Escape from Arcturus

Escape from Arcturus consists of two action games which can be either played independently or in succession. The player is in command of the Arcturus' last defense line when the planet is attacked by evil aliens names Griplems.

During the first game, the player controls a stationary fortress placed on the middle of the screen. The four alien bases are placed in a circle shape around it and fire torpedoes towards the fortress. While those bases can't be destroyed, the torpedoes are vulnerable and need to be shot down before they reach the fortress - after three hits the game is over. To shoot, the player only needs to press the button associated with the correct direction. Unfortunately each shot requires energy which is only replenished with successful hits. Later in the attack sequence, the torpedoes are protected by a shield (shortening the available reaction time) and circling attack ships.

During the second sequence, the goal is to evacuate people from Arcturus. The evacuation ship automatically moves forward toward freedom - unfortunately the Griplems send their ships toward the planet. The player can move the ship vertically with a paddle controller and fire a laser to shoot down those ships. Occasionally a space storm randomly changes the position of an enemy ship, making it harder to hit. After three enemies slip through, the game is over. On the other hand, if the evacuation is successful, another ship is launched and the sequence begins anew.

In both modes, hits reward points for the high-score list. After a certain amount of points, an extra life is earned.