Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Magic Bytes
- Publishers: Magic Bytes
Beam (1989): A Classic Action Game with a Unique Twist
Beam is a side-scrolling action game released in 1989 for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. The game was developed by DMA Design, which would later go on to create the Grand Theft Auto series.
In Beam, the player controls a ship that must navigate a series of mazes filled with obstacles. The goal of the game is to link together a series of energy stations with laser beams. To do this, the player must avoid moving balls, magnets, and other hazards.
Beam is a challenging game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player must carefully plan their moves in order to avoid the obstacles and reach the energy stations. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help the player, such as shields and speed boosts.
Beam was a critical and commercial success. Critics praised the game’s unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Beam is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls a ship that must navigate a series of mazes filled with obstacles. The goal of the game is to link together a series of energy stations with laser beams. To do this, the player must avoid moving balls, magnets, and other hazards.
The player’s ship is equipped with a laser beam that can be used to destroy obstacles and activate energy stations. The player can also collect power-ups that can help them, such as shields and speed boosts.
The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique set of obstacles. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses through the game.
Development
Beam was developed by DMA Design, a British video game development company founded in 1987. The game was designed by David Jones, who would later go on to create the Grand Theft Auto series.
Beam was developed using the Amiga’s custom chipset, which allowed the game to achieve impressive graphics and sound for the time. The game also features a catchy soundtrack composed by David Whittaker.
Release
Beam was released in 1989 for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Beam was later ported to a number of other platforms, including the MS-DOS, ZX Spectrum, and Sega Genesis.
Reception
Beam was praised by critics for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
In a review for the Commodore User magazine, reviewer Julian Rignall praised the game’s “addictive gameplay” and “excellent graphics and sound.”
In a review for the Amiga Power magazine, reviewer Tony Dillon praised the game’s “challenging difficulty” and “great sense of accomplishment.”
Legacy
Beam is considered to be one of the classic action games of the 1980s. The game’s unique gameplay and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite among retro gamers.
Beam has also been cited as an influence on a number of later video games, including the Grand Theft Auto series.
Conclusion
Beam is a classic action game that still holds up today. The game’s unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature make it a must-play for fans of classic video games.
Review Score
8/10
