Ram It
Clear the Screen Before Time Runs Out
Step into the role of the Ramroid in Ram It, a high-energy shoot 'em up that challenges your reflexes and timing. You are not just fighting enemies; you are fighting against an advancing wall of color. The screen is filled with bands of bright hues moving toward you, and your goal is to eliminate all 32 color bars before the timer hits zero. If those colors meet in the center of the screen, they will block your movement, making it nearly impossible to survive, so keeping them apart is just as important as shooting them.
The gameplay feels frantic and musical. Every time you fire at a color bar, it plays a different electronic note, turning the battle into a chaotic symphony of sound and light. You have to listen as much as you look. The objective is straightforward: ram all 32 color bars completely off the screen. However, the difficulty ramps up quickly as you progress through eight distinct variations of gameplay. Each variation changes the behavior of the colors and the speed at which they approach, keeping the experience fresh and unpredictable.
As you advance to later stages, specifically games 3 through 8, new elements appear on the field. Flashing bonus bars will pop up randomly. Hitting these special targets awards extra points, but you have to be careful. Focusing too much on the bonuses can leave you vulnerable to the main color bars closing in. You must balance your score-chasing with the urgent need to clear the path ahead.
The timer is always ticking down from a 5000-count limit. This creates a constant sense of pressure. You are racing against the clock and advancing bands of color simultaneously. If you hesitate, the colors will merge in the middle, trapping you. Each hit on a bar plays a different electronic note, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. The game was designed by Jim Rupp and published by Telesys, bringing this unique mechanic to life with simple but effective graphics.
Whether you are playing alone or taking turns with a friend in alternating mode, the challenge remains sharp. You need to score points by hitting bars and clearing rounds efficiently. The eight variations ensure that you cannot rely on muscle memory alone; you must adapt to each new pattern as it appears. Watch out for the center blockage at all times.
If you enjoy mastering tight mechanics and quick reactions, this title offers a satisfying loop of action. You can also check out the Ram It Trainer to practice your skills before jumping into the full challenge. The cartridge serial number for this version is 1004, and it remains a standout example of early action gaming.
Ultimately, Ram It is about precision under pressure. You must eliminate colors before they block your way while managing your score against the clock. It is a test of focus where every shot counts. Good luck clearing the screen. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.