Alienator! is a shoot-'em-up game written by Chris Yates and published by Binary Zone PD for the Commodore 64. The game was released as part of the Public Domain software scene, which allowed users to freely share and distribute software. In Alienator!, players control a spaceship tasked with defending against waves of alien invaders. The gameplay involves navigating through scrolling levels, shooting enemies, and avoiding obstacles, with a focus on fast-paced action and precision.
The game features colorful graphics and smooth scrolling, which were notable for a PD title on the Commodore 64. Players must manage their ship's energy levels, as running out of energy results in losing a life. Power-ups and bonus items can be collected to enhance the ship's capabilities, adding a layer of strategy to the otherwise straightforward shoot-'em-up mechanics. The difficulty increases progressively, with more aggressive and complex enemy patterns as the game advances.
Alienator! was well-regarded for its polished presentation and engaging gameplay, standing out among other PD titles of the era. The game's design reflects the creativity and technical skill of its developer, Chris Yates, who managed to deliver a compelling experience despite the limitations of the platform. While it may not have achieved the same level of recognition as commercial releases, it remains a noteworthy example of the talent within the Commodore 64 PD community.