Play Polaris Online
Submarine Shooter Challenge
Polaris is a fast-paced fixed shooter that puts you in the driver's seat of a submarine. Originally brought to home consoles by Tigervision, this game offers a mix of intense vertical action and strategic navigation. You are tasked with defending your vessel against waves of aerial and surface threats while managing limited resources.
The gameplay is split into two distinct phases that keep the experience fresh. In the first section, you control your submarine from below, looking upward. Your primary goal is to shoot down enemy airplanes before they can drop bombs on you. These planes wrap around the screen edges, so you must constantly track their movement. As you destroy smaller aircraft, larger planes appear, dropping homing missiles that you cannot destroy. You must dodge these carefully while continuing to fire back.
Surviving the air assault is only half the battle. Enemy patrol boats and other submarines also attack with depth charges and torpedoes. You need to time your shots perfectly to eliminate these threats without leaving yourself open to counter-attacks. The pressure builds quickly as the screen fills with projectiles, requiring sharp reflexes and quick decision-making.
Once you clear the vertical shooter segment, the view shifts to a top-down perspective. Here, you must navigate your submarine through a field of mines. This section tests your ability to maneuver under pressure while avoiding faster-moving threats that appear as levels progress. The transition from shooting enemies to dodging obstacles adds a layer of variety to the core loop.
One unique feature of Polaris is the sonar ping. While it helps locate hidden enemies, many players find the sound effect quite obnoxious. It serves its purpose but can be distracting during intense moments. Despite this, the game remains a standout title among Tigervision releases for its challenging gameplay and solid graphics.
Difficulty increases as you advance. Small planes change speed based on how many of their color remain on screen, making it harder to predict their paths. The large airplane that appears later adds a new layer of danger with its unstoppable homing missiles. Success requires not just shooting everything to survive, but also knowing when to retreat and reposition.
There are two versions of this game: NTSC and PAL. The NTSC version features a flashing title screen, while the PAL version has a static one. This difference is minor but noticeable to keen observers. Regardless of the version, the core challenge remains the same: use your missiles wisely, avoid depth charges, and navigate through mines to achieve a high score.
Polaris is a hidden gem for fans of classic arcade-style shooters. It captures the tension and excitement of early 1980s arcade games in a home console format. If you enjoy games that demand precision and quick thinking, this title offers a rewarding challenge that holds up well today. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.