Vault Entry
[📷 suggested: screenshot of the transfer game overlaying the deck map]
Overview
Released in 1985 by Hewson Consultants, Paradroid puts you in charge of a cleaning droid attempting to seize control of a robot uprising. You roam deck plans, blast enemies, and hack into stronger robots via a tense transfer mini-game.
Fast facts
- Developer: Andrew Braybrook.
- Technology: scrolls smoothly at 50 Hz by carefully scheduling CPU time around VIC-II badlines.
- Reception: Zzap!64 awarded a rare “Gold Medal,” praising its depth and polish.
Lesson connections
- BASIC Block 2 cites Paradroid when discussing grid-based maps and collision checks.
- Block 5’s scrolling tutorials dissect the game’s split-screen map and status panels.
- Assembly Act III uses the transfer mini-game to demonstrate state transitions and interrupt-driven effects.
Legacy
Paradroid inspired sequels (Paradroid ’90) and spiritual successors. Its blend of arcade action with tactical planning remains a touchstone for C64 aficionados and modern indie designers alike.