Raiders5

## Description

_Raiders5_ is a top-down maze shooter with some puzzle elements. A level
consists of a single maze with a vertical design. The player controls a ship
that can move in four directions. To complete a level the exit needs to be
opened up before time runs out. A maze consists of two types of blocks that
form walls, enemies and collectibles. The tiles for movement are coloured
purple. By shooting regular, grey maze walls they disappear and orange tiles
appear instead.

The puzzle element is based on movement. When moving over purple tiles, it is
not possible to turn 90 degrees when both sides, next to the ship, have a
wall, with no wall tile or the edge of the screen in front of the ship. It is
however possible to turn 180 degrees. More movement is provided by shooting
the regular wall tiles to create orange tiles where full turning is always
possible. Shooting wall tiles is rewarded with points and by removing all of
them and collecting bonus points through special tiles along the way, a better
weapon is provided and the exit is eventually opened up. A second type of wall
is permanent and cannot be destroyed.

Another part of the strategical element is the use of enemies. Various enemies
roam the maze and chase the ship. When it is touched a life is lost
immediately. If an enemy is shot it temporary turns into a pulsating egg
before respawning, so they cannot be defeated permanently. The player has to
use the egg state strategically to turn an enemy into an obstacle. When
travelling over purple tiles and being unable to turn, an enemy’s egg state
can act as a new obstacle in front of the ship, allowing it to turn. The egg
can also be shot to move it. The game first offers a short exercise mode with
no active enemies, only eggs, before the real levels start. After completing a
level bonus points are provided for the remaining time and not missing a
single shot.

Raiders5