Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, SG-1000, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: MD Software
- Publishers: Activision, Jumbo
Knightmare (1987)
Knightmare is a fantasy-themed vertical scrolling shooter released in 1986 for MSX, also available for Wii’s Virtual Console in Japan. It was brought without a license to the SG-1000 in Taiwan.
The player controls a knight on a flying horse who must defeat dragons and other monsters to rescue a princess. The game features six stages, each with a different theme and boss.
Knightmare was developed by Konami and published by Ultra. It was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters to feature a fantasy setting, and it was praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay.
Gameplay
Knightmare is a vertical scrolling shooter in which the player controls a knight on a flying horse. The player must defeat dragons and other monsters to rescue a princess.
The game features six stages, each with a different theme and boss. The stages are:
- Forest
- Cave
- Desert
- Sea
- Castle
- Final Battle
Each stage is filled with enemies, obstacles, and power-ups. The player must use their sword and magic to defeat the enemies and avoid the obstacles.
The player can collect power-ups to improve their weapons and abilities. The power-ups include:
- Speed Boost: Increases the player’s speed.
- Fireball: Gives the player the ability to shoot fireballs.
- Lightning Bolt: Gives the player the ability to shoot lightning bolts.
- Shield: Protects the player from enemy attacks.
The player must use their skills and power-ups to defeat the enemies and bosses. The game is challenging, but it is also fair. The player will need to learn the patterns of the enemies and bosses in order to defeat them.
Graphics and Sound
Knightmare features colorful and detailed graphics. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemies and bosses are well-animated. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of atmosphere.
Reception
Knightmare was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay. The game was also ported to several other platforms, including the Famicom, MSX2, and Game Boy.
Knightmare is still considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters ever made. It is a challenging and fun game that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Legacy
Knightmare has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters to feature a fantasy setting, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game also influenced the development of other Konami games, such as Gradius and Parodius.
Knightmare is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is available on several platforms, including the Wii’s Virtual Console and the PlayStation 4’s PlayStation Store.
Conclusion
Knightmare is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and fun game with great graphics, music, and gameplay. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check out Knightmare.
Review Score
7.5/10
