Phoenix (video game)

Phoenix is an arcade-style fixed shooter video game released in 1980, developed by Amstar Electronics. Players control a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, tasked with destroying waves of alien enemies that appear in complex formations. The game features innovative "mothership" mechanics, where enemies can split apart or combine during combat, adding strategic depth. As players progress, they face increasingly challenging formations and enemy behaviors, including diving attacks and defensive formations. Phoenix is notable for its influence on the shooter genre, combining engaging gameplay with advanced enemy patterns that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking.