Polaris

About

Polaris casts you as a submarine pilot fending off relentless attacks in a split-screen gauntlet. The bottom half of the screen shows your underwater maneuvering, while the top tracks incoming threats like bombs, depth charges, enemy subs, and planes. You steer with precision to dodge collisions and survive escalating waves. Multiplayer adds tension as you and a friend share the same screen, splitting focus and reaction time. The game’s split-screen design feels bold for its time, forcing players to balance two chaotic perspectives. While its pixelated visuals and relentless difficulty haven’t aged perfectly, the core mechanic of juggling vertical and horizontal threats remains sharp. Classic arcade titles like this often get overlooked, but Polaris holds up as a test of reflexes and spatial awareness. The 1980 release date makes it a curious relic of early 80s arcade design.