Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Midway Manufacturing
- Publishers: CBS Electronics, Commodore Business Machines, Inc., Midway Manufacturing
Solar Fox (1981): A Retro Space Shooter That Still Shines Today
Solar Fox is a classic space shooter that was released in arcades in 1981. The game was developed by Midway Games and was one of the first games to use a trackball for player control. Solar Fox is a simple but addictive game that has stood the test of time.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that is located in the center of the screen. The spaceship can move in any direction and can fire shots in any direction. The goal of the game is to destroy all of the enemy ships that appear on the screen.
There are four types of enemy ships in Solar Fox:
- Fuzors: These are the most common type of enemy ship. They fly in straight lines and fire shots at the player.
- Zigzags: These enemy ships fly in a zigzag pattern and fire shots at the player.
- Kamikazes: These enemy ships fly directly at the player and explode when they make contact.
- Motherships: These enemy ships are large and slow-moving. They fire shots at the player and can also launch smaller enemy ships.
The player can destroy enemy ships by either shooting them or running into them. Running into enemy ships will cause the player to lose a life, but it will also destroy the enemy ship.
Graphics
The graphics in Solar Fox are simple but effective. The game uses a black and white color scheme, but the sprites are large and detailed. The backgrounds are also well-drawn and give the game a sense of depth.
Sound
The sound in Solar Fox is simple but effective. The game uses a variety of sound effects to create a sense of atmosphere. The sound of the player’s ship firing its shots is particularly satisfying.
Controls
Solar Fox uses a trackball for player control. The trackball allows the player to move the spaceship in any direction. The player can also fire shots by pressing a button on the control panel.
Difficulty
Solar Fox is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The game starts out slowly, but the difficulty gradually increases as the player progresses. The player will need to use all of their skills to survive.
Legacy
Solar Fox was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its innovative use of a trackball for player control. Solar Fox has been ported to a variety of home consoles and computers, and it remains a popular game today.
Conclusion
Solar Fox is a classic space shooter that still shines today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its impressive graphics, and its innovative use of a trackball for player control make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Tips for Playing Solar Fox
- Use the trackball to move your spaceship around the screen.
- Fire shots at enemy ships to destroy them.
- Run into enemy ships to destroy them, but be careful not to lose a life.
- Destroy the motherships to earn bonus points.
- Use the power-ups that appear on the screen to your advantage.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
