Pooyan

Name: Pooyan
Programmer(s): Chris Eishaugle
Publisher: Datasoft
Year: 1984

Description:

Pooyan is a 1983 action game for the Apple II where you play as a mother pig defending her piglets from hungry wolves. Originally developed by Konami as an arcade game in 1982, the Apple II version was published by Datasoft and became one of the system's memorable action titles.

The game takes place across two types of stages. In the first type, wolves descend from the top of the screen using balloons while you ride in a basket on the right side, shooting arrows to pop their balloons and make them fall. In the second type, wolves float up from the bottom, and you must shoot them before they reach the top where they push a boulder onto you. Your pig can move up and down in the basket using a pulley system while firing arrows horizontally across the screen.

The gameplay requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Wolves don't just float straight down or up. They can throw rocks at you, and some release their balloons early to run along platforms. You have limited arrows and must collect more by shooting pieces of meat that occasionally appear. Special bonus items like giant steaks can clear multiple enemies at once. As levels progress, wolves move faster and appear in greater numbers, creating intense situations where you must prioritize targets carefully.

What makes Pooyan special is its unique premise and balanced difficulty. Unlike many Apple II action games that simply copied popular formulas, Pooyan offered something different. The vertical shooting mechanics combined with the elevator-style movement created gameplay that felt fresh. Each stage has a different strategy, and players must adapt quickly when switching between downward and upward enemy patterns.

The Apple II version features simple but effective graphics. The pig and wolves are clearly recognizable despite the system's limited color palette. Sound effects include the twang of your bow, popping balloons, and warning music when wolves get too close. While not as detailed as the arcade original, the Apple II port captures the essential gameplay perfectly.

Pooyan succeeded because it combined simple controls with challenging gameplay that kept players coming back. The game appeared on many other systems including the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64, but the Apple II version remains a solid port that demonstrated the computer's ability to handle fast-paced arcade action. Today, Pooyan is remembered as an creative and entertaining game that stood out during the golden age of Apple II gaming.