Draconian (video game)

Draconian
Developer(s)	Mike Hughey[1][2][3]
Publisher(s)	Tom Mix Software
Platform(s)	TRS-80 Color Computer
Release	1984
Genre(s)	Multidirectional shooter
Mode(s)	Single-player

Draconian is a multidirectional shooter released in 1984. It was written by Mike Hughey and published via Tom Mix Software. The game was initially released for TRS-80 Color Computer and converted for the Dragon 32/64. Draconian is based upon the arcade game Bosconian where the player navigates a ship through scrolling space to destroy enemy bases.^[4]

Gameplay

Little dragons attacking the player's ship

Draconian adds some features to the Bosconian design:

1. Bases contain prisoners who can optionally be freed to gain more points.
2. The space shuttle is attacked by little dragons.
3. There is one big indestructible dragon which chases the player when time is running out.
4. The player needs to avoid mines and asteroids.

The user needs to destroy all bases to complete a level. If done, a small tunnel will open. The spaceship will explode when the borders of the tunnel are hit. In case the user flies against the borders of the field, the space shuttle will bounce back.

References

1. I wrote a few games for the TRS-80 color computer about 20 years ago., Mike Hughey 2007-07-23, speedsolving.com
2. Draconian, Reviewed by: Joanne Ziskl, Page 40, Vol 1/Issue 2, The Gamers Connection (September–October 1988), Published:September 1988
3. Subject: CoCo software archives, Date: Thu, 19 Jun 1997, My name is Mike Hughey. I contributed a few games of some value to the CoCo world, and I would be THRILLED to give my permission for these games to be distributed freely. Please feel free to distribute them as desired, in whatever format. The two "good" games I distributed were both through Tom Mix: Draconian, Grabber
4. Boyle, L. Curtis. "Draconian". Tandy Color Computer Game List.

External links

• Draconian manual
• DRACONIAN for the Tandy Color Computer - A Closer Look on YouTube