Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC
- Publishers: Players Software
Cerberus (1986)
Cerberus is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1986. The player controls a spaceship that must battle its way through waves of enemy ships and obstacles in order to reach the end of each level. Cerberus was one of the first arcade games to feature a rotating 3D background, and its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay made it a popular hit.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that can move up, down, left, and right, as well as fire in eight directions. The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a Vulcan cannon, a laser, and a homing missile. The player must use these weapons to defeat the waves of enemy ships and obstacles that appear on the screen.
The game is divided into five levels, each with its own unique背景and敌人. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, and the player must use all of their skills to survive.
Development
Cerberus was developed by Namco’s arcade division, which was led by Toru Iwatani, the creator of Pac-Man. The game was designed by Kazunori Sawano, who was inspired by the 1985 arcade game Gradius. Sawano wanted to create a game that was even more challenging and exciting than Gradius, and he used a variety of techniques to achieve this goal.
One of the most innovative features of Cerberus is its rotating 3D background. This was a major technical achievement at the time, and it helped to create a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games.
Another innovative feature of Cerberus is its use of multiple weapons. The player can switch between three different weapons, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. This allows the player to adapt their strategy to the different types of enemies that they encounter.
Release
Cerberus was released in arcades in Japan in 1986. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it was soon ported to a variety of home computers and consoles. Cerberus is still considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-up games ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
Legacy
Cerberus has had a significant impact on the shoot-’em-up genre. Its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and innovative features have inspired many other games, including Gradius II, R-Type, and Thunder Force. Cerberus is also credited with popularizing the use of rotating 3D backgrounds in arcade games.
Re-releases
Cerberus has been re-released on a variety of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, the Sega Saturn, and the Nintendo Switch. The game is also available on a number of online gaming services, such as the PlayStation Network and the Nintendo eShop.
Critical reception
Cerberus was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and innovative features. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.
Awards
Cerberus won a number of awards upon its release, including the Game of the Year award from the Japanese arcade magazine Gamest. The game was also nominated for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Game of the Year.
Trivia
- The name Cerberus is taken from the three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades in Greek mythology.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Nobuyuki Ohnogi, who also composed the soundtracks for Pac-Man and Galaga.
- Cerberus was one of the first arcade games to feature a hidden ending.
- The game was ported to the NES in 1989, but the port was not as well-received as the arcade original.
Conclusion
Cerberus is a classic shoot-’em-up game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and innovative features make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to shoot-’em-ups, Cerberus is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8/10
