Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, FM Towns, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sharp X68000, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Toaplan
- Publishers: Firebird, Kaneko, Romstar, Taito, Ving Co., Ltd.
Sky Shark: A Detailed Overview of the Classic Shoot ‘Em Up
Released in 1987, Sky Shark is a military-themed vertically scrolling shoot ’em up game that quickly became a classic in the genre. Players take control of the titular biplane and must battle their way through five increasingly difficult levels, defeating a variety of enemy forces along the way.
Gameplay
Sky Shark is a fairly straightforward shoot ’em up, but it offers a number of unique features that set it apart from other games in the genre. For one, the game’s levels are very large and sprawling, giving players plenty of room to maneuver and avoid enemy fire. Additionally, the game’s checkpoint system is very generous, allowing players to continue from the beginning of the checkpoint they reached before dying.
One of the most unique features of Sky Shark is its weapon system. Players have only two weapons at their disposal: a standard shot that travels a max distance of the screen’s height and three bombs. The bombs are powerful weapons capable of obliterating any enemy caught within its blast radius.
Various items are scattered through every stage that appear by destroying certain enemies:
- Shooting down colored waves of enemy planes spawn items like “S” power-up icons, point bonuses and extra lives.
- Certain enemies on the ground spawn “B” icons that increases the player’s bomb stock when destroyed.
Every time the player lands at a runway beyond the first takeoff, the amount of bombs multiply 3000 points to the player’s total score.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1987, Sky Shark’s graphics are quite impressive. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the敵 characters are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also very good, with a number of catchy tunes that will get stuck in your head.
Difficulty
Sky Shark is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The game’s difficulty curve is well-paced, and players will never feel like they’re being overwhelmed. Additionally, the game’s checkpoint system makes it so that players can always make progress, even if they die frequently.
Legacy
Sky Shark was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a popular game among shoot ’em up fans today. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it’s still available to purchase on the Nintendo Switch.
In April 2020, M2 announced a new version of Flying Shark as part of their M2 ShotTriggers publishing label. It was first announced to be released on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Sky Shark is a classic shoot ’em up that’s still a blast to play today. With its simple controls, challenging levels, and catchy music, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
Tips for Playing Sky Shark
Here are a few tips for playing Sky Shark:
- Use your bombs wisely. Bombs are powerful weapons, but they’re also in limited supply. Only use them when you’re in a tight spot or when you’re about to take down a boss.
- Stay moving. Sky Shark’s levels are full of hazards, so it’s important to keep moving to avoid getting hit.
- Learn the enemy patterns. Each enemy in Sky Shark has its own unique attack pattern. Once you learn these patterns, you’ll be able to avoid getting hit and take them down more easily.
- Don’t be afraid to die. Sky Shark is a challenging game, and you’re going to die a lot. But don’t let that discourage you. Just keep playing and you’ll eventually make progress.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
