EPISODE 02: Electrocop

#PA2021 Published by Atari Corp.

In this episode, I cover Electrocop, the second game (in part number order) and one of the five launch titles released for the Atari Lynx in September of 1989. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also provide how much collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx Electrocop cartridge on eBay, as well as a few tips and hints. Plus, I have some feedback about Electrocop from some of my loyal listeners.

ELECTROCOP STATISTICS

Release Date: September of 1989.

Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo cartridge, available in flat, ridged, and curved lip styles.

Game Genre: Horizontal-scrolling third-person action shooter for one player.

Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal).

Based On:  Impossible Mission (originally developed as a port of or as a sequel to Impossible Mission). Developer Greg Omi’s recollection: “It’s funny, but I can’t remember if it was supposed to be a sequel to Impossible Mission or not. I remember writing a story and basic game design and pitching it to RJ Mical, but I don’t remember if they were asking for a sequel.”

Ports to Other Systems: Electrocop was never ported to any other system, although there is evidence it was planned for the Atari 7800.

Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support).

Packaging: standard-tab carton in full color; available in large box (7 5/8″ by 5 1/2″ by 7/8″); available later in regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″).

Instruction Manual: folded 6-page manual in monochrome in English; available in large booklet (6 5/8″ by 4 3/4″); available later in regular-size booklet (4 7/8″ by 3 3/4″).

ELECTROCOP CREDITS

Developer: Epyx Games.

Producer: Greg Omi.

Artists: Arthur Koch, Karen Mangum, and Matthew Crysdale.

Design Assistance: Chuck Sommerville (wrote animation engine for the intro), Charlie Kellner, Tom Schumacher, and RJ Mical.

Music and Sound: Alex (LX) Rudis and Bob Vieira.

LYNX LYNKS

Information About Electrocop:

Atari Age rarity guide for Electrocop

Wikipedia article about Electrocop

Giant Bomb article about Electrocop

Gaming Arcryphon article about porting Electrocop to the Atari 7800

Gamecodes/cheats for Electrocop

Interview with Greg Omi by Gregory D. George and C. Forhan for The Atari Times (2003)

PDF of “Atari Lynx Hint Book,” published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (cheats and codes for Electrocop: pages 34-36)

Reviews and ratings for Electrocop:

Review by Robert Jung at The Atari SIG Historical Archive/AtariMax (1992)

Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999)

Review by Moby Games (2005)

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