Cytron Masters

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Cytron Masters
Developer(s)	Ozark Softscape
Publisher(s)	SSI
Designer(s)	Dan Bunten
Platform(s)	Atari 400/800
Release date	1982
Genre(s)	Real-time strategy
Mode(s)	Single player, Multi player

Cytron Masters is a 1982 computer game by the semi-legendary Dani Bunten Berry. It was developed by his company Ozark Softscape and released by SSI. Cytron Masters is one of the earliest computer games that can be considered a real-time strategy game, or a predecessor to the genre, requiring the players to build up their forces in order to win.

In the game each player takes the role of the commander, represented on-screen in Command Centers located on opposite sides of the screen. Scattered around the screen are eight "generators" that produce energy. The energy produced by these generators is the resource in the game, similar in function to the more tangible resources gathered in modern RTS games. Energy can then be "spent" to produce the Cytrons, robot warriors, as well as using it to move them about, fire, and other duties.

The playfield consists of a twelve by six grid of possible locations, with the command centers at the (1,3) and (12,3) locations. Five different types of Cytrons can be built and moved about the grid. Shooters fire at the closest of any enemy units with a three-space range, mines detonate when an enemy approaches, bunkers absorb damage, and missiles fly up and over the battlefield to detonate at a selected location. The fifth unit, the Commander, relays commands from the Command Centers out to the units in the field.

Gameplay is somewhat chess-like, a battle for position. Bunkers and mines become important along the front lines, protecting friendly units from attack while they are developed forward.