Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Intellivision
- Developers: Imagic
- Publishers: Imagic
Nova Blast: A Retro Sci-Fi Shooter That Still Packs a Punch
Released in 1983, Nova Blast is a side-scrolling sci-fi shooter that tasks players with defending four shielded cities from waves of enemy attackers. With its challenging gameplay, variety of enemies, and satisfying power-ups, Nova Blast is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Players control a spaceship that can fire lasers horizontally and drop bombs vertically. The ship is also equipped with an energy beam that can absorb energy from energy tanks, and can also use that energy to create temporary shields around unprotected cities.
The goal of the game is to protect the four cities from destruction. Each city has a bubble shield that can sustain one hit; another hit to an unshielded city will destroy it. The ship can also sustain up to ten blows in each round. If all four cities are destroyed or the ship takes ten hits in a round, the game ends.
Nova Blast features three difficulty levels, each with its own set of challenges. On the easiest difficulty setting, enemies are slower and less aggressive, and the player’s ship can take more hits. On the hardest difficulty setting, enemies are faster and more aggressive, and the player’s ship can take fewer hits.
Enemies
Nova Blast features a variety of enemy types, each with its own unique attack patterns. Some enemies fly in formation, while others attack in waves. Some enemies fire lasers, while others drop bombs. The player must be constantly aware of the different enemy types and adapt their strategy accordingly.
Power-Ups
Nova Blast features a variety of power-ups that can help the player to defeat the enemy hordes. These power-ups include:
- Speed Boost: Increases the speed of the player’s ship.
- Laser Upgrade: Increases the power of the player’s lasers.
- Bomb Upgrade: Increases the power of the player’s bombs.
- Energy Shield: Creates a temporary shield around the player’s ship.
- Extra Life: Gives the player an extra life.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1983, Nova Blast has impressive graphics and sound. The game’s visuals are colorful and detailed, and the soundtrack is catchy and upbeat. The sound effects are also well-done, and help to create a sense of immersion.
Legacy
Nova Blast was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, variety of enemies, and satisfying power-ups. Nova Blast has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among fans of the retro gaming genre.
Conclusion
Nova Blast is a classic side-scrolling sci-fi shooter that still holds up today. With its challenging gameplay, variety of enemies, and satisfying power-ups, Nova Blast is a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro shooter that will provide hours of enjoyment, then Nova Blast is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
