Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Intellivision
- Developers: APh Technological Consulting
- Publishers: Mattel Electronics
Star Strike (1981): A Retrospective
Star Strike is a classic arcade shoot-em-up released by Sega in 1981. The game is set in the year 2381, and the player takes control of a Blue Fighter starship on a mission to rescue a captured comrade from the Protoid forces.
Star Strike is a vertically scrolling shoot-em-up, similar to games like Galaga and Galaxian. The player’s ship can move left, right, and up, and can fire lasers in eight directions. The game features a variety of enemy ships, each with its own unique attack patterns.
One of the things that makes Star Strike unique is its “Capture” mechanic. In addition to destroying enemy ships, the player can also capture them by shooting them with a special “Capture Beam.” Captured ships will then follow the player’s ship and fire on enemy ships. This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as the player must decide whether to destroy enemy ships or capture them.
Star Strike was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. Star Strike is still considered to be one of the best arcade shoot-em-ups of all time.
Gameplay
Star Strike is a vertically scrolling shoot-em-up in which the player controls a Blue Fighter starship. The player’s ship can move left, right, and up, and can fire lasers in eight directions.
The game is divided into a series of levels, each with its own unique layout and enemy ships. The player must destroy all of the enemy ships in each level in order to progress to the next level.
In addition to destroying enemy ships, the player can also capture them by shooting them with a special “Capture Beam.” Captured ships will then follow the player’s ship and fire on enemy ships. This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as the player must decide whether to destroy enemy ships or capture them.
The player’s ship can be destroyed by enemy fire. If the player’s ship is destroyed, the player will lose a life. The player has a limited number of lives, and if they lose all of their lives, the game is over.
Graphics
Star Strike’s graphics are impressive for an arcade game released in 1981. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy ships are well-animated. The player’s ship is also well-designed, and it moves smoothly and responds quickly to the player’s input.
Soundtrack
Star Strike’s soundtrack is one of the best in the arcade shoot-em-up genre. The music is upbeat and catchy, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the game’s overall atmosphere.
Conclusion
Star Strike is a classic arcade shoot-em-up that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and it’s sure to provide hours of enjoyment for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great retro shoot-em-up to play, Star Strike is definitely worth checking out.
Tips for Playing Star Strike
Here are a few tips for playing Star Strike:
- Use the Capture Beam to capture enemy ships. Captured ships will follow you and fire on enemy ships, which can be a big help in clearing the levels.
- Be careful not to get hit by enemy fire. Your ship can only take a few hits before it’s destroyed.
- Use the僚機 (僚機) power-up to create a wingman that will follow you and fire on enemy ships.
- Use theスピードアップ (スピードアップ) power-up to increase your ship’s speed. This can be helpful for dodging enemy fire and getting through the levels more quickly.
- Use theレーザー (レーザー) power-up to fire a powerful laser beam that can destroy enemy ships in one hit.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
