Summary
Armalyte: The Final Run (1991)
Introduction
Armalyte: The Final Run is a side-scrolling shoot’em up video game developed by Core Design and published by Gremlin Graphics in 1991. It was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS. The game is heavily inspired by R-Type, and tasks the player with traversing five levels in a spaceship, battling waves of enemies and environmental hazards.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that can move left, right, up, and down the screen. The ship is equipped with a forward-facing shot, as well as a power shot that must be charged by holding on to the fire button. Upgrades can be collected throughout the levels, which can give the ship a forward-facing three-way shot, a vertical two-way shot, or the addition of a single backwards shot. Pods can also be attached to the ship, which fire a forwards laser. Only in the final level, self-homing missiles can be acquired.
The levels in Armalyte: The Final Run are varied and challenging. They feature a variety of enemy formations, as well as environmental hazards such as drops of acid or falling stalactites. On one occasion, the scrolling speeds up, making the level a hazard course. Each stage ends with a boss battle.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Armalyte: The Final Run are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemies are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the atmosphere.
Reception
Armalyte: The Final Run was well-received by critics upon release. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Armalyte: The Final Run is considered to be one of the best shoot’em ups of its era. It has been praised for its challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game has also been cited as an influence on later shoot’em ups, such as the Gradius series.
Conclusion
Armalyte: The Final Run is a classic shoot’em up that still holds up today. With its challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Additional Information
- Armalyte: The Final Run was originally released as a coin-operated arcade game in 1989.
- The game was ported to the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS in 1991.
- A sequel, Armalyte: The Resurrection, was released in 1995.
- Armalyte: The Final Run is available on a number of retro gaming platforms, including the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.
Tips for Playing Armalyte: The Final Run
- Use the power shot to take out large groups of enemies.
- Collect upgrades to improve your ship’s firepower.
- Be careful of environmental hazards, such as drops of acid or falling stalactites.
- Learn the boss patterns and exploit their weaknesses.
- Don’t give up! Armalyte: The Final Run is a challenging game, but it’s possible to beat it with patience and practice.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
