Summary
Pandora’s Box (1982)
Pandora’s Box is a 1982 arcade game developed by Bob Flanagan and Scott Miller. It is an action/shoot’em up game in which the player controls a spaceship that must destroy waves of enemies. The game is notable for its fast-paced gameplay and its use of digitized speech.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that moves left, right, up, and down the screen. The player can fire bullets in eight directions. The goal of the game is to destroy all of the enemies on each wave.
The enemies in Pandora’s Box come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some enemies fly in formation, while others move erratically. Some enemies fire bullets, while others drop bombs. The player must use their wits and reflexes to avoid the enemies’ attacks and destroy them all.
As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemies become increasingly difficult. The player must also contend with obstacles such as asteroids and space mines.
Development
Pandora’s Box was developed by Bob Flanagan and Scott Miller. Flanagan was a programmer, while Miller was a graphic artist. The game was inspired by the arcade game Space Invaders. However, Flanagan and Miller wanted to create a game that was more fast-paced and exciting.
One of the most innovative aspects of Pandora’s Box is its use of digitized speech. The game features the voice of actor John Cooksey, who says things like “Fire!” and “Reload!” when the player performs certain actions. This was one of the first arcade games to use digitized speech, and it helped to create a more immersive experience for the player.
Release
Pandora’s Box was released in arcades in 1982. The game was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, its use of digitized speech, and its innovative graphics. Pandora’s Box was one of the most popular arcade games of its time.
Legacy
Pandora’s Box has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs. Pandora’s Box is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s.
Critical reception
Pandora’s Box was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, its use of digitized speech, and its innovative graphics. Pandora’s Box was one of the most popular arcade games of its time.
Accolades
- Arcade Awards: Game of the Year (1982)
- Golden Joystick Awards: Best Arcade Game (1983)
Impact
Pandora’s Box had a significant impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first arcade games to use digitized speech, and it helped to popularize the shoot’em up genre. Pandora’s Box also inspired a number of other video games, including the popular arcade game Robotron: 2084.
Conclusion
Pandora’s Box is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, its use of digitized speech, and its innovative graphics make it a timeless classic.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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