Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Apple IIGS, Game Boy, iOS, Mac, Xbox 360
- Developers: Patrick Buckland, Stainless Games Ltd.
- Publishers: Casady & Greene, Stainless Games Ltd.
Crystal Quest: A Retro Gem That Still Shines Today
Released in 1987, Crystal Quest is a classic arcade game that’s still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is simple to learn, but difficult to master, and its addictive gameplay has kept players coming back for more for over 35 years.
Gameplay
The player controls a small, circular spaceship that must travel around the screen collecting crystals. This task is made more difficult by the aliens that constantly swarm out from the portals on both sides of the screen. These aliens can be shot down by the ship’s gun (which has unlimited ammo) or eliminated by activating one of the player’s limited supply of “smart bombs”, which will clear the screen of all current enemies.
The game is played in a single screen, and the player must collect all of the crystals on the screen before they can move on to the next level. The game gets progressively more difficult as the player advances, with more aliens and faster-paced gameplay.
Graphics and Sound
Crystal Quest’s graphics are simple, but effective. The game’s bright colors and sharp sprites make it easy to see what’s going on, even in the midst of all the chaos. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the catchy music will stay in your head long after you’ve stopped playing.
Legacy
Crystal Quest was a commercial success, and it was ported to a number of home computers and consoles. The game has also been re-released on a number of compilation discs and online stores.
Crystal Quest has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and it is considered to be one of the best arcade games of its era. The game has been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including the popular Geometry Wars series.
Tips for Playing Crystal Quest
Here are a few tips for playing Crystal Quest:
- Use your smart bombs wisely. Smart bombs are your most powerful weapon, but they are also limited in supply. Use them sparingly, and only when you are in a tight spot.
- Stay moving. The aliens in Crystal Quest are relentless, so you need to keep moving to avoid getting hit.
- Don’t be afraid to shoot. Your ship’s gun has unlimited ammo, so don’t be afraid to use it.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Crystal Quest is to practice. The more you play, the better you will become at avoiding the aliens and collecting the crystals.
Conclusion
Crystal Quest is a classic arcade game that’s still fun to play today. The game’s simple gameplay is easy to learn, but difficult to master, and its addictive gameplay will keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding arcade experience, then Crystal Quest is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
