Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Sega Master System/Mark III, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Activision, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
SDI (1987): A Retro Arcade Classic
SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative), also known as Global Defense, is a classic arcade shooter game released in 1987 by Atari Games. The game is set in the near future, where the Earth is under attack from alien invaders. Players control a satellite and must defend the planet by destroying the aliens’ ships and missiles.
SDI is a simple but addictive game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player controls a satellite that can move anywhere on the screen. The satellite is armed with a laser cannon and a limited supply of missiles.
The player must use the satellite to destroy the aliens’ ships and missiles before they reach Earth. The aliens’ ships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns. The player must also contend with the aliens’ missiles, which can be very difficult to dodge.
SDI is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The player must use their skills and strategy to survive and protect the Earth from the alien invaders. The game is also very replayable, as there are multiple difficulty levels and different enemy waves to keep the player entertained.
Gameplay
SDI is a single-player game that is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls a satellite that can move anywhere on the screen. The satellite is armed with a laser cannon and a limited supply of missiles.
The player must use the satellite to destroy the aliens’ ships and missiles before they reach Earth. The aliens’ ships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attack patterns. The player must also contend with the aliens’ missiles, which can be very difficult to dodge.
The player’s satellite is equipped with a laser cannon that can be used to destroy the aliens’ ships and missiles. The laser cannon has a limited range, so the player must be careful not to get too close to the aliens. The player can also fire missiles, which are more powerful than the laser cannon but have a limited supply.
The player must use their skills and strategy to survive and protect the Earth from the alien invaders. The game is challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
Development
SDI was developed by Atari Games in 1987. The game was designed by Ed Logg, who is also known for designing the classic arcade games Asteroids and Centipede.
SDI was one of the first arcade games to use digitized speech. The game’s speech was provided by actor John Candy.
SDI was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its catchy music. SDI was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s, and it remains a popular classic today.
Ports and sequels
SDI has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Atari 7800, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital download services.
There have been several sequels to SDI, including SDI: Rainbow Warriors (1990), SDI: Battle Missile (1992), and SDI: Missile Command (2001). However, none of these sequels have been as successful as the original game.
Cultural impact
SDI has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in a number of movies, TV shows, and songs. SDI has also been parodied in a number of other video games.
SDI is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy music make it a timeless classic.
Review Score
8/10
