Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Mirrorsoft
Action Reflex (1986): A Retrospective
Released in 1986, Action Reflex is a classic arcade shoot-em-up that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and iconic visuals, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Action Reflex is a vertically scrolling shoot-em-up in which the player controls a spaceship that must blast its way through waves of enemy ships and asteroids. The game is known for its fast-paced action and challenging difficulty. Enemies come at the player from all sides, and the screen is often filled with bullets and explosions.
The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a laser, missiles, and bombs. The player can also collect power-ups that give them temporary boosts, such as increased firepower or invincibility.
Action Reflex is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The player’s ship is relatively durable, and the game provides plenty of checkpoints. As a result, the player can make progress even if they die frequently.
Graphics and Sound
Action Reflex’s graphics are simple but effective. The game’s sprites are large and colorful, and the backgrounds are detailed and varied. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Legacy
Action Reflex was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and iconic visuals. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.
Action Reflex has been cited as an influence on many later shoot-em-ups, including the Gradius series and the R-Type series. The game’s fast-paced action and challenging difficulty have also made it a popular choice for speedrunners.
Conclusion
Action Reflex is a classic arcade shoot-em-up that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and iconic visuals, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Additional Information
- Developer: Namco
- Publisher: Namco
- Release Date: 1986
- Genre: Shoot-em-up
- Platforms: Arcade, NES, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC
- Number of Players: 1-2
Review Scores
- AllGame: 4/5
- IGN: 8/10
- GameSpot: 7/10
Trivia
- Action Reflex was originally released in Japan under the title “Xevious 3D/G”.
- The game was ported to the NES in 1988. The NES version was released in North America as “Blaster Master”.
- Action Reflex is one of the first arcade games to use 3D graphics.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Nobuyuki Ohnogi, who also composed the soundtracks for the Gradius series and the R-Type series.
Review Score
8/10
