Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Imagine Software
- Publishers: Imagine Software
Arcadia 64: A Retrospective
Introduction
Arcadia 64 is a fixed shooter game published by Imagine Software in 1982 for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore VIC-20. It was later ported to the Commodore 64 and Dragon 32. The game is set in a distant future where the player controls a spaceship that must defend the Earth from an alien invasion.
Gameplay
Arcadia 64 is a vertically scrolling shooter. The player controls a spaceship that can move left, right, up, and down. The spaceship can also fire lasers in eight directions. The player must use the lasers to destroy enemy ships and avoid being hit by enemy fire.
The game is divided into four levels. Each level has a different background and different types of enemy ships. The player must defeat all of the enemy ships in a level in order to progress to the next level.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Arcadia 64 are simple but effective. The backgrounds are colorful and detailed, and the enemy ships are well-animated. The sound effects are also good, and the music is catchy.
Reception
Arcadia 64 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, great graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a finalist for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Game of the Year.
Legacy
Arcadia 64 is considered to be one of the best fixed shooters of its era. It was one of the first games to use smooth scrolling, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game has been ported to many different platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by retro gaming fans today.
Conclusion
Arcadia 64 is a classic fixed shooter that still holds up today. Great graphics, addictive gameplay, and a catchy soundtrack make this a must-play for retro gaming fans.
Tips for Playing Arcadia 64
- Use the lasers to destroy enemy ships and avoid being hit by enemy fire.
- Collect power-ups to upgrade your spaceship.
- Use the shield to protect your spaceship from enemy fire.
- Be careful of the asteroids.
- Don’t give up! The game is challenging, but it is possible to beat it.
Trivia
- Arcadia 64 was one of the first games to use smooth scrolling.
- The game was originally going to be called Star Wars, but the developers changed the name to avoid copyright issues.
- The game was ported to the Atari 2600, but the port was never released.
Arcadia 64 in Popular Culture
- Arcadia 64 was featured in the 2012 documentary film “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”.
- The game was also featured in the 2014 video game “Retro City Rampage”.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
