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Alcon (US)
About Alcon (US)
Alcon (US) is an arcade title that hit the United States arcade scene during the golden age of coin-ops. While specific details about its original developer and release year are not widely documented, it falls squarely into the action-shooter category that dominated the era. This particular version is the US region release, likely designed to compete with the flood of space shooters and run-and-gun games that filled arcades in the early-to-mid 1980s.
What the player does in Alcon is fairly straightforward: you control a small craft or character that moves across a scrolling playfield, firing at waves of enemies while avoiding incoming fire and obstacles. The core loop involves shooting everything that moves, collecting any power-ups or bonus items that appear, and surviving as long as possible. Like many arcade shooters from this period, the action speeds up as you progress, demanding quick reflexes and pattern recognition. There's no complex story or character progression - just fast-paced, score-chasing gameplay.
Alcon is worth trying today if you enjoy digging into the less celebrated corners of arcade history. It's a simple, no-frills shooter that does exactly what it sets out to do: provide a few minutes of intense action. It won't surprise anyone who has played Galaga, Xevious, or TwinBee, but it has its own feel and a certain charm. For retro enthusiasts who appreciate the raw challenge of old-school arcade design, Alcon is a solid, if niche, addition to the library. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking.
What the player does in Alcon is fairly straightforward: you control a small craft or character that moves across a scrolling playfield, firing at waves of enemies while avoiding incoming fire and obstacles. The core loop involves shooting everything that moves, collecting any power-ups or bonus items that appear, and surviving as long as possible. Like many arcade shooters from this period, the action speeds up as you progress, demanding quick reflexes and pattern recognition. There's no complex story or character progression - just fast-paced, score-chasing gameplay.
Alcon is worth trying today if you enjoy digging into the less celebrated corners of arcade history. It's a simple, no-frills shooter that does exactly what it sets out to do: provide a few minutes of intense action. It won't surprise anyone who has played Galaga, Xevious, or TwinBee, but it has its own feel and a certain charm. For retro enthusiasts who appreciate the raw challenge of old-school arcade design, Alcon is a solid, if niche, addition to the library. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking.
How to Play Alcon (US) Online
Insert a coin (or press 5 on keyboard) to simulate credit, then press Enter to start. Once the game begins, use the Arrow Keys to move your ship or character around the screen. The primary action button is likely S (B button) for shooting or attacking, though some arcade shooters map fire to X (A button). Try either to see which activates your weapon. Your goal is to destroy enemy waves, dodge their bullets, and avoid collisions.
The core loop is straightforward: survive as long as possible while racking up points. Collect any items that drop - they may upgrade your firepower or grant temporary shields. Enemies will come in increasing numbers and speed, so learn their patterns and keep moving. If you die, you'll lose power-ups and may restart from a checkpoint. There are no continues in the strict arcade sense unless the emulator allows saving states. The challenge is pure arcade toughness: you'll need quick reflexes and memorization to reach the later stages.
Because Alcon is a US arcade release, all on-screen text will be in English, so menus and instructions should be clear. The gameplay is immediate - no complicated rules or backstory. Just drop in, shoot, and see how far you can get.
Alcon (US) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Alcon?
The original developer of Alcon is not widely documented in available archives. It is an obscure arcade title from the US release era, and specific credit information remains unclear.
Is there anything iconic or memorable about Alcon?
Alcon is not a household name like Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but it stands as a typical example of early 80s arcade shooters. Its relative rarity makes it a curiosity for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy uncovering lesser-known coin-op games.
Is Alcon considered easy to pick up or challenging?
Alcon follows the classic arcade difficulty curve: easy to understand but very hard to master. New players can jump in with no instructions, but the escalating speed and enemy patterns will test their reflexes quickly. It offers the same tough, quarter-munching challenge that defined the era.
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