Overview
Drive across the moon. Jump the craters. Shoot the aliens. Moon Patrol combined driving, jumping, and shooting in a side-scrolling format that became hugely influential. Its parallax scrolling—multiple background layers moving at different speeds—created a convincing sense of depth that would define countless games to follow.
Fast facts
- Developer: Irem.
- Publisher: Williams (US).
- Innovation: First parallax scrolling.
- Format: Side-scrolling shooter.
Technical firsts
| Innovation | Impact |
|---|
| Parallax scrolling | Created depth illusion |
| Multiple background layers | Three-layer movement |
| Background music | Continuous tune during gameplay |
| Checkpoint system | Course division |
Gameplay mechanics
| Element | Function |
|---|
| Jump | Clear craters and obstacles |
| Shoot forward | Destroy enemies ahead |
| Shoot up | Destroy UFOs above |
| Speed control | Automatic forward movement |
Obstacles
| Hazard | Type |
|---|
| Craters | Jump over |
| Rocks | Shoot or jump |
| Land mines | Jump carefully |
| UFOs | Shoot from above |
| Tanks | Shoot forward |
Course structure
| Section | Difficulty |
|---|
| Beginner course | Points A-E |
| Champion course | Points F-Z |
| Checkpoints | Progress markers |
| Time bonus | Faster completion rewards |
Home conversions
| Platform | Quality |
|---|
| Atari 2600 | Simplified but playable |
| Atari 5200 | Near-arcade |
| C64 | Strong conversion |
| Apple II | Competent port |
See also