Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Bomber Baron (1985)
Bomber Baron is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up game developed and published by Commodore for the Commodore 64. The player controls a biplane and must bomb enemy targets while avoiding enemy fire. The game was released in 1985 and was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
The player controls a biplane that can move left, right, up, and down the screen. The player must bomb enemy targets while avoiding enemy fire. The game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique set of challenges.
The player’s biplane is armed with a variety of bombs, including regular bombs, napalm bombs, and cluster bombs. The player can also collect power-ups that give them additional abilities, such as increased speed or firepower.
Development
Bomber Baron was developed by a team led by programmer David Perry. Perry was inspired to create the game after playing the arcade game 1942. He wanted to create a similar game for the Commodore 64, but with his own unique twist.
Perry’s team spent over a year developing Bomber Baron. They wanted to create a game that was both challenging and fun to play. They also wanted to create a game that took advantage of the Commodore 64’s unique hardware capabilities.
Release
Bomber Baron was released in 1985 to critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy music. It was also praised for its innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware capabilities.
Bomber Baron was a major commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was one of the best-selling games for the Commodore 64.
Legacy
Bomber Baron is considered to be one of the classic shoot ’em up games of all time. It was one of the first games to use vertically scrolling graphics, and it helped to popularize the shoot ’em up genre on home computers.
Bomber Baron has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC. It has also been included in several retro game compilations.
Critical reception
Bomber Baron was praised by critics for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy music. It was also praised for its innovative use of the Commodore 64’s hardware capabilities.
- Zzap!64 magazine gave the game a 97% score, calling it “the best shoot ’em up ever released on the Commodore 64.”
- Commodore User magazine gave the game a 9/10 score, calling it “a classic shoot ’em up that will keep you coming back for more.”
- Computer and Video Games magazine gave the game a 9/10 score, calling it “one of the best shoot ’em ups ever made.”
Awards
Bomber Baron won several awards, including:
- Golden Joystick Award for Best Shoot ‘Em Up (1985)
- Commodore User Game of the Year Award (1985)
Cultural impact
Bomber Baron has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in several other works of popular culture, including:
- The game is featured in the 1986 film The Transformers: The Movie.
- The game is mentioned in the 1990 song “Commodore 64” by the band The Proclaimers.
- The game is featured in the 2014 video game Retro City Rampage.
Conclusion
Bomber Baron is a classic shoot ’em up game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy music, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
