Frantic is a VIC-20 space shoot ’em up published by Imagine Software on cassette in 1982. A ZX Spectrum 48K version was planned, but never released.
Gameplay
The player pilots a space ship while trying to keep an X and Y axis centered on the enemy, which enters the field of play at varying speeds and directions. Slower enemies appear horizontally and quicker enemies diagonally. The game’s title alludes to the fact that the game is timed, as fuel levels deplete during play. Centering the X and Y axis to target enemies involves engaging thrusters which in turn burns fuel. The game can be played with either a joystick or keyboard.
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Put under the Gamer24h team's microscope, Frantic raises the bar considerably with both its storytelling and technical polish. Masterfully blending Shoot 'em up mechanics with modern standards, the game's fluid gameplay makes hours fly by unnoticed. In short, an outstanding and immersive gaming experience awaits genre fans — we highly recommend giving it a shot!