhere in the middle is the last human family, wandering around and waiting for someone to save them.
The magic was in the two joysticks: one to move, one to fire in any direction. It felt awkward for about a minute, and then you couldn't put it down. Anybody who could survive a bunch of waves always had a crowd behind them.
History
Williams released Robotron: 2084 in 1982. It was created by Eugene Jarvis, the designer behind Defender, and Larry DeMar. Its move-with-one-stick, aim-with-the-other setup became the blueprint for countless shooters that followed.
The backstory is pure '80s sci-fi: in the year 2084, the robots humanity built turn on their makers, and the only hope is a genetically engineered superhuman created by mistake.
How to play
The left stick moves you and the right stick fires in whichever of eight directions you push. Every wave traps you on a single screen with dozens of enemies: some charge straight at you, some can't be destroyed and only get slowed by your shots, and some turn humans into enemies.
Rescuing family members (Mommy, Daddy, and Mikey) earns points that climb with each save in the same wave. The key is never standing still: keep moving, blast an opening, and pick your moment before diving in for a rescue.
Fun facts
- It was created by Eugene Jarvis and Larry DeMar.
- The twin-stick setup, one to move and one to shoot, is its calling card.
- Hulks can't be destroyed. Your shots only push them back.
In the arcade
Robotron: 2084 isn't in the arcade yet, but it's on our wish list. If you want it, hit “I Want to Play It” on this page; the most-voted games move up the line. Coming soon to UsuArcade if the votes are there.
In the meantime, you can play Commando or Shock Troopers in the arcade for nonstop shooting, or classics from the same era like Asteroids and Space Invaders.
FAQ
When did Robotron: 2084 come out?
1982, from Williams.
How many players is Robotron: 2084?
Up to two players, alternating turns.
How do you play Robotron: 2084?
With two joysticks: one to move and one to shoot. Survive each wave of robots and rescue the human family for points.
Can I play Robotron: 2084 on UsuArcade?
Not yet. Vote for it with “I Want to Play It”; meanwhile you can play Commando or Asteroids in the arcade.
