Space Paranoids

Space Paranoids poster

For the online version of Space Paranoids, go to: Space Paranoids Online

Space Paranoids was an 1981 arcade game created by ENCOM software engineer Kevin Flynn. It was one of the very first arcade games to feature 3D graphics and soon became of the most successful video games ever conceived.

Background

In 1981, Kevin Flynn, one of ENCOM's brightest young software engineers, sets up his own private memory file at his computer terminal. He begins to write a program for a video game called "Space Paranoids" and other video games such as Matrix Blaster, Vice Squad, and Light Cycles. However, Flynn's overtime work and bragging draws the unwanted attention of another software engineer: Edward Dillinger. One day, Flynn goes to his terminal to read up his file for Space Paranoids, but the file has gone missing. Three months later, Ed Dillinger presents ENCOM with five video game that he claims to have invented: Space Paranoids, Light Cycles, Vice Squad, Laser Maximus, Matrix Blaster. After Flynn tried to convince the Board Of Directors that Dillinger stole his work, they fired Flynn and promoted Dillinger to Executive Vice President, and later Senior Executive.

In 1982, Flynn was digitized into the computer world by the Master Control Program, after Flynn tried to hack into the system. There he helped Tron fight the MCP and it's forces. Flynn jumped inside the the MCP to help Tron insert his Identity Disc. While inside Flynn found the missing Space Paranoids file deep within the MCP's memory. When Flynn returned to the human world, a printer typed the evidence he needed. Dillinger was fired and Flynn replaced him. Soon after Flynn began writing a program for a new video game called "Tron".

In the arcade version of the game, the control are a trackball (for aiming) and a joystick for movement. There are also ammo recharge stations.

Gameplay

The object of the game is to go through the levels and to achieve as many points as possible by destroying Recognizers. The total number of points a person can achieve is 999,000 pts, a record currently held by the gamer, FLN.

How To Play Space Paranoids:

• Use Joystick To Move

• Use Joystick Trigger To Fire

• Use Trackball To Aim

• Eliminate All Recognizers - 3 Shots To Destroy

Do Not Get Caught Directly Below Them

• Stand On Yellow Charging Stations To Load Ammo

Each Station Yields 5 Shots Per Minute

• Use Tank Icon To Help With Orientation

Gallery

Space Paranoids Cabinet

Flynn playing Space Paranoids.

Space Paranoids screenshot

Trivia

A real-life version of the Space Paranoids arcade game was playable at the Flynn's Arcade 2009 reopening in San Diego, CA.