Summary

Release Year: 1985
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Family Computer, FM-7, NEC PC-6000 Series, Nintendo Entertainment System, PC-8800 Series, Sega 32X, Sega Game Gear, Sega Saturn, Sharp X1, Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Wii, ZX Spectrum
Developers: Elite Systems, Rutubo Games, Sega AM2
Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.

Space Harrier: A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1985, Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter arcade game developed by Sega. The game is set in the year 2150, and the player controls a lone hero named Harrier who must defend the Earth from an alien invasion. Harrier is armed with a powerful laser cannon, which he can use to shoot down enemy spaceships and other obstacles. He can also transform into a flying rocket, which allows him to reach higher areas and avoid enemy fire.

Space Harrier was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first games to use pseudo-3D graphics, and its fast-paced gameplay and catchy music made it an instant hit with arcade-goers. The game was also ported to several home consoles, including the Sega Master System and the Commodore 64.

Gameplay

Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter, meaning that the player controls the character from a behind-the-back perspective. The game is played on a single screen, and the character moves automatically from left to right. The player must use the joystick to move the character up and down, and the fire button to shoot enemies.

The game is divided into 18 levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each level in order to progress to the next one. At the end of each level, the player must also defeat a boss enemy.

Enemies

Space Harrier features a wide variety of enemies, including spaceships, robots, and aliens. Each type of enemy has its own unique attack patterns, and the player must learn how to defeat each one in order to progress.

Some of the most common enemies in Space Harrier include:

Zolgear: These small, flying enemies fire lasers at the player.
Mecha Gun: These robotic enemies shoot bullets at the player.
Dragon: These large, flying enemies breathe fire at the player.
Boss: Each level of Space Harrier ends with a boss enemy. These bosses are typically much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and they require the player to use all of their skills to defeat them.

Weapons

Harrier is armed with a powerful laser cannon, which he can use to shoot down enemy spaceships and other obstacles. He can also transform into a flying rocket, which allows him to reach higher areas and avoid enemy fire.

The laser cannon is Harrier’s primary weapon. It fires a powerful laser beam that can destroy most enemies in a single shot. The laser cannon can also be charged up to fire a more powerful blast.

The flying rocket is Harrier’s secondary weapon. It allows him to fly up to higher areas and avoid enemy fire. The flying rocket can also be used to attack enemies, but it is not as powerful as the laser cannon.

Power-Ups

There are a variety of power-ups that can be collected in Space Harrier. These power-ups can give Harrier a variety of advantages, such as increased speed, firepower, and invincibility.

Some of the most common power-ups in Space Harrier include:

Speed Up: This power-up increases Harrier’s speed.
Fire Power Up: This power-up increases Harrier’s firepower.
Invincibility: This power-up makes Harrier invincible for a short period of time.
Rocket: This power-up gives Harrier the ability to transform into a flying rocket.

Graphics

Space Harrier was one of the first games to use pseudo-3D graphics. This technique creates the illusion of depth by using a series of 2D sprites. The graphics in Space Harrier are simple but effective, and they create a unique and immersive experience.

Music

The music in Space Harrier is composed by Hirokazu Tanaka. The music is fast-paced and catchy, and it helps to create the game’s exciting and action-packed atmosphere.

Legacy

Space Harrier was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s, and it helped to popularize the third-person rail shooter genre. The game has been ported to several home consoles, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Space Harrier has also been referenced in popular culture. The game is featured in the movie Back to the Future (1985), and it has been parodied in several other films and television shows.

Conclusion

Space Harrier is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming. Whether you’re a veteran gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Space Harrier is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.