Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Apollo Software
- Publishers: Apollo Software
Spacechase: A Retro Sci-Fi Shooter That Still Packs a Punch
Spacechase is a classic arcade game released in 1981 by Atari. It is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a Mark 16 Starcruiser on a moon-based scouting mission. The player’s objective is to destroy enemy alien ships until reinforcements arrive from Earth.
Spacechase was one of the first arcade games to use vector graphics, which give the game a distinctive look and feel. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting.
The player’s Starcruiser is armed with a laser cannon that can fire in eight directions. The player must use the joystick to move the Starcruiser and the fire button to shoot. The player can also collect power-ups that give the Starcruiser temporary enhancements, such as increased firepower or speed.
The enemy ships in Spacechase come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some ships are small and fast, while others are large and slow. Some ships fire neutron missiles, which can destroy the Starcruiser upon impact. Other ships fire laser-directed heat-seeking proton missiles, which are more difficult to dodge.
As the player progresses through the game, the enemy ships become more difficult to defeat. The player must use all of their skills and abilities to survive and complete the mission.
Spacechase was a critical and commercial success when it was first released. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. Spacechase has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and IBM PC.
Gameplay
Spacechase is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a Mark 16 Starcruiser on a moon-based scouting mission. The player’s objective is to destroy enemy alien ships until reinforcements arrive from Earth.
The player’s Starcruiser is armed with a laser cannon that can fire in eight directions. The player must use the joystick to move the Starcruiser and the fire button to shoot. The player can also collect power-ups that give the Starcruiser temporary enhancements, such as increased firepower or speed.
The enemy ships in Spacechase come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some ships are small and fast, while others are large and slow. Some ships fire neutron missiles, which can destroy the Starcruiser upon impact. Other ships fire laser-directed heat-seeking proton missiles, which are more difficult to dodge.
As the player progresses through the game, the enemy ships become more difficult to defeat. The player must use all of their skills and abilities to survive and complete the mission.
Graphics
Spacechase was one of the first arcade games to use vector graphics. Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations, which gives them a distinctive look and feel. The graphics in Spacechase are simple but effective, and they create a sense of speed and excitement.
The enemy ships in Spacechase are particularly well-designed. Each ship has a unique shape and color scheme, and they are all instantly recognizable. The backgrounds in Spacechase are also well-done, and they create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
Sound
The sound in Spacechase is excellent. The game’s soundtrack is composed of catchy electronic tunes that perfectly capture the game’s fast-paced and exciting gameplay. The sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the game’s overall atmosphere.
Legacy
Spacechase is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, great graphics, and sound make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming. Spacechase has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it is still available to purchase and play today.
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging retro shoot-’em-up, then you need to check out Spacechase. It’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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