Archer Maclean’s DropZone
40th Anniversary Edition

In the vast cosmos of retro video games, certain titles stand out for their innovation, challenge and enduring appeal. One such game is “DropZone”.

“Archer Maclean’s DropZone – 40th Anniversary Edition” celebrates the game’s storied history by introducing upgraded graphics that retain the retro aesthetic – a balancing act of old and new.

On November 27th, 1984, DropZone, the legendary Defender-style game from Archer Maclean, first took flight, captivating players across the globe.

DropZone was widely regarded as the best Defender-style game on home computers and consoles, leaving a lasting mark on retro gaming history, inspiring generations of gamers, and setting the standard for its genre.
As we celebrate its 40th anniversary this November, we honour its remarkable legacy and historical impact as a beloved retro game within the gaming community.

Reimagined for fans both old and new and crafted from Archer’s original source code, Archer Maclean’s DropZone: 40th Anniversary Edition is an official release celebrating four decades of an iconic classic.

What to Expect from the Anniversary Edition

The anniversary edition of “DropZone” promises several enhancements while staying true to its roots: This blend of classic gameplay with enhanced graphics aims to bridge the generation gap, making it accessible and appealing to both veteran gamers and those experiencing it for the first time.

Upgraded Graphics: The game will showcase high-definition visuals that preserve the pixel art charm characteristic of the 1980s, yet are adapted to captivate on modern high-resolution displays. Uniquely, players can press a button while playing to seamlessly toggle between the original 8-bit graphics and the updated visuals without interrupting the action. This feature allows switching between graphic modes in real-time during gameplay—a pioneering feature for a retro game remake.

Enhanced Controls: While the original game was celebrated for its precise control scheme, this new edition optimizes those controls for modern hardware, delivering a seamless gaming experience that honours the past while embracing the future. Play with a keyboard (not recommended) or an Xbox controller, with support for PS5 and PS4 controllers coming December 24.

Full Original Retro Mode: Experience the original game with its authentic graphics and sound, accessible at the press of a button during gameplay. Seamlessly switch between the classic retro look and the updated graphics version in real-time in game as you play. This feature is made possible by using the original source code provided by Archer Maclean.

It’s the year 2085. Only a handful of people have survived the robot wars that rocked the Solar System.

In a final desperate bid for survival, a Tachyon propelled star cruiser has been developed on Earth to transport survivors to a new star system.

But the cruiser relies on rare Ionian crystals for its power: crystals which are only abundant on Jupiter’s second moon, Io. A moon base established on Io is under constant attack by aliens from Jupiter.

It is your mission to escort the men and their precious crystals safely from the surface of Io to the DropZone, where the landing pad is located.
You are equipped with the latest pulse-laser back pack system which has the ability to make the wearer invisible and indestructible for short periods of time.

You must succeed, the future of the human race depends on you alone!