River Raid
Platform: Intellivision
Region: USA
Media: Cartridge
Controller: INTV
Genre: Action > Shooter > Vertical 
Gametype: Licensed
Release Year: 1983
Developer: Activision
Publisher: Activision
Players: 1 or 2 Alternating
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River Raid is a vertically scrolling action game. You fly a jet up a river in an attempt to destroy bridges which are vital to the enemy. The river is heavily guarded, however, with balloons, ships, choppers, and enemy aircraft trying to stop you. Along the way you will need to fly over fuel stations to refuel your jet and keep flying.

The plane is armed with a cannon with unlimited ammo. It can be used to destroy the enemy vehicles and bridges, but a careless player can accidentally destroy a fuel station. Colliding with the riverbanks or with the enemy aircraft destroys your plane and makes you lose a life.


DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:

Carol Shaw originally designed and programmed River Raid for the Atari 2600. Peter Kaminski programmed this version for Intellivision. Activision later released versions of River Raid for Atari 5200 and ColecoVision.


PLAYING TIPS:

From designer Carol Shaw and programmer Peter Kaminski in the Pitfall! instruction manual:

"The River of No Return holds many special challenges and dangers for would-be River Raiders. You'll not only have to know your assault jet, but you'll need to have a good idea of your basic flight plan before you start.

"By knowing the river, pinpointing areas with the highest concentration of enemy, and the most fuel depots, you'll have a much better chance of surviving. We suggest you use the river banks and islands to your advantage, since you can fly over them, while the helicopters and ships can't.

"Fuel is also a critical factor. When you're far up the river, fuel is scarce. Hence, flying to the next fuel depot should be your top priority. Also, you'll find you can actually blow up a fuel depot right in the middle of refueling. That way, you can gain points and refuel at the same time.

"The really advanced player should practice flying through the trees. Not only is it a lot of fun, but winging it through the forest might get you out of a tight spot sometime."


FUN FACT:

Players who sent a photo to Activision showing a score of 35,000 or more received an "Activision River Raiders" emblem.
 
http://www.mobygames.com/game/intellivision/river-raid
http://www.intellivisiongames.com/bluesky/games/credits/activision.html#riverraid