Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Hewson Consultants
- Publishers: Rack-It
Battle Valley (1988): A Retro Shoot ‘Em Up Gem
Released in 1988, Battle Valley is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up game that puts you in the cockpit of a helicopter or tank as you attempt to retrieve two stolen nuclear weapons. With its frantic action, varied gameplay, and strategic elements, Battle Valley is a challenging and rewarding experience that still holds up today.
Gameplay
Battle Valley is played from a side-scrolling perspective, with the player controlling either a helicopter or a tank. The goal of the game is to retrieve two nuclear weapons that have been stolen by terrorists. The weapons are located at opposite ends of the playing area, so you can pursue them in either order.
The helicopter is more maneuverable and faster than the tank, but it is also more vulnerable to enemy fire. The tank is slower and less maneuverable, but it is more heavily armored and can take more punishment.
You can switch between the helicopter and the tank at any time by returning to your base. This can be a strategic advantage, as you can use the helicopter to take out air-based enemies and repair bridges, then switch to the tank to deal with ground-based enemies.
Enemies
Battle Valley features a variety of enemies, including:
- Foot soldiers: These are the most common enemy type. They are armed with rifles and can fire at you from a distance.
- Tanks: These are more heavily armored than foot soldiers and can fire powerful shells.
- Helicopters: These are agile and can fire missiles at you.
- Jets: These are the fastest and most dangerous enemies in the game. They can fire rockets and bombs.
Weapons
You have a variety of weapons at your disposal to defeat your enemies, including:
- Machine guns: These are your primary weapon and can be used against all types of enemies.
- Missiles: These are more powerful than machine guns, but they are also slower and less accurate.
- Bombs: These can be used to destroy large groups of enemies or to take out enemy installations.
Strategy
The key to success in Battle Valley is to use strategy. You need to carefully consider which enemies to engage and which ones to avoid. You also need to make good use of the terrain to your advantage.
For example, you can use buildings and other obstacles to block enemy fire. You can also use the helicopter to fly over obstacles and reach areas that are inaccessible to the tank.
Time Limit
You have a time limit of 4000 seconds to complete each mission. Losing a life costs you 500 seconds. If you run out of time, you will lose the game.
Conclusion
Battle Valley is a challenging and rewarding shoot ’em up game that still holds up today. With its frantic action, varied gameplay, and strategic elements, Battle Valley is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips
- Use the helicopter to take out air-based enemies and repair bridges.
- Switch to the tank to deal with ground-based enemies.
- Use the terrain to your advantage.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies.
- Practice makes perfect!
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
