Space Encounters
Space Encounters is an arcade game by Bally Midway released in 1980. It recreates a Star Wars–style trench run, with the player piloting the Assault Ship at the bottom of the screen while waves of enemies come down from the top. The background gives a 3D look, but the action is 2D and plays like a fixed shooter.
The original cabinet used an aircraft-style control yoke (with a fire button); a later mini myte version switched to a large joystick.
Gameplay runs for a set time (90 seconds by default, but adjustable to 45, 60, or 75 seconds). If the player’s ship is hit or touches the trench walls, it tumbles out and re-enters after a moment. Enemies enter the trench, shoot at the player, and when hit they break apart and tumble toward the player, where you can shoot the wrecks again for more points. Occasionally a bonus target appears, and hitting it within five seconds earns extra points.
Scoring comes from enemy kills, bonus targets, and a speed score based on how far up the screen you are when you shoot. You can earn up to three bonus ships at higher scores (typical 4000, 8000, and 16000 points). The speed score is added at the end and does not affect the bonus ships.
Space Encounters runs on an Intel 8080–based system used by Midway since Gun Fight. It was released alongside color shooters like Galaxian but did not sell well. Midway would later move to color-capable hardware, often using a Z80-based chassis licensed from Namco, used in Rally-X and Pac-Man in the US.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:03 (CET).