Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Publishers: Novagen
Hellbent: A Classic Arcade Shoot-‘Em-Up
Released in 1988, Hellbent is a vertical-scrolling shoot-’em-up arcade game developed and published by Toaplan. Players control a spaceship that must navigate through a neon-lit cityscape while dodging obstacles and blasting enemy spaceships. The game is known for its fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and vibrant graphics.
Gameplay
Hellbent is a classic shoot-’em-up in the vein of games like Gradius and R-Type. Players control a spaceship that can move up, down, left, and right, as well as fire in eight directions. The objective of the game is to navigate through each level, dodging enemy fire and obstacles while destroying all of the enemies.
The game features a variety of enemy types, each with their own unique attack patterns. Some enemies will fire bullets, while others will kamikaze into the player’s ship. The player must also dodge obstacles such as buildings, bridges, and power lines.
Hellbent is known for its challenging difficulty. The game has a total of eight levels, each of which becomes increasingly difficult. The player’s ship has a limited amount of health, and if it is hit by enemy fire, it will lose a life. The player can earn extra lives by collecting power-ups that are hidden throughout the levels.
Graphics and Sound
Hellbent is known for its vibrant and colorful graphics. The game’s backgrounds are filled with neon lights and detailed cityscapes. The enemy ships and bosses are also well-designed and animated.
The game’s soundtrack is composed by Tatsuya Uemura, who is also known for his work on the soundtracks for Truxton and Twin Cobra. The soundtrack is fast-paced and energetic, and it perfectly complements the game’s action-packed gameplay.
Legacy
Hellbent was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and vibrant graphics. Hellbent has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and PlayStation.
Hellbent is considered to be one of the classic shoot-’em-ups of the arcade era. The game’s challenging difficulty and vibrant graphics have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Hellbent is a must-play for any fan of classic arcade games.
Tips for Playing Hellbent
- Memorize the enemy attack patterns. Each enemy type has its own unique attack pattern. By memorizing these patterns, you can avoid taking damage.
- Use the environment to your advantage. The game’s levels are filled with obstacles that can be used to block enemy fire. Use these obstacles to your advantage to stay alive.
- Collect power-ups. Power-ups can give your ship a variety of benefits, such as increased firepower, speed, and health. Collect as many power-ups as you can to make the game easier.
- Don’t be afraid to use your bombs. Bombs can clear the screen of enemies. Use them wisely to get out of tough situations.
- Practice makes perfect. Hellbent is a challenging game, but it is possible to beat it with practice. The more you play, the better you will become at dodging enemy fire and defeating bosses.
Conclusion
Hellbent is a classic shoot-’em-up that is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and vibrant graphics make it a must-play for any fan of classic arcade games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
