Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, ColecoVision
- Developers: Coleco, GDI
- Publishers: Century II, Coleco
Slither (1982): A Retro Gem That Deserves More Attention
Released in 1982, Slither is a forgotten gem of the arcade era. It’s a simple game, but it’s incredibly addictive and challenging. The goal of the game is to control a snake as it slithers around the screen, eating food and avoiding enemies. What sets Slither apart from other snake games is that you can shoot in four directions at the same time. This adds a layer of strategy to the game, as you have to decide which direction to shoot in order to take out the most enemies.
Slither was bundled with Coleco’s Roller Controller, and it can’t be played without it. The Roller Controller is a unique controller that allows you to roll the snake around the screen. This makes the game more challenging, but it also adds to the fun.
The graphics in Slither are simple, but they’re effective. The snake is a bright green, and the enemies are a variety of colors. The backgrounds are black, which helps to make the snake and enemies stand out.
The sound effects in Slither are also simple, but they’re effective. The snake makes a slithering sound as it moves around the screen, and the enemies make a variety of noises when they’re shot.
Slither is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The enemies are always fair, and you never feel like you’re being cheated. This makes the game more rewarding when you finally beat it.
Slither is a great game for all ages. It’s simple enough for children to understand, but it’s also challenging enough for adults to enjoy. If you’re a fan of retro gaming, or if you’re just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend Slither.
Gameplay
The goal of Slither is to control a snake as it slithers around the screen, eating food and avoiding enemies. The snake grows longer each time it eats food, and the game ends when the snake hits itself or an enemy.
You can control the snake by rolling the Roller Controller in the direction you want it to go. You can also shoot in four directions at the same time by pressing the corresponding buttons on the Roller Controller.
There are a variety of different enemies in Slither, each with its own unique behavior. Some enemies will chase you down, while others will try to trap you. You’ll need to use your wits and your shooting skills to defeat the enemies and survive.
Development
Slither was developed by Coleco Industries. It was released in 1982 as a launch title for the ColecoVision console. Slither was one of the first games to use the Roller Controller, and it was a critical and commercial success.
Slither was inspired by the arcade game Centipede. However, Slither added a number of new features to the formula, such as the ability to shoot in four directions at the same time. This made Slither a more challenging and exciting game than Centipede.
Reception
Slither was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of the Roller Controller. Slither was one of the best-selling games for the ColecoVision, and it helped to establish the console as a major player in the video game industry.
Slither has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.
Legacy
Slither is a classic game that has stood the test of time. It’s a simple game, but it’s incredibly addictive and challenging. Slither is a great game for all ages, and it’s a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
Tips for Playing Slither
- Eat as much food as you can to make your snake grow longer.
- Avoid enemies as much as possible.
- Use your shooting skills to take out enemies.
- Be patient and don’t give up.
Review Score
8/10