Space Invaders Classic
Atari 2600 · Shoot 'em Up
Sub-Scan
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
Published by SEGA, Sub-Scan arrived on the Atari 2600 as a shoot 'em up.
Sub-Scan is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you've played the 2600 hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Sub-Scan is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
If you like Sub-Scan, the Matrix also picks…
Defender Classic
Phoenix Classic
River Raid Classic
Combat Classic
Galaxian Classic
Demon Attack Classic
Playing 2600 games today
Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.
Sub-Scan FAQ
Who made Sub-Scan?
published by SEGA.
Is Sub-Scan multiplayer?
No. Sub-Scan is a single-player game.
How long does Sub-Scan take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Sub-Scan typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.