Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Racing, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE
- Developers: MichTron Corp.
- Publishers: Microdeal
Major Motion (1986): A Top-Down Vehicular Combat Classic
Released in 1986, Major Motion is an action-packed top-down vehicular combat game that puts players behind the wheel of a high-tech spy car to battle against the sinister Draconian League. Set in a futuristic western frontier, Major Motion combines intense combat with a variety of missions and a compelling storyline.
Gameplay
Players take control of a lone road warrior tasked with protecting the highways of the western frontier from the Draconian League, a ruthless organization seeking to conquer the region. The player’s primary weapon is a high-tech spy car equipped with an array of weapons, including machine guns, oil slicks, and missiles.
The game is played from a top-down perspective, with the player’s car represented by a small sprite. The game world is presented as a series of interconnected maps, each with its own unique challenges and enemies.
Players must navigate through each map, completing objectives and defeating enemies. Objectives vary from destroying enemy vehicles to rescuing hostages and escorting convoys. Enemies come in a variety of forms, from basic cars to heavily armored tanks and helicopters.
Weapons and Power-Ups
The player’s spy car is equipped with a variety of weapons and power-ups to help them defeat their enemies. The car’s primary weapon is a machine gun, which can be fired in both forward and reverse directions. Players can also collect power-ups that grant them access to additional weapons, such as oil slicks, missiles, and even a nuclear bomb.
In addition to weapons, players can also collect power-ups that enhance their car’s performance. These power-ups can increase the car’s speed, armor, or handling.
Missions and Storyline
Major Motion features a variety of missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. Missions range from simple tasks, such as destroying enemy vehicles, to more complex tasks, such as rescuing hostages and escorting convoys.
The game’s storyline is revealed through brief cutscenes that play between missions. The story follows the player’s road warrior as they fight against the Draconian League and uncover their sinister plans.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Major Motion’s graphics were impressive. The game’s top-down perspective allowed for large, detailed maps with plenty of objects and enemies. The car sprites were also well-animated, and the game’s explosions and other effects were impressive.
The game’s sound is also noteworthy. The game’s soundtrack is composed of catchy, upbeat tunes that perfectly capture the game’s action-packed atmosphere. The sound effects are also well-done, with realistic explosions and gunfire.
Legacy
Major Motion was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its intense combat, variety of missions, and compelling storyline. Major Motion is considered to be one of the best top-down vehicular combat games of its era, and it remains popular with retro gaming enthusiasts today.
Conclusion
Major Motion is a classic top-down vehicular combat game that offers intense action, a variety of missions, and a compelling storyline. The game’s impressive graphics and sound, combined with its addictive gameplay, make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming and vehicular combat games.
Review Score
8/10