Heavy Nova (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Heavy Nova: A Classic Mech Combat Game

Released in 1991 for the Sharp X68000, Heavy Nova is a side-scrolling action game that puts you in control of a giant mech. Your mission is to battle your way through hordes of enemy mechs and defeat the evil Dr. Maniac.

Heavy Nova is a fast-paced and challenging game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. You’ll need to use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat your enemies, including punches, kicks, rockets, and bombs. You can also upgrade your mech with new weapons and armor as you progress through the game.

One of the things that makes Heavy Nova so unique is its giant mech combat. The mechs in Heavy Nova are huge and powerful, and they can dish out a lot of damage. The battles are intense and exciting, and they require you to use all of your skills to survive.

In addition to its giant mech combat, Heavy Nova also features a variety of other gameplay elements, including platforming, puzzles, and boss battles. The game’s levels are well-designed and offer a variety of challenges. The puzzles are clever and challenging, and the boss battles are epic and intense.

Heavy Nova was a critical and commercial success when it was released in Japan. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music. The game was also ported to the Sega Mega-CD and Sega Mega Drive, and it was released in North America in 1992.

Heavy Nova is still considered one of the best mech combat games ever made. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that offers hours of fun. If you’re a fan of mech games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Heavy Nova.

Gameplay

Heavy Nova is a side-scrolling action game in which you control a giant mech. Your goal is to battle your way through hordes of enemy mechs and defeat the evil Dr. Maniac.

You can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat your enemies, including punches, kicks, rockets, and bombs. You can also upgrade your mech with new weapons and armor as you progress through the game.

The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. You’ll need to use your wits and skills to overcome these challenges and reach the end of the game.

Mechs

There are a variety of different mechs in Heavy Nova, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. You can choose to play as one of four different mechs:

  • Atlas: The Atlas is a well-rounded mech that is good at both offense and defense.
  • Brute: The Brute is a powerful mech that is strong in close combat.
  • Hunter: The Hunter is a fast and agile mech that is good at long-range attacks.
  • Shadow: The Shadow is a stealthy mech that is good at sneaking up on enemies.

You can also upgrade your mech with new weapons and armor. This will allow you to customize your mech to your own playstyle.

Weapons

There are a variety of different weapons that you can use in Heavy Nova, including:

  • Punches: Punches are your basic attack. They are fast and weak, but they can be used to combo into other attacks.
  • Kicks: Kicks are a powerful attack that can knock down enemies.
  • Rockets: Rockets are a long-range attack that can deal heavy damage.
  • Bombs: Bombs are a powerful area-of-effect attack that can damage multiple enemies at once.

You can also upgrade your weapons to make them more powerful.

Abilities

In addition to weapons, you can also use a variety of different abilities in Heavy Nova, including:

  • Dash: The dash ability allows you to quickly move forward. This can be used to dodge enemy attacks or to close the distance between you and your enemies.
  • Jump: The jump ability allows you to jump over obstacles or to reach higher platforms.
  • Guard: The guard ability allows you to block enemy attacks. This can be used to reduce the damage that you take.
  • Super Nova: The Super Nova ability is a powerful attack that can deal massive damage to enemies. This ability can only be used once per level.

You can upgrade your abilities to make them more powerful.

Levels

Heavy Nova features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. You’ll need to use your wits and skills to overcome these challenges and reach the end of the game.

The levels are varied and interesting, and they offer a lot of replay value. You’ll never get bored playing Heavy Nova.

Bosses

Heavy Nova features a variety of different bosses, each with its own unique attacks and abilities. You’ll need to learn the patterns of each boss and use your skills to defeat them.

The bosses are challenging, but they are also fair. If you’re patient and skilled, you’ll be able to defeat them all.

Conclusion

Heavy Nova is a classic mech combat game that still holds up today. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that offers hours of fun. If you’re a fan of mech games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Heavy Nova.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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