Play Moon Patrol Online in your browser

The game loads when you press Play · press “Play Now” inside the game if it asks.

Moon Patrol

135 plays

Inside Moon Patrol

MSX 1
Shooter
5· 0 votes

Moon Patrol first blasted onto arcade screens in 1982, developed and published by Irem. Williams Electronics brought it to North America. This MSX 1 version is a home port of that classic horizontally scrolling shooter. It fits right into the MSX library alongside other early arcade conversions, offering a similar experience to the coin-op original though with the platform's characteristic sound and graphics. You control a lunar rover that drives steadily forward across a rocky, cratered landscape. The challenge comes from two layers of threats: obstacles on the ground like holes and rocks that you must jump over, and aerial saucers that descend from above. Your rover can shoot two bullets at once - one straight ahead for ground targets and one straight up for the saucers. The goal is to reach each checkpoint and survive to the end of the course. There is no scrolling backwards; the pressure is constant forward movement. For MSX owners, Moon Patrol is a solid arcade conversion that captures the core loop of the original. It is simple but addictive, relying on quick reflexes and pattern recognition. Compared to other shooters on the system, it stands out for its unique two-directional shooting and persistent forward scroll. If you enjoy straightforward, no-nonsense action games from the early 80s, this port is worth a session. It is not deep or complex, but it does what it sets out to do well.

GAME INFO

Platform: MSX 1
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: WMS Industries
Developer: Irem
Released: 1982
Players: 1

How to play Moon Patrol online

Getting Started

Press Start to begin. The game immediately puts you in control of the lunar rover as it drives automatically to the right. Your first task is to learn the two shooting modes: press S to fire one bullet forward along the ground and another straight upward simultaneously. Use the Arrow Keys to jump over holes and rocks. Holding the jump button longer makes the rover jump higher and farther, which is essential for clearing larger gaps.

The core loop is simple: dodge ground obstacles, shoot flying saucers, and reach the end of each section. After passing a certain distance, you will reach a checkpoint and the course continues. There are no power-ups or lives beyond the standard set provided at the start. Pay attention to the pattern of obstacles - they repeat in waves, so memorizing the sequence helps. If your rover is hit, you lose a life and restart from the last checkpoint.

The MSX version keeps the arcade feel, though the controls may require a little practice to time jumps and shots precisely. There are no language barriers since the game uses minimal text. Just focus on the road ahead and keep moving. The challenge increases as you progress, with faster scrolling and denser obstacle patterns.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: Trigger 1
S: Trigger 2
Enter: Start

Moon Patrol FAQ

Does Moon Patrol have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

Moon Patrol was designed as a single-player experience only. There is no option for two players simultaneously or alternating turns.

Can players save progress in Moon Patrol?

The game does not include any save or password feature. Each session starts from the beginning, though you can continue from the last checkpoint reached within that run.

In what year was Moon Patrol originally released?

Moon Patrol debuted in arcades in 1982. The MSX port followed shortly after, typically within a year or two of the original arcade release.

All MSX 1 games