Summary
Challenger (1987): A Frantic and Challenging Shoot ‘Em Up
Challenger is a frantic single-screen shoot ’em up released in 1987. The player controls a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, shooting bursts of three shots at 45 degree angles at flashing polygons. When hit, the polygons split into smaller ones. The player’s task is interrupted by incoming squiggly lines which will destroy their ship unless they hit it before it reaches the floor. Furthermore, a walking car or robot creature sometimes enters the screen, giving the player bonus points if they position their ship below it. As a safety measure, the player has a smart bomb that damages everything onscreen, as well as the ability to change sides to the top of the screen if it gets too crowded at the bottom.
Challenger is a challenging game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player must constantly be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to react to incoming threats from all sides. The game’s simple controls make it easy to pick up and play, but mastering it is a different story.
One of the things that makes Challenger so challenging is the fact that the polygons are constantly moving and changing shape. This makes it difficult to predict where they will go and how they will split. The player must be able to quickly adapt to the changing situation and make split-second decisions.
Another challenge in Challenger is the fact that the player’s ship is relatively slow-moving. This makes it difficult to dodge incoming fire and avoid the squiggly lines. The player must use their smart bomb wisely to clear a path for themselves and to destroy large groups of polygons.
Despite its difficulty, Challenger is a fair and rewarding game. The player’s progress is constantly tracked, and they are given extra lives and power-ups as they progress. This helps to keep the player motivated and engaged, even when they are struggling.
Challenger is a classic shoot ’em up that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking. If you are a fan of shoot ’em ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Challenger.
Gameplay
Challenger is a single-screen shoot ’em up. The player controls a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, shooting bursts of three shots at 45 degree angles at flashing polygons. When hit, the polygons split into smaller ones. The player’s task is interrupted by incoming squiggly lines which will destroy their ship unless they hit it before it reaches the floor. Furthermore, a walking car or robot creature sometimes enters the screen, giving the player bonus points if they position their ship below it. As a safety measure, the player has a smart bomb that damages everything onscreen, as well as the ability to change sides to the top of the screen if it gets too crowded at the bottom.
The player’s ship is relatively slow-moving, but it can be sped up by collecting power-ups. The player can also collect extra lives and smart bombs.
The game is divided into levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses.
Development
Challenger was developed by the Japanese company Toaplan. The game was released in arcades in 1987. It was later ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
Challenger was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy music. The game has been included in a number of compilations of classic arcade games.
Legacy
Challenger is considered to be one of the best shoot ’em ups of all time. It has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy music. The game has been included in a number of compilations of classic arcade games.
Challenger has also been influential in the development of other shoot ’em ups. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics have been copied by a number of other games, including SuperNova and Sine Mora.
Challenger remains a popular game today. It is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. The game is a testament to the enduring appeal of the shoot ’em up genre.
Conclusion
Challenger is a classic shoot ’em up that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking. If you are a fan of shoot ’em ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Challenger.
Review Score
8/10
