Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Abuse

Review
Also known as
Abuse Classic Alien Abuse Them

This run-and-gun action game challenges you to survive a prison outbreak and escape mutated inmates.

Abuse was developed by Crack dot Com and first released for MS-DOS in 1996. The legacy year 1995 is incorrect for the DOS version.

About Abuse

Abuse is a side scrolling platformer set in a high security prison during the year 2009. The player controls Nick Vrenna, a cyborg inmate who must escape after genetic experiments and a riot have turned the population into aggressive mutants.

The core objective involves navigating a building complex to prevent a genetic plague from spreading globally. Progression is nonlinear, with levels offering multiple exits that lead to different areas. The environment features interactive elements like elevators, teleporters, and destructible walls.

Combat utilizes a control scheme where movement is handled with the keyboard and aiming is done independently with the mouse, allowing for precise shooting in any direction. Enemies consist primarily of mutants but also include automated defense systems such as stationary missile launchers.

Starting with a basic laser rifle that has unlimited ammunition, the player can discover more powerful weapons like grenade launchers, flamethrowers, and lightsabers. Collectible items extend beyond ammo and health to include upgrades that provide benefits such as increased running speed.

Abuse Screenshots

10 images
The story is just an excuse to blast loads of creeps
The controls; using the mouse you can fire in one direction while running in another direction
Cool teleport animation
Activate the laser turrets and they'll blast the aliens to pieces
Killing bugs is your main activity in this game
The game comes with a level editor
Equipped with the fly power-up you need to get past these mines
Firing at a large robot, one of the few enemies in the game besides the omni-present ants/aliens
The leg upgrade increases your running speed
Like in the movies, these Alien rip-offs can crawl on the ceiling