Developer: Radarsoft BV

The Big Deal (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

The Big Deal (1986): A Retro Shoot-‘Em-Up Classic

The Big Deal is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up game released in 1986 for the Commodore 64. Developed by Thalamus Ltd. and published by Psygnosis, it was one of the first games to showcase the graphical capabilities of the C64, with its vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and detailed sprites.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that is constantly moving upwards, facing an onslaught of enemy ships, missiles, and other obstacles. The goal is to destroy as many enemies as possible while avoiding their fire and collecting power-ups.

The player’s spaceship can fire a single shot at a time, which can be upgraded to a spread shot or laser beam by collecting power-ups. There are also various types of enemy ships, each with their own unique attack patterns.

Graphics and Sound

The Big Deal was one of the most visually impressive games on the Commodore 64. The graphics are bright and colorful, with detailed sprites and smooth scrolling. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere.

Critical Reception

The Big Deal was met with critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its graphics, gameplay, and overall polish. It was awarded a 9/10 score by Zzap!64 magazine and was voted one of the top 100 Commodore 64 games of all time by Retro Gamer magazine.

Legacy

The Big Deal is considered to be one of the classic shoot-’em-up games of the 1980s. It was followed by a sequel, The Big Deal II, which was released in 1987. The game has also been re-released on various retro gaming compilations over the years.

Gameplay Tips

  • Collect power-ups: Power-ups are essential for surviving in The Big Deal. They can upgrade your ship’s firepower, speed, or防御.
  • Memorize enemy patterns: Each type of enemy ship has its own unique attack pattern. By memorizing these patterns, you can avoid their fire more easily.
  • Use the environment to your advantage: The walls of the playfield can be used to block enemy fire or trap enemies.
  • Don’t be afraid to die: Dying is a part of the game. Don’t get discouraged if you die frequently. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get better.

Conclusion

The Big Deal is a classic shoot-’em-up game that still holds up today. With its vibrant graphics, intense gameplay, and catchy soundtrack, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, The Big Deal is definitely worth checking out.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Thalamus Ltd.
  • Publisher: Psygnosis
  • Release Date: 1986
  • Platforms: Commodore 64
  • Genre: Shoot-’em-up

Review Score

8.5/10

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