Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Intellivision
- Developers: Mattel Electronics
- Publishers: Mattel Electronics
Space Hawk: A Deep Space Adventure
Released in 1981, Space Hawk is an arcade game that puts players in the role of a lone hunter armed with a gas blaster, navigating the vast expanse of deep space. The objective is to hunt down and destroy the elusive white Space Hawk while avoiding deadly obstacles such as gas bubbles, comets, and amoebas.
Gameplay
The game is played from a top-down perspective, with the player controlling the hunter’s movements using a joystick. The hunter can move in eight directions and shoot gas blasts in any direction. The gas blasts can be used to destroy enemies or propel the hunter away from danger using the recoil.
The player must constantly be on the lookout for the white Space Hawk, which moves erratically around the screen. If the Space Hawk touches the hunter, the hunter will be instantly killed. The player must also avoid contact with gas bubbles, comets, and amoebas, which can also kill the hunter.
To escape danger, the player can use the hunter’s backpack rocket power to move quickly out of harm’s way, shoot away the danger, or go into hyperspace. Hyperspace provides a temporary invulnerability shield, but it can only be used for a limited time.
The game becomes increasingly difficult as it progresses. The Space Hawk moves faster and becomes more difficult to hit, and the number of enemies on the screen increases. The player must use all of their skills to survive and complete the mission.
Development
Space Hawk was developed by Atari, Inc. and released in arcades in 1981. The game was designed by Ed Logg, who was also responsible for designing other classic Atari games such as Asteroids and Centipede.
Space Hawk was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball for player control. The trackball allowed for smoother and more precise movement than the traditional joystick, which gave players a better chance of avoiding enemies and completing the mission.
Reception
Space Hawk was a critical and commercial success. Critics praised the game’s innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and addictive nature. The game was also a hit with arcade goers, who enjoyed the fast-paced action and the satisfaction of completing the mission.
Space Hawk has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, and Commodore 64. The game has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.
Legacy
Space Hawk is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. The game’s innovative gameplay and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite among gamers for over 40 years. Space Hawk has also been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including the Metroid series and the Halo series.
Tips for Playing Space Hawk
- Use the trackball to control the hunter’s movements. The trackball allows for more precise movement than the joystick, which is essential for avoiding enemies and completing the mission.
- Shoot gas blasts in all directions to destroy enemies and propel the hunter away from danger.
- Use hyperspace to escape danger. Hyperspace provides a temporary invulnerability shield, but it can only be used for a limited time.
- Be patient and don’t give up. Space Hawk is a challenging game, but it is possible to complete the mission with practice.
Conclusion
Space Hawk is a classic arcade game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The game’s innovative gameplay, fast-paced action, and addictive nature have made it a favorite among gamers for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a classic arcade game to play, Space Hawk is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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