Platypus (2002)

by Christopher June 24, 2020

written by Christopher June 24, 2020 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Arcade, Shooter
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360
Developers: Squashy Software
Publishers: KISS ltd

Platypus (2002): A Retro Shoot-‘Em-Up Gem

Released in 2002, Platypus is a fast, frantic, and fun arcade-style shoot-’em-up that harkens back to the golden age of gaming. Developed by the now-defunct Finnish studio Housemarque, Platypus is a vertical scrolling shooter in which you control a squadron of F-27 “Platypus” fighter planes in a battle against the invading Collosotropolan Battle Fleet.

Story

The game is set in the vast continent-spanning city of Collosatropolis, which has reached the limits of its expansion. The city’s leaders, desperate for more space, decide to invade the neighboring country of Mungola. Mungola, however, is a simple, earthy country with little love for industry. Their entire defense force consists of a single squadron of F-27 “Platypus” fighter planes.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mungolan pilots are determined to defend their homeland. They take to the skies in their trusty Platypuses and engage the Collosotropolan Battle Fleet in a desperate battle for survival.

Gameplay

Platypus is a vertical scrolling shoot-’em-up in which you control a squadron of F-27 “Platypus” fighter planes. Your goal is to defeat the invading Collosotropolan Battle Fleet and liberate Mungola.

The game is played from a top-down perspective, and you control your squadron of Platypuses using the arrow keys or WASD. You can fire your weapons by pressing the spacebar or clicking the mouse button.

Platypus features a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique attack patterns. You will also encounter a number of different bosses, each of which requires a different strategy to defeat.

As you progress through the game, you will collect power-ups that will give you new weapons and abilities. These power-ups can be used to make your Platypuses more powerful and to help you defeat your enemies.

Graphics and Sound

Platypus features colorful, pixelated graphics that are reminiscent of the 16-bit era of gaming. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a variety of catchy tunes that will get you pumped up for battle.

Overall

Platypus is a fun and challenging shoot-’em-up that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming graphics make it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Here are some additional details about Platypus:

The game was developed by Housemarque, a Finnish video game developer that is known for its arcade-style shoot-’em-ups.
Platypus was released on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2002.
The game received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its fast-paced gameplay and challenging difficulty.
Platypus is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of the early 2000s.

If you are a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Platypus. It is a fun, challenging, and rewarding game that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.