Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Tecmo
- Publishers: American Sammy, Virgin Mastertronic
Silkworm: A Timeless Classic of Horizontal Scrolling Shoot-em-Ups
Released in arcades in 1988, Silkworm quickly became a beloved classic among fans of horizontally scrolling shoot-em-ups. Developed by Tecmo, the game stands out from its contemporaries with its unique blend of land and air combat, as well as its two-player cooperative gameplay.
Gameplay: A Unique Blend of Land and Air
Silkworm’s gameplay is simple yet addictive. Players control either a helicopter or a jeep, and must battle their way through waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and aircraft. The helicopter is equipped with a variety of weapons, including missiles, bombs, and a powerful laser. The jeep, on the other hand, is armed with a machine gun and can fire rockets.
One of the things that makes Silkworm so unique is its seamless blend of land and air combat. Players can freely switch between the helicopter and the jeep at any time, which allows them to adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. For example, the helicopter can be used to take out enemy aircraft and provide air support, while the jeep can be used to clear out ground targets and rescue stranded soldiers.
Cooperative Gameplay: Teamwork is Key
Silkworm is one of the few shoot-em-ups that can be played cooperatively with two players. This makes it a great choice for friends or family members who want to experience the thrill of battling hordes of enemies together.
In cooperative mode, each player controls one of the two vehicles. Players must work together to cover each other’s backs and take down the enemy. Communication is key, as players need to coordinate their attacks and movements in order to succeed.
Power-Ups: A Boost in the Heat of Battle
Throughout the game, players will encounter various power-ups that can give them a temporary advantage in battle. These power-ups include:
- Speed Up: Increases the speed of the helicopter or jeep.
- Weapon Power-Up: Increases the power of the helicopter’s or jeep’s weapons.
- Shield: Protects the helicopter or jeep from enemy fire.
- Extra Life: Grants the player an extra life.
Enemies: A Diverse and Challenging Force
Silkworm features a wide variety of enemies, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most common enemies include:
- Foot Soldiers: These are the most basic enemy type, and can be easily dispatched with a few shots from the helicopter or jeep.
- Tanks: These heavily armored vehicles can take a lot of punishment, and can fire powerful shells at the player.
- Aircraft: These flying enemies can be a nuisance, and can launch missiles or drop bombs on the player.
- Bosses: At the end of each level, players will face off against a challenging boss enemy. These bosses are typically much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and require a well-coordinated attack to defeat.
Legacy: A Lasting Impact on the Genre
Silkworm was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is still considered one of the best shoot-em-ups of all time. The game’s unique blend of land and air combat, as well as its two-player cooperative gameplay, set it apart from other games in the genre.
Silkworm has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the NES, SNES, and PlayStation. It has also been included in several retro game compilations.
Conclusion
Silkworm is a timeless classic of the shoot-em-up genre. Its unique blend of land and air combat, as well as its two-player cooperative gameplay, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to shoot-em-ups, Silkworm is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8.5/10
