[[quoteright:330:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/BuckRogersPlanetOfZoom_7016.jpg]]

Released initially in 1982 by Creator/{{Sega}}, ''Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom'' (also known as ''Zoom 909'') is one of the early progenitors of "Into-the-Screen" [[ShootEmUp Shoot 'Em Ups]], predating not only Sega's later and more well-known titles like ''VideoGame/SpaceHarrier'' and ''VideoGame/AfterBurner'', but also a number of other well-known shmup titles. The game was [[http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7227 first released for the arcades]], but received [[http://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/1797 many]], [[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0000731 many]], [[http://www.atariage.com/software_page.html?SoftwareLabelID=612 many]], ''[[http://www.lemon64.com/?game_id=383 many]]'' ports for contemporary gaming systems of the time. As is the case with most video games from this period, each of the ports have somewhat different game mechanics compared to the arcade game, as well from each other.

Although it's based on the [[ComicStrip/BuckRogers venerable eponymous space opera]] (specifically ''Series/BuckRogersInTheTwentyFifthCentury''), the game [[NoPlotNoProblem has no plot of its own]]--at least for people who [[AllThereInTheManual don't have the arcade manual]]. Even then, [[ExcusePlot it's rather sparse]]: you're Buck Rogers, and you're on a mission to stop a wandering "warrior-world" called the Planet of Zoom before it reaches Earth. Like a certain [[ThatsNoMoon moon-sized]] [[Franchise/StarWars space station]], the Planet of Zoom devastates everything in its path. The Planet of Zoom is controlled by a source ship. Destroying the ship liberates the Planet of Zoom, [[SaveTheWorld saving Earth in the process]].

Go get 'em, soldier.
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!!This game provides examples of:

* AdaptationExpansion: The Coleco Adam version adds a few stages that were not part of the original arcade version.
* AirstrikeImpossible: A number of sectors in the arcade version involve trench runs (as well as barriers to smash into at high speed). In all versions, planetside sectors are littered with Electron Posts (not always the case in the arcade version). Some versions of the game have them actually fire on you if you don't fly in between them, too.
* AllThereInTheManual: The original Arcade version's plot is found ''only'' in the owner's manual of the machine. The various console and computer versions of the game aren't nearly as extensive about the plot, [[ExcusePlot which isn't saying much]] considering the arcade manual's story is six sentences long.
* AsteroidThicket: Some sectors in the arcade version have these.
* CompressedAdaptation: The home versions by Sega were reduced to having only a few stages and the mothership.
* DidntNeedThoseAnyway: In the arcade version, the Mothership's four engine pods will fall off if they are shot at. [[KaizoTrap You can crash into them if you're not careful.]]
* DoomyDoomsOfDoom: Or in this case, "Zoomy Zooms of Zoom".
* EndlessGame: In the arcade version, the game has only eight stages ("sectors"), with the mothership as the final (and only) boss. Clearing the game puts you on the next loop, with the message "NICE PLAY, GO ON." The arcade actually displays how many loops you've run (labeled as "rounds") as well.
* FinalBossPreview: At the start of the game (and at each loop), the source ship you fight at the end zooms past, and leaves a missile in its wake. It's flying higher than you can shoot, though, so you can't damage it at all.
* FlyingSaucer: One of the common enemies faced.
* InNameOnly: This game could have been called anything. The only ComicStrip/BuckRogers connection seems to be the artwork on the side of the game cabinet, presumably depicting Buck.
* OneHitPointWonder: In the finest of shmup traditions.
* TimedMission: You've got a fuel gauge that steadily depletes, causing you to lose a life if you run out. Methods of replenishing the gauge differ somewhat between the various versions of the game.
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