Wacko

About

Wacko casts you as a pint-sized green spacefarer fighting off waves of invaders. You guide your ship using a trackball for movement and a joystick to aim your blasters. The action unfolds in a top-down shooter format with increasingly frantic waves of enemies. The control scheme adds a layer of precision that separates it from simpler arcade fare. The game’s most memorable trait is its tilted cabinet design, forcing players to crouch to see the screen. This quirky setup pairs with the dual-control mechanic to create a physical and mental challenge. Released in late 1983, it’s a forgotten relic of early ’80s arcades. While not a genre-definer, its niche approach to input and presentation has earned it a cultish following among retro gaming circles.