Summary
- Release Year: 1980
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Arcade, ColecoVision
- Developers: Universal Co., Ltd.
- Publishers: Coleco
Space Panic (1980)
Space Panic is a classic arcade game released by Universal in 1980. It is a maze game in which the player controls an astronaut who must dig holes to trap and bury space aliens. The game is notable for its innovative gameplay and its cute and colorful graphics.
Gameplay
The player controls an astronaut named Dig Dug who must navigate a maze filled with space aliens. Dig Dug can dig holes in the ground, and he can use these holes to trap and bury the aliens. To bury an alien, Dig Dug must dig a hole beneath it and then fill in the hole with dirt. If Dig Dug touches an alien, he will lose a life.
There are a variety of different types of aliens in Space Panic, each with its own unique abilities. Some aliens can fly, while others can shoot projectiles. Dig Dug must use his wits and agility to avoid the aliens and bury them all.
Levels
Space Panic has 50 levels, each with its own unique layout. The levels become progressively more difficult as the game progresses. In later levels, Dig Dug must contend with faster aliens and more complex mazes.
Development
Space Panic was developed by a team led by Toru Iwatani, who would later go on to create Pac-Man. Iwatani was inspired to create Space Panic after seeing a group of children playing in a sandbox. He realized that there was a lot of potential for a game that involved digging holes.
Space Panic was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize the maze game genre. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Master System, and the PlayStation Portable.
Legacy
Space Panic is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its cute and colorful graphics, and its addictive challenge. Space Panic has been cited as an inspiration for many other games, including Lode Runner and Dig Dug.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you beat Space Panic:
- Use the holes to your advantage. You can use holes to trap aliens, to avoid being hit by projectiles, and to reach higher platforms.
- Be careful not to get cornered. If you get cornered, you will be easy prey for the aliens.
- Try to drop aliens on top of each other. This will earn you extra points and eliminate both aliens.
- Don’t be afraid to use the bombs. Bombs can be used to clear out large groups of aliens.
Conclusion
Space Panic is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. It is a challenging but fair game with cute and colorful graphics and addictive gameplay. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you need to check out Space Panic.
Additional Information
- Space Panic was the first arcade game to feature a female protagonist.
- The game’s music was composed by Junko Ozawa, who would later go on to compose the music for Pac-Man.
- Space Panic has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Master System, and the PlayStation Portable.
- There is a sequel to Space Panic called Dig Dug II, which was released in 1982.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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