Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Publishers: Magic Bytes
Air Supply (1990): A Unique Vertical Shooter with a Twist
Introduction
Air Supply is a vertically scrolling shooter arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1990. Unlike traditional shooters where the focus is solely on destroying enemies, Air Supply adds an interesting twist by introducing supply-dropping mechanics. Players take control of an aircraft and must not only shoot down enemy forces but also deliver supply units to designated locations. This unique gameplay element adds a layer of strategy and resource management to the game, making it stand out from other shooters of its time.
Gameplay
The game takes place over ten stages, each with its own unique environment and enemy formations. The player’s aircraft is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a standard forward-firing gun, bombs, and smart bombs. In addition to shooting enemies, the player must also collect supply units and drop them on marked locations. These supply units can be used to repair damaged buildings, resupply friendly forces, or even launch airstrikes.
The player’s aircraft has a limited number of supply units, so it is important to use them wisely. The aircraft can land at airports to stock up on supplies, but this leaves it vulnerable to enemy attack. Therefore, the player must carefully balance the need to deliver supplies with the need to avoid enemy fire.
In addition to the main objective of delivering supplies, the player must also destroy the enemy’s fort at the end of each stage. This is done by shooting down the fort’s defenses and then attacking the core. Once the fort is destroyed, the player proceeds to the next stage.
Graphics and Sound
Air Supply’s graphics are colorful and detailed for its time. The backgrounds are varied and well-drawn, and the enemy sprites are large and expressive. The game’s soundtrack is also impressive, with catchy tunes that add to the overall atmosphere.
Difficulty
Air Supply is a challenging game, even for experienced shooter fans. The enemy waves are relentless, and the levels are designed to test the player’s skills. However, the game is also fair, and with practice, players can learn to overcome the challenges.
Legacy
Air Supply was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound. The game has since been ported to several home platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Air Supply is a unique and challenging vertical shooter that offers a refreshing twist on the genre. Its combination of shooting and supply-dropping mechanics makes it a standout title, and its impressive graphics and sound make it a joy to play. Whether you’re a fan of classic arcade shooters or simply looking for a new challenge, Air Supply is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for Playing Air Supply
- Use your bombs and smart bombs wisely. They can be very effective against large groups of enemies or heavily armored targets.
- Don’t be afraid to land at airports to resupply. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Prioritize destroying enemy turrets and other defensive structures. This will make it easier to deliver supplies and attack the fort.
- Learn the enemy attack patterns and try to anticipate their movements. This will help you avoid getting hit and conserve your health.
- Don’t give up! Air Supply is a challenging game, but it is possible to beat it with practice and perseverance.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
