Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Web browser
- Developers: Vid Kidz
- Publishers: Shockwave, Williams Electronics
Stargate (1981): A Classic Arcade Shooter
Stargate is a classic arcade shooter game released in 1981 by Williams Electronics. The game is set in a science fiction universe where the player controls a spaceship that must protect humans from being captured by aliens. Stargate was a commercial success and is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time.
Gameplay
Stargate is a fixed shooter game, meaning that the player’s ship remains in a fixed position at the bottom of the screen. The player controls the ship’s movement and firing with a joystick and buttons. The goal of the game is to shoot down aliens and rescue humans before they are captured.
The game is divided into waves, each of which becomes progressively more difficult. In each wave, the player must destroy a certain number of aliens and rescue a certain number of humans. If the player fails to do so, they will lose a life. The game ends when the player loses all of their lives.
Enemies
There are a variety of different aliens in Stargate, each with their own unique attack patterns. Some of the most common aliens include:
- Grunts: These are the most basic type of alien. They are slow-moving and easy to kill.
- Fliers: These aliens fly around the screen and shoot at the player. They are more difficult to kill than grunts.
- Bombers: These aliens drop bombs that can damage the player’s ship. They are slow-moving, but they can be difficult to avoid.
- Kamikazes: These aliens fly directly at the player’s ship and explode. They are very difficult to avoid.
Power-ups
There are a variety of power-ups that can help the player in Stargate. These power-ups include:
- Speed: This power-up increases the speed of the player’s ship.
- Firepower: This power-up increases the firepower of the player’s ship.
- Shield: This power-up gives the player’s ship a shield that protects it from enemy fire.
- Extra life: This power-up gives the player an extra life.
Legacy
Stargate was a commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the most influential arcade games of all time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay has been imitated by many other games, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Stargate has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and online gaming services.
Critical reception
Stargate received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its variety of enemies and power-ups, and its impressive graphics and sound.
Stargate has been ranked among the best arcade games of all time by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Arcade Attack. The game has also been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Cultural impact
Stargate has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in a number of films and television shows, and it has been referenced in popular culture. The game’s iconic graphics and sound have also been used in a number of parodies and homages.
Stargate is a classic arcade shooter that still holds up today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its variety of enemies and power-ups, and its impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for any fan of classic gaming.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
