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River Raid is a 1982 Atari 2600 shooter game that places players in control of a fighter jet navigating a hazardous river. The main objective is to fly over the river while destroying enemy ships, helicopters, and fuel depots to maintain the aircraft's fuel supply. The player must avoid crashing into the riverbanks and enemy obstacles to progress through increasingly challenging levels.
The game's pace is steady but requires quick reflexes and precise control as the river narrows and enemies become more frequent. A unique mechanic is the fuel management system, where players must strategically destroy fuel tanks to replenish their jet's energy, adding a resource management element uncommon in early shooter games.
River Raid's distinctive vertical scrolling and simple yet effective graphics contribute to its iconic status on the Atari 2600 platform. This 1982 shooter game remains notable for its engaging gameplay loop and innovative mechanics for its time.