Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Puzzle, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Hewson Consultants
Anarchy (1987): A Classic Overhead Shooter with a Strategic Twist
Released in 1987, Anarchy is a classic overhead shooter that combines simple gameplay with strategic elements. Players control a lone operative tasked with destroying all the weapons crates on each level before escaping through the newly opened exit. However, the levels are guarded by deadly droids, adding an element of danger and strategy to the game.
Anarchy is viewed from above in levels with simple sideways scrolling. The player character is armed with a gun that can shoot in eight directions. The objective on each level is to shoot each of the weapons crates, which will then open up the exit. However, the levels are also patrolled by guard droids, which must be avoided.
The guard droids in Anarchy are not particularly intelligent, but they are deadly if they come into contact with the player character. However, the player can use the droids’ own momentum against them. By shooting a droid, the player can stun it for a short period of time. During this time, the droid can be pushed in any direction, which can be used strategically to create new paths or block off the droid’s movement.
Anarchy is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The levels are well-designed and the difficulty curve is gradual. The game also offers a variety of power-ups that can help the player, such as speed boosts and extra lives.
One of the things that makes Anarchy unique is its time limit. Each level must be completed within two minutes. This adds an element of urgency to the game and forces the player to think strategically about how to complete each level.
Anarchy was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its innovative use of the time limit. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Anarchy is a top-down shooter in which the player controls a lone operative tasked with destroying all the weapons crates on each level before escaping through the newly opened exit. The levels are viewed from above and scroll sideways. The player character is armed with a gun that can shoot in eight directions.
The guard droids in Anarchy are not particularly intelligent, but they are deadly if they come into contact with the player character. However, the player can use the droids’ own momentum against them. By shooting a droid, the player can stun it for a short period of time. During this time, the droid can be pushed in any direction, which can be used strategically to create new paths or block off the droid’s movement.
In addition to the guard droids, the player must also contend with a variety of other obstacles, such as walls, turrets, and force fields. The player can use the environment to their advantage, such as by using walls to block the droids’ movement or by using turrets to destroy them.
Anarchy is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The levels are well-designed and the difficulty curve is gradual. The game also offers a variety of power-ups that can help the player, such as speed boosts and extra lives.
Reception
Anarchy was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its innovative use of the time limit. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Legacy
Anarchy is considered to be one of the classic overhead shooters of the 1980s. It was one of the first games to use a time limit, and it also introduced the innovative mechanic of being able to push enemies around. Anarchy has been cited as an inspiration for a number of later games, including the popular Hotline Miami series.
Conclusion
Anarchy is a classic overhead shooter that combines simple gameplay with strategic elements. It is a challenging but fair game that offers a variety of replay value. If you are a fan of retro games or overhead shooters, then Anarchy is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
