Summary
Mine Storm (1982): A Classic Arcade Shooter
Mine Storm is a classic arcade shooter game released in 1982 by Bally Midway. The game is set in a minefield, and the player must destroy all of the mines in order to progress to the next level. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it has been enjoyed by gamers of all ages for over 40 years.
Gameplay
Mine Storm is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls a ship that can move left, right, up, and down. The ship is armed with a single cannon that can fire in any direction.
The goal of the game is to destroy all of the mines in the minefield. The mines come in four different types:
- Red mines: These mines are the most common type. They can be destroyed with one shot from the player’s cannon.
- Blue mines: These mines are more durable than red mines. They require two shots from the player’s cannon to destroy.
- Green mines: These mines are the most durable type of mine. They require three shots from the player’s cannon to destroy.
- Yellow mines: These mines are indestructible. The player must avoid these mines or they will lose a life.
In addition to the mines, there are also a number of other obstacles in the minefield, such as walls and barriers. The player must navigate around these obstacles in order to reach the mines.
The player has five lives. If the player’s ship is destroyed, they will lose a life. The player can also lose a life if they touch a yellow mine.
The game ends when the player has destroyed all of the mines in the minefield. The player is then awarded a bonus score based on the number of mines they destroyed and the time it took them to complete the level.
Development
Mine Storm was developed by Bally Midway, which was one of the leading arcade game manufacturers in the early 1980s. The game was designed by Ed Rotberg and programmed by John Salwitz.
Rotberg was inspired to create Mine Storm after playing the arcade game Missile Command. He wanted to create a game that was similar to Missile Command, but with a more unique and challenging gameplay experience.
Salwitz wrote the game’s code in assembly language. He used a number of innovative programming techniques to create the game’s smooth scrolling and fast-paced gameplay.
Release
Mine Storm was released in arcades in 1982. The game was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s, and it helped to establish Bally Midway as a major force in the arcade game industry.
Ports
Mine Storm was ported to a number of home computers in the early 1980s, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. The home computer ports of the game were not as popular as the arcade version, but they still sold well and helped to introduce the game to a wider audience.
Legacy
Mine Storm is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay has kept it popular for over 40 years. Mine Storm has been praised for its innovative graphics, smooth scrolling, and fast-paced gameplay.
The game has been cited as an influence on a number of later arcade games, including Robotron: 2084 and Smash TV. Mine Storm is also one of the first arcade games to feature a bonus round.
Conclusion
Mine Storm is a classic arcade shooter game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, innovative graphics, and smooth scrolling have made it a favorite of gamers for over 40 years. Mine Storm is a true classic that is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages today.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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