This static shooter requires the player to defend a Cliffside fortress from a
succession of pirate attacks. The likes of Admiral Drake and Leif Skaldkruser
send their forces moving towards you, one or two at a time initially, from the
left of the screen. You control a turret on the right-side cliff face, which
shoots bombs at them. You have a protection barrier, activated with the right
mouse button, but this takes time to regenerate after taking a hit, and you
can’t shoot while it is active.

As the bombs have a trajectory causing them to drop as they move through the
air, gravity must be taken into account. A few shots will destroy each
vehicle, while your turret is also vulnerable to repeat attacks. At the end of
each level the pirate leader will attack, moving around the screen as he fires
at you – the more complex shot-arc timing makes these rather like Bosses.

Successful shots award points, which can be traded in after the level for
improved weaponry, an energy recharge, faster firing and multiple balls. Bonus
icons come through the screen at random, offering one of these items for a
limited time.

Pirate Cliff