Alpha Mission (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Alpha Mission (1985)

Alpha Mission is a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game developed by SNK and released in 1985. It is one of the earliest examples of the genre, and is notable for its detailed graphics and smooth scrolling. The player controls a spaceship that must destroy waves of enemy ships and ground targets. The game was ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

Gameplay

Alpha Mission is a vertically scrolling shooter in which the player controls a spaceship that must destroy waves of enemy ships and ground targets. The player’s ship is armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also collect power-ups that give them temporary abilities, such as increased firepower or speed.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must defeat a boss enemy at the end of each stage in order to progress. The game is challenging, but fair, and the player is rewarded for their skill with points and power-ups.

Graphics and Sound

Alpha Mission is one of the most visually impressive arcade games of its era. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and the scrolling is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Reception

Alpha Mission was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game was also ported to a number of home computers, where it was also well-received. Alpha Mission is considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters of its era, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.

Legacy

Alpha Mission has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the earliest examples of a vertical scrolling shooter, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game’s graphics and sound were also groundbreaking, and they set a new standard for arcade games. Alpha Mission has been cited as an influence on a number of later shooters, including Gradius and R-Type.

Conclusion

Alpha Mission is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you are a fan of shooters, then you owe it to yourself to check out Alpha Mission.

Tips for Playing Alpha Mission

Here are a few tips for playing Alpha Mission:

  • Use your lasers to destroy enemy ships and ground targets.
  • Use your missiles to destroy larger enemies and bosses.
  • Use your bombs to clear the screen of enemies.
  • Collect power-ups to give your ship temporary abilities.
  • Be careful not to get hit by enemy fire.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Alpha Mission, the better you will become at it.

Trivia

  • Alpha Mission was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball for player control.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Kazuo Hattori, who also composed the soundtrack for the Ikari Warriors series.
  • Alpha Mission was ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
  • The game was also released as part of the SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 compilation for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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