Arac (1986)

by Christopher April 18, 2024

written by Christopher April 18, 2024 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1986
Genres: Arcade, Platform, Strategy
Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
Developers: Addictive Games Ltd
Publishers: Addictive Games Ltd

Arac (1986): A Retro Shoot-Shmup Classic

Introduction

Arac is a vertically-scrolling shoot-shmup arcade game developed and published by Electrocoin in 1986. The game is set in a futuristic world where the player controls a lone spaceship tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion. Arac was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shoot-shmup games of its era.

Gameplay

Arac is a vertically-scrolling shoot-shmup in which the player controls a lone spaceship that must defeat waves of enemy ships and other obstacles. The player’s ship can fire a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also collect power-ups that grant them additional abilities, such as increased firepower or invincibility.

Arac’s gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, and requires the player to have quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. The game also features a variety of enemy types, each with their own unique attack patterns. This keeps the player on their toes and forces them to adapt their strategies constantly.

Graphics and Sound

Arac’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game’s backgrounds are varied and interesting. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and features a variety of catchy tunes that add to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Legacy

Arac was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shoot-shmup games of its era. The game was ported to a number of home computers, and has been included in several retro game compilations. Arac has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its beautiful graphics and sound.

Conclusion

Arac is a classic shoot-shmup game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and beautiful graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great retro shoot-shmup to play, then Arac is definitely worth checking out.

Here are some additional details about Arac:

The game was developed by a small team of just three people.
Arac was one of the first shoot-shmup games to feature a rotating screen.
The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tim Follin, who is also known for his work on other classic video games such as R-Type and Gradius.
Arac has been ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
The game has been included in several retro game compilations, including the Taito Legends series and the Sega Genesis Collection.

If you’re interested in playing Arac, you can find it on a number of different platforms, including:

The Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/Arac_1986_Electrocoin
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/344440/Arac_Attack_of_the_Space_Sharks/
GOG.com: https://www.gog.com/game/arac_attack_of_the_space_sharks

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

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.