Martian Threat

Martian Threat is an unreleased prototype game, originally found on a flea market in 1996. The game seems to be complete and is fully playable. It was released as a limited physical edition in 2008.

Players face a Martian invasion aiming to destroy all life on Earth. A laser cannon being built on Earth is the last line of defense, but it’s not yet ready. Players control a probe inside the Martian spaceship to delay the attack and buy time. The probe must avoid and destroy energy bombs thrown by Martians at four different positions.

Players navigate the probe using a joystick, and it continues moving unless reverse thrust is applied. The probe fires diagonally, adding difficulty. The bombs start slow and weak but become faster and more powerful. The game has two endings: if players hold off the Martians long enough, Earth’s laser cannon destroys the spaceship; otherwise, the Martians succeed in their attack.