Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Cyberdyne System, Cyberdyne Systems
- Publishers: Thalamus
Armalyte (1988): A Commodore 64 Classic
Armalyte is a horizontally-scrolling shooter game released for the Commodore 64 in 1988. It was developed by Llamasoft, a British video game company founded by Jeff Minter. Armalyte is known for its challenging gameplay, upgradeable weapons, and intense boss battles.
Gameplay
The aim of Armalyte is to progress to the end of a long, horizontally-scrolling level where the screen will cease scrolling and battle will commence with a Boss. Beating the Boss allows the player to progress to the next level. There are eight levels in all. Smaller Bosses are encountered midway through each level and these also have to be beaten to progress further.
During each level the player encounters numerous small enemy ships, many of which fly in fixed formation. Levels also feature scenery which can destroy the player’s ship if touched.
The player’s ship is armed with a forward-firing laser cannon. The cannon can be upgraded to fire more powerful shots or to fire in multiple directions. The player can also collect power-ups that grant temporary invincibility or increase the ship’s speed.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Armalyte are simple but effective. The levels are colorful and varied, and the enemy ships and bosses are well-designed. The game’s soundtrack is also impressive, with a driving beat that adds to the game’s intensity.
Reception
Armalyte was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, upgradeable weapons, and intense boss battles. The game was also praised for its graphics and sound.
Armalyte has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. It has also been re-released on a number of compilation albums.
Legacy
Armalyte is considered to be one of the best horizontally-scrolling shooters ever made. It has been praised for its challenging gameplay, upgradeable weapons, and intense boss battles. The game has also been praised for its graphics and sound.
Armalyte has influenced a number of other games, including the popular arcade game R-Type.
Tips for Playing Armalyte
Here are a few tips for playing Armalyte:
- Upgrade your weapons as soon as possible. The more powerful your weapons, the easier it will be to defeat the enemy ships and bosses.
- Collect power-ups whenever you can. Power-ups can grant you temporary invincibility or increase your ship’s speed.
- Be careful not to touch the scenery. The scenery can destroy your ship if you touch it.
- Learn the patterns of the enemy ships. The enemy ships in Armalyte fly in fixed formations. If you can learn these patterns, you will be able to avoid their fire more easily.
- Be patient. Armalyte is a challenging game, but it is also a very rewarding one. If you can persevere, you will eventually be able to beat the game.
Conclusion
Armalyte is a classic horizontally-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its challenging gameplay, upgradeable weapons, and intense boss battles, Armalyte is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10