Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Arcadia Soft
- Publishers: Zigurat Software
Arkos (1988): A Classic Arcade Shoot-Em-Up
Arkos is a vertically scrolling shoot-em-up arcade game developed by Data East and released in 1988. The player controls a spaceship that must battle its way through waves of increasingly difficult alien enemies. Arkos is known for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics for the time.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that can move up, down, left, and right, as well as fire lasers in eight directions. The player must destroy waves of alien enemies that constantly spawn from the top of the screen. The enemies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type has its own unique attack pattern.
As the player progresses through the game, the enemies become increasingly more difficult to defeat. The player must also contend with obstacles such as asteroids and space mines. The game is divided into seven stages, each with its own unique boss enemy.
Graphics and Sound
Arkos is known for its impressive graphics for the time. The game uses a vibrant color palette and detailed sprites to create a visually appealing world. The backgrounds are also well-drawn and add to the game’s atmosphere.
The sound in Arkos is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is fast-paced and energetic, and it helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The sound effects are also well-done and add to the game’s overall atmosphere.
Difficulty
Arkos is a challenging game, even for experienced shoot-em-up fans. The enemies are relentless and the difficulty ramps up quickly. The game also has a limited number of continues, so players must be careful not to lose all of their lives.
However, the difficulty of Arkos is also part of its appeal. The game provides a real sense of accomplishment when the player is finally able to defeat the final boss.
Legacy
Arkos is considered to be one of the classic arcade shoot-em-ups. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics. Arkos has been ported to a number of home consoles over the years, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming fans.
Conclusion
Arkos is a classic arcade shoot-em-up that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding shoot-em-up experience, then you should definitely check out Arkos.
Tips for Playing Arkos
Here are a few tips for playing Arkos:
- Use the eight-directional firing to your advantage. You can fire in any direction, so use this to your advantage to take out enemies from all angles.
- Be careful not to get overwhelmed by the enemies. The enemies in Arkos come in waves, so be prepared to deal with a lot of them at once.
- Use the obstacles to your advantage. The asteroids and space mines can be used to block enemy fire and protect yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to use your bombs. Bombs can be used to clear the screen of enemies, so don’t be afraid to use them when you’re in a tight spot.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Arkos is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at defeating the enemies and completing the stages.
Review Score
8/10
