Better Dead Than Alien

Better Dead Than Alien was a science fiction action game released for the Apple II computer in 1988 by Electra Concepts. The game placed players in the role of Brad Zoom, a space marshal defending Earth from an alien invasion. This title arrived during the late years of the Apple II's commercial life, when developers were pushing the hardware to create more complex gaming experiences.

The game combined side-scrolling action with strategic elements. Players controlled Brad Zoom through sixteen different levels, each representing a sector of space that needed clearing of alien threats. The main objective was simple: destroy all aliens before they could reach Earth. Players piloted a spacecraft equipped with laser cannons and limited smart bombs. Movement occurred on a 2D plane, with the ability to fly up, down, left, and right while shooting at incoming enemies.

What made Better Dead Than Alien interesting was its upgrade system. Between levels, players could spend points earned from destroying aliens to improve their ship's weapons, shields, and speed. This added a layer of strategy to the otherwise straightforward shooting action. The game featured over twenty different alien types, each with unique movement patterns and attack methods. Some aliens moved in predictable straight lines, while others followed complex paths or actively hunted the player's ship.

The graphics pushed the Apple II's capabilities with smooth scrolling and detailed sprite work. While limited to the computer's standard color palette, the developers created distinct visual designs for each alien species. The game used the Apple II's speaker to produce sound effects for explosions, laser fire, and warning alarms. Though basic by today's standards, these audio cues helped players track threats during intense battles.

Better Dead Than Alien stood out among Apple II games for its difficulty curve. Early levels introduced basic enemies and allowed players to learn the controls. Later stages threw multiple alien types at players simultaneously, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of smart bombs. The game included a high score table that saved to disk, encouraging players to improve their performance.

The game received positive reviews in computer gaming magazines of 1988. Critics praised its smooth gameplay and challenging level design. Some noted that while the concept wasn't original, the execution was solid for an Apple II title. The upgrade system between levels was highlighted as adding replay value.

Though Better Dead Than Alien never achieved the fame of other Apple II classics like Choplifter or Karateka, it represented the kind of arcade-style action games that helped define home computer gaming in the 1980s. Its blend of reflexes and strategy, combined with technical competence, made it a worthwhile addition to any Apple II game collection.