Rampart (Japan) (Konami)

In Rampart, players engage in a unique blend of strategy and action warfare. The primary goal is to protect your castles by strategically building walls around them, then placing and firing cannons to eliminate enemy forces.

The game is divided into key phases:

Building Phase: Players are given a limited amount of time to draw a contiguous wall around one or more of their castles. A successful enclosure allows players to place new cannons within the walled area. Quick and efficient wall building is crucial for establishing defenses and expanding territory.

Firing Phase: This is where the action takes place. Players control the aiming and firing of their cannons, targeting enemy ships, opposing castles, or even other players' walls in multiplayer. Precise aiming is crucial for effective damage and target destruction.

Repair Phase: Any damaged walls from the previous firing phase must be repaired during the next building phase, adding a layer of resource management and tactical decision-making.

The game progresses through rounds, with the ultimate objective being to destroy all enemy castles or survive a predetermined number of rounds. Success in Rampart hinges on a balance between defensive construction and aggressive offense. Players must decide whether to expand their territory, reinforce existing defenses, or focus on acquiring more cannons for attack. Konami's NES version maintains the core arcade experience, offering engaging single-player and often two-player modes where strategic wall placement and accurate cannon fire are paramount.