Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Major Developments
- Publishers: Incentive Software, Micro Status
Dark Side: A Retro Sci-Fi Shooter with a Unique Twist
Released in 1988, Dark Side is a first-person shooter game set on the alien moon Tricuspid, orbiting the planet Evath. The game follows a government agent sent to the moon’s surface to deactivate a powerful beam weapon, Zephyr One, built by terrorists to destroy Evath.
Gameplay
Dark Side is played from a first-person perspective, with the player viewing the world through the helmet of their jetpack-equipped pressure suit. The game’s environment is rendered in 3D, with the player able to move in all directions by walking or activating the jetpack.
The player’s primary objective is to destroy a network of Energy Collection Device (ECD) columns scattered around the moon. These columns are connected by power lines to Zephyr One, and must be destroyed in a specific order to deactivate the weapon.
To destroy an ECD, the player must shoot the top part of the column. However, ECDs can only be destroyed when all preceding ECDs have been deactivated, otherwise they will instantly regenerate.
The player has a limited amount of time to complete the game, based on the energy accumulated in Zephyr One. When the weapon is fully charged, the beam is fired, destroying Evath and ending the game. As the player destroys ECDs, the charge accumulation rate is reduced, allowing more time for the player to complete the mission.
In addition to ECDs, the player must also contend with traps left by the terrorists, such as laser beams and force fields. The player’s suit is powered by an energy source that gets depleted with every movement. This energy is allocated between “shields” and “fuel”. When the shields charge is depleted, the player is vulnerable to enemy fire and simply bumping into walls can end the game. Fuel is vital for horizontal and vertical movement, and the game ends as soon as it’s depleted.
There are a number of “recharge” points (in the form of columns) hidden in the game where the player can replenish the suit’s energy supply. There are also a number of energy conversion devices that allow transforming shield energy to fuel and vice versa.
Weapons and Equipment
The player is equipped with a variety of beam weapons mounted on their jetpack. These weapons can be used to destroy ECDs, traps, and enemies. The player can also collect power-ups that grant them temporary abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.
Setting
Dark Side is set on the alien moon Tricuspid, which is covered in dark, rocky terrain and dotted with towering ECD columns. The moon’s atmosphere is thin and toxic, and the player must wear a pressure suit to survive.
The game’s environment is rendered in a dark and atmospheric style, with a limited color palette and detailed pixel art. The soundtrack is composed of eerie and suspenseful electronic music.
Legacy
Dark Side was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is considered to be one of the best first-person shooters of its era. The game’s unique blend of action and puzzle-solving, as well as its dark and atmospheric setting, have made it a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Dark Side has been ported to a number of platforms over the years, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC. The game has also been released on modern platforms, such as the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Dark Side is a unique and challenging first-person shooter that offers a thrilling and atmospheric experience. The game’s blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming and classic shooters.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
