Summary
- Release Year: 1972
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Killer Shark: The Original Shark Arcade Classic
Introduction
Killer Shark is a first-person light-gun shooter arcade game that was released by Sega in 1972. It is notable for being the first shark-themed arcade game, and for its appearance in the 1975 blockbuster movie Jaws. Killer Shark is a simple but addictive game that helped to popularize the light-gun shooter genre.
Gameplay
The objective of Killer Shark is to shoot as many sharks as possible before they reach the player. The player controls a diver who is armed with a speargun. The diver can move left and right, and can aim his speargun up and down. The player must shoot the sharks before they reach the diver, or the diver will lose a life.
Sharks come in different sizes and speeds. Some sharks are faster than others, and some sharks are larger than others. The player must be careful to aim carefully and to shoot the sharks before they get too close.
Killer Shark has four different levels. Each level is more difficult than the last. The player must shoot a certain number of sharks in order to complete each level.
Reception
Killer Shark was a moderate success in arcades. It was not as popular as some of Sega’s other arcade games, such as Space Invaders or Pac-Man, but it still managed to attract a loyal following. Killer Shark gained even more popularity after it was featured in the movie Jaws.
Critics praised Killer Shark for its simple but addictive gameplay. They also praised the game’s graphics and sound effects. Killer Shark is considered to be one of the best light-gun shooter arcade games of all time.
Legacy
Killer Shark is a classic arcade game that helped to popularize the light-gun shooter genre. It is also notable for being the first shark-themed arcade game. Killer Shark has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Sega Genesis, the PlayStation 2, and the Xbox 360.
Killer Shark has been referenced in a number of other works of popular culture. For example, the game is featured in the movie Pixels, and it is also mentioned in the TV show Stranger Things.
Conclusion
Killer Shark is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple but addictive gameplay and its historical significance make it a must-play for any fan of arcade games or light-gun shooters.
Additional Information
- Killer Shark was developed by Sega AM2, which is now known as Sega CS1.
- The game’s director was Hiroshi Suzuki, who also directed Space Invaders.
- Killer Shark was released in Japan as Kaitei Daisakusen.
- The game was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1992.
- Killer Shark was also ported to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 in 2006 as part of the Sega Genesis Collection.
Tips for Playing Killer Shark
- Aim carefully and try to shoot the sharks before they get too close.
- Use the environment to your advantage. You can hide behind rocks and other objects to avoid being hit by sharks.
- Don’t be afraid to use your speargun’s rapid-fire mode. This can be helpful for taking out multiple sharks at once.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Killer Shark is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.
