Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga
- Developers: Codemasters
- Publishers: Codemasters
Kamikaze (1990): A Retrospective
Released in 1990, Kamikaze is a classic arcade shoot ’em up that has stood the test of time. With its simple controls, challenging gameplay, and frantic action, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
The goal of Kamikaze is to defend Earth from an alien invasion. You control a lone spaceship at the bottom of the screen, and your mission is to destroy the aliens and their flying saucers before they can reach the ground.
The aliens are dropped off from saucers and stored in multiple columns at the top of the screen. When a column is full, the aliens in that column descend, one by one, and attack your ship. The saucers also occasionally descend to attack; if they are not destroyed, one of your ships is lost.
You can move your ship left and right using the arrow keys, and fire your weapon using the space bar. Your ship has a limited number of shots, so you need to be careful not to waste them.
As you progress through the game, the aliens become more difficult to defeat. They move faster, fire more shots, and take more hits to kill. You’ll also encounter new types of aliens, each with their own unique abilities.
Graphics and Sound
Kamikaze’s graphics are simple but effective. The aliens and saucers are all distinct and easy to identify, and the backgrounds are varied and colorful. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Difficulty
Kamikaze is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The difficulty ramps up gradually, giving you time to learn the game’s mechanics and improve your skills. However, even experienced players will find the later levels to be a real test of their abilities.
Legacy
Kamikaze was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years. It is still considered to be one of the best shoot ’em ups ever made, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Tips for Playing Kamikaze
- Stay calm and focus. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in Kamikaze, but it’s important to stay calm and focus on the task at hand. Don’t try to do too much at once, and concentrate on taking down one alien at a time.
- Use cover. The columns of aliens can be used as cover from enemy fire. If you’re in danger, try to hide behind one of the columns until the danger has passed.
- Don’t be afraid to use your special weapons. Your ship has a limited number of special weapons, but don’t be afraid to use them when you need them. These weapons can be very effective at clearing out large groups of aliens or taking down bosses.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Kamikaze is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at identifying enemy patterns and dodging their attacks.
Conclusion
Kamikaze is a classic shoot ’em up that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its simple controls, challenging gameplay, and frantic action, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro game that will test your skills, then Kamikaze is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
