Laser Blast (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Laser Blast (1981): A Retro Arcade Classic

Laser Blast is a classic arcade game released in 1981 by Sega. It is a fixed shooter game in which the player controls a fleet of flying saucers and must destroy a series of land-based enemy bases. Laser Blast was one of the first games to use raster graphics, which allowed for more detailed and colorful visuals than vector graphics.

The object of Laser Blast is to destroy a series of land-based enemies. The player controls a fleet of flying saucers, operating one at a time. On the planet surface below are a group of three mobile laser bases, guarded by an invisible force field that prevents the player’s saucer from getting too close to the surface. Both the player and the enemy bases are armed with laser blasters, which may fire a single continuous beam at a time. If the player’s saucer is hit, it will lose altitude and crash to the ground; however, the player may direct this fall, potentially into one of the bases, destroying it as well.

Each succeeding wave of enemy bases moves faster and targets the player’s saucers more quickly, while the force field becomes stronger and decreases the amount of space in which the saucer can move. Players score points for each base destroyed, with points multiplying each wave up to a maximum of 90 points per base. Players earn extra flying saucers with each 1000 points scored and may keep a maximum of six extra saucers in reserve. When the score of 999,999 is reached, the digits in the score turn to exclamation points, and the game ends.

Laser Blast was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time. It was ported to several home computers and consoles, and it has been included in numerous retro game compilations.

Gameplay

Laser Blast is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The player controls their flying saucer with a joystick and two buttons, one to fire the laser blaster and one to drop bombs. The player’s saucer can move in any direction, but it cannot move beyond the invisible force field that surrounds the enemy bases.

The enemy bases are constantly moving and firing at the player’s saucer. The player must use their laser blaster to destroy the bases before they can destroy the player’s saucer. The player can also drop bombs to destroy the bases, but bombs are less accurate than the laser blaster.

The player’s saucer is equipped with a shield that can absorb a certain amount of damage. If the shield is depleted, the saucer will be destroyed. The player can repair their shield by flying over a power-up that appears on the screen.

The player’s score is displayed at the top of the screen. The player earns points for destroying enemy bases and for collecting power-ups. The player’s score is also multiplied by the wave number, so the player earns more points for destroying bases in later waves.

Strategy

There are a few different strategies that can be used to succeed in Laser Blast. One strategy is to focus on destroying the enemy bases as quickly as possible. This can be done by using the laser blaster to target the bases’ weak points. Another strategy is to use the bombs to destroy the bases. Bombs are less accurate than the laser blaster, but they can be used to destroy bases that are out of reach of the laser blaster.

It is also important to use the player’s shield wisely. The shield can absorb a certain amount of damage, but it will eventually be depleted. The player should try to avoid getting hit by enemy fire, and they should repair their shield whenever possible.

Legacy

Laser Blast is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It was one of the first games to use raster graphics, and it helped to popularize the fixed shooter genre. Laser Blast has been ported to several home computers and consoles, and it has been included in numerous retro game compilations.

Laser Blast is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment. It is a must-play for fans of arcade games and retro gaming.

Tips

Here are a few tips for playing Laser Blast:

  • Use the laser blaster to target the enemy bases’ weak points.
  • Use the bombs to destroy bases that are out of reach of the laser blaster.
  • Avoid getting hit by enemy fire.
  • Repair your shield whenever possible.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.

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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