Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Bally Midway
- Publishers: Bally Midway, Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Satan’s Hollow: A Retro Shoot ‘Em Up Classic
Released in 1982 by Bally Midway, Satan’s Hollow is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game that quickly gained a cult following among fans of the genre. Players control a lone spaceship as it battles its way through waves of increasingly difficult enemies, including bats, ghosts, and demons. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, creepy atmosphere, and catchy soundtrack.
Gameplay
Satan’s Hollow is a typical vertically scrolling shoot ’em up, similar to games like Galaga and Xevious. The player’s spaceship is armed with a single cannon that can fire in eight directions. The player must use this cannon to destroy enemy ships, while avoiding their fire and other obstacles.
The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The first stage takes place in a graveyard, while the second stage takes place in a forest. The third stage takes place in a cave, while the fourth stage takes place in a castle. The fifth and final stage takes place in Hell itself.
As the player progresses through the game, the enemies become more difficult and the stages become more challenging. The player must use all of their skills and cunning to survive and reach the end of the game.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Satan’s Hollow featured impressive graphics and sound. The game’s visuals are dark and atmospheric, with a suitably creepy soundtrack. The character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and varied.
The game’s music is also noteworthy. The main theme is a catchy, upbeat tune that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The sound effects are also well done, and they add to the overall experience.
Legacy
Satan’s Hollow was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, creepy atmosphere, and catchy soundtrack. It quickly became a favorite among fans of the shoot ’em up genre.
The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Atari 8-bit family, the Commodore 64, and the PC. It is also available on a number of retro gaming compilations.
Satan’s Hollow remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by fans of the shoot ’em up genre. The game’s challenging gameplay, creepy atmosphere, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Tips for Playing Satan’s Hollow
- Use cover. The player’s spaceship can be destroyed by enemy fire, so it is important to use cover whenever possible. This can be done by hiding behind obstacles, such as rocks and trees.
- Shoot strategically. The player’s cannon can fire in eight directions, so it is important to shoot strategically. This means aiming for enemies that are close to the player, as well as enemies that are firing at the player.
- Use power-ups. Power-ups can be collected throughout the game. These power-ups can give the player’s spaceship a variety of benefits, such as increased firepower, speed, and invincibility.
- Don’t be afraid to die. The player will likely die many times while playing Satan’s Hollow. This is normal, so don’t be discouraged. Just keep practicing and learning from your mistakes.
Conclusion
Satan’s Hollow is a classic shoot ’em up game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, creepy atmosphere, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro game to play, then Satan’s Hollow is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
