Villain

Villain is an action game where you play as an athletic thief constantly on the run from the police. Each screen involves running 1000 yards while collecting points and jumping over obstacles. Before each main screen, you must sprint 200 yards in under 16 seconds by thrashing your joystick from side to side as fast as possible. During each sprint, you are pursued by a policeman who catches you if you go too slowly. You can avoid the joystick thrashing by detonating bombs that stimulate the thief's adrenaline. Progressive screens introduce higher obstacles, and you collect points by catching items of swag. The running effect is achieved by scrolling the background. The game tests reflexes, speed, and obstacle management under pressure.

VIC-20

Released in 1984 by Interceptor Micros on cassette tape, Villain requires 11.5K of RAM expansion. The figures are large sprite-like characters over an inch tall placed in the screen center. Colour and animation are excellent, with the background scrolling creating a convincing sense of running. The game was praised for showing how much could be achieved on the VIC-20 with thought and imagination, described as one of the most challenging VIC games in a long time. Performance remains smooth throughout with stable animation. Interceptor delivered a unique and engaging title standing out from typical shooters. Villain remains a nostalgic favourite, demonstrating the VIC-20's capacity for creative action games. Its legacy is a challenging, fast-paced chase game.