Action Fighter (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Action Fighter: The Ultimate Combat Vehicle

Released in 1986, Action Fighter is an arcade classic that combines the thrill of racing with the intensity of combat. Developed by Taito, the game puts players in control of a transformable vehicle that can switch between motorcycle, sports car, and jet modes. This unique gameplay mechanic allows for a diverse range of challenges and environments, making Action Fighter a standout title in the arcade racing genre.

Gameplay

Action Fighter’s gameplay is simple yet addictive. Players race through a series of levels, collecting power-ups and battling enemy vehicles. The game’s main objective is to reach the end of each level while destroying as many enemies as possible.

The player’s vehicle can transform into three different modes:

  • Motorcycle mode: The motorcycle is the most agile of the three modes, allowing players to navigate tight corners and jump over obstacles. It is also the weakest mode in terms of firepower.
  • Sports car mode: The sports car is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a good balance of speed, handling, and firepower. It can also perform a turbo boost to gain a temporary speed advantage.
  • Jet mode: The jet is the fastest and most powerful of the three modes. It can fly over obstacles and fire homing missiles at enemies. However, it is also the most vulnerable to enemy fire.

Players can switch between vehicle modes at any time by collecting the corresponding power-up. This allows for strategic gameplay, as players can adapt their vehicle to the current situation. For example, players can use the motorcycle to navigate a narrow tunnel, then switch to the sports car to take on a group of enemies, and finally transform into the jet to chase down a fleeing boss.

Levels

Action Fighter features a total of 16 levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The levels are set in a variety of locations, including city streets, forests, mountains, and outer space.

Some of the levels are straightforward races, while others require players to solve puzzles or defeat specific enemies. For example, one level tasks players with destroying a series of satellite dishes, while another level requires players to navigate a maze of tunnels.

Enemies

Action Fighter features a variety of enemies, ranging from simple cars and motorcycles to heavily armed helicopters and jets. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses.

Some of the more common enemies include:

  • Cars: Cars are the most basic type of enemy. They are slow and weak, but they can attack in large groups.
  • Motorcycles: Motorcycles are faster and more agile than cars, but they are also more vulnerable to enemy fire.
  • Helicopters: Helicopters can fly over obstacles and fire rockets at players.
  • Jets: Jets are the most powerful type of enemy. They can fly at high speeds and fire homing missiles.

Bosses

Each level of Action Fighter culminates in a boss battle. Bosses are large, powerful vehicles that require a specific strategy to defeat.

Some of the bosses in Action Fighter include:

  • The Giant Tank: A massive tank that fires powerful shells.
  • The Flying Fortress: A heavily armed aircraft that can launch bombs and missiles.
  • The Final Boss: A giant robot that is the ultimate challenge in Action Fighter.

Power-Ups

Action Fighter features a variety of power-ups that can help players defeat their enemies and complete the levels. Some of the most common power-ups include:

  • Speed boost: Increases the player’s vehicle’s speed.
  • Weapon power-up: Increases the power of the player’s weapons.
  • Shield: Protects the player’s vehicle from enemy fire.
  • Extra life: Grants the player an extra life.

Legacy

Action Fighter was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and exciting boss battles. The game has been ported to a variety of home consoles and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Action Fighter’s legacy can be seen in many modern racing games. The game’s transformable vehicle mechanic has been used in games such as the Transformers series, Twisted Metal, and Vigilante 8. The game’s fast-paced combat has also influenced games such as Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing.

Conclusion

Action Fighter is a classic arcade game that offers a unique and exciting experience. Its transformable vehicle mechanic, challenging levels, and exciting boss battles make it a must-play for fans of racing games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Action Fighter is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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