ColecoVision · 1983
Moonsweeper
A 1983 Imagic space shooter that alternates between dodging debris in orbit and descending to lunar surfaces to rescue stranded miners.
- Publisher
- Publisher to verify
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- Genre to verify
- Released
- 1983
01
Overview
Players pilot the USS Moonsweeper through four galaxies of Quadrant Jupiter, clearing the path with a shield or by shooting down meteors, comets, and alien craft. Once the route is open, the ship dives to a moon's surface, where it must navigate rings, avoid landmarks, and pick up miners while evading orbital launchers and surface destroyers. The game packs two distinct modes of play into a single cartridge, shifting from fixed-screen space defense to fast, scrolling lunar flight.
02
Why it matters
Moonsweeper is a notable third-party title from Imagic, one of the early companies that brought polished action games to the ColecoVision in 1983. Its mix of orbital defense and rescue missions gave the system a distinctive shooter that stood out in the young console's library.
03
The physical edition
A typical complete U.S. copy includes the cartridge, an instruction manual, and the original Imagic box, often with the product number printed on the label. Regional editions, such as the European release, may use different box art or a simpler cardbox, so the physical packaging can vary even though the game itself is the same.
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Playing it today
The cartridge runs on an original ColecoVision or any compatible system with a standard controller. Emulation is straightforward, and the game is also available in several ColecoVision compilation packages for modern platforms.