Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Virtual X-citement
- Publishers: BMS Modern Games Handelsagentur GmbH
Metro-Police (1998)
Metro-Police is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game developed by Toaplan and released in 1998. The player controls a police helicopter that must battle its way through waves of enemies to rescue hostages and defeat the evil Dr. Zero.
Metro-Police is known for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy soundtrack. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best shoot ’em ups ever made.
Gameplay
Metro-Police is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up in which the player controls a police helicopter. The player’s helicopter can move up, down, left, and right, and it can fire a variety of weapons. The player must use their helicopter to defeat waves of enemies, rescue hostages, and defeat the evil Dr. Zero.
The game features a variety of different enemies, each with their own unique attack patterns. The player must learn the attack patterns of each enemy in order to defeat them. The game also features a variety of different power-ups that can help the player defeat their enemies.
Levels
Metro-Police features a total of six levels. Each level is set in a different location, such as a city, a forest, and a volcano. The levels are all filled with enemies and obstacles that the player must overcome.
The final level of the game is a boss battle against Dr. Zero. Dr. Zero is a powerful enemy, and the player must use all of their skills to defeat him.
Weapons
The player’s helicopter can fire a variety of different weapons. The player can switch between weapons by pressing the A button. The following weapons are available:
- Vulcan: A rapid-fire cannon that fires a stream of bullets.
- Spread Shot: A shotgun that fires a spread of bullets.
- Homing Missiles: Missiles that lock on to enemies and home in on them.
- Laser: A powerful laser that can pierce through enemies.
- Bomb: A bomb that explodes on contact with enemies.
Power-Ups
The player can collect power-ups throughout the game. Power-ups can give the player a variety of benefits, such as increased firepower, speed, and invincibility. The following power-ups are available:
- Speed Up: Increases the speed of the player’s helicopter.
- Power Up: Increases the firepower of the player’s helicopter.
- Bomb: Gives the player a bomb that can be used to destroy enemies.
- Shield: Gives the player a shield that protects them from enemy fire.
- 1UP: Gives the player an extra life.
Reception
Metro-Police was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan.
Metro-Police is still considered one of the best shoot ’em ups ever made. The game is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Legacy
Metro-Police has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Windows. The game has also been included in several compilations of classic arcade games.
Metro-Police has also been the inspiration for several other games, including the Cave shooters DoDonPachi and Espgaluda.
Conclusion
Metro-Police is a classic arcade shoot ’em up that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging levels, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
