Space Zap was essentially a space themed arcade version of one of those handheld reflex games that were so popular back in the day. But instead of memorizing patterns or colors, it's just pure reflex action. With a simple control scheme consisting of up, down, left, right, and zap; your job is defense. Defend your base, located in the center of the screen, from attacking enemy swarms. Lucky for you enemies only attack in one of four different directions. The more you zap 'em, the faster they come at you until you eventually defeat the wave of invaders. Later levels mix it up a bit by including disappearing ships and attackers that can encircle your base.

If Midway only had the foresight to hook up a car battery to the button controls, people would probably still be flocking to the arcades to play Space Zap! Accidentally let an invading enemy demolish your base and you will feel the price of slow reflexes.

20 years before rumble packs and dual-shock controllers ever entered our living rooms, Space Zap could have been a truly memorable experience and shocking game to play.

Or maybe just watch others play.