Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Tronix
- Publishers: Tronix
Suicide Strike (1983): A Retro Side-Scrolling Aviation Classic
Released in 1983, Suicide Strike is a side-scrolling single-shooter aviation game that puts players in the cockpit of a lone fighter jet on a perilous mission to demolish an enemy headquarters. Developed by Atari, Inc., Suicide Strike became a popular arcade hit and was later ported to home computers such as the Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Gameplay
Suicide Strike presents players with a series of missions, each with its own unique objective. The ultimate goal is to reach the enemy headquarters and destroy it, but along the way, players must navigate through waves of enemy aircraft, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and enemy gunships.
The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, with the player’s fighter jet constantly moving forward. Players control the jet’s speed and altitude, as well as its weapons systems. The jet is equipped with a variety of weapons, including bombs, missiles, and a rapid-fire cannon.
One of the unique aspects of Suicide Strike is its fuel system. The player’s fighter jet consumes fuel at a constant rate, but the rate of consumption is affected by the jet’s speed and maneuvers. Flying at high speeds or performing evasive maneuvers will deplete the fuel supply more quickly.
Players must carefully manage their fuel consumption, as running out of fuel will cause the jet to crash. Fuel can be replenished by collecting fuel pods that are scattered throughout the levels.
Enemies
Suicide Strike features a variety of enemy aircraft, SAMs, and gunships. Each type of enemy has its own unique攻擊模式, and players must adapt their tactics to counter each threat.
Enemy aircraft range from agile fighters to slow-moving bombers. Some enemy aircraft are armed with bombs or missiles, while others are equipped with cannons. SAMs are stationary anti-air weapons that fire heat-seeking missiles. Gunships are heavily armed and armored vehicles that can inflict significant damage on the player’s jet.
Levels
Suicide Strike features a total of 16 levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more numerous and aggressive enemies.
Some levels require the player to navigate through narrow canyons or dense forests, while others take place over open water or in the air. The player must also contend with environmental hazards such as wind, rain, and lightning.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Suicide Strike featured impressive graphics and sound. The side-scrolling environments are detailed and colorful, and the enemy aircraft are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is composed of fast-paced and energetic music that adds to the overall intensity of the gameplay.
Legacy
Suicide Strike was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years and remains popular among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Suicide Strike is considered to be one of the pioneers of the side-scrolling shooter genre. Its unique fuel system and variety of enemies and levels have influenced many subsequent aviation shooters. The game is still enjoyed by many today for its challenging gameplay and retro charm.
Tips for Playing Suicide Strike
- Manage your fuel consumption carefully. Avoid flying at high speeds or performing evasive maneuvers unless necessary.
- Collect fuel pods whenever possible to replenish your fuel supply.
- Learn the attack patterns of each type of enemy and adapt your tactics accordingly.
- Use your bombs and missiles strategically to take out enemy aircraft and SAMs.
- Don’t be afraid to use your rapid-fire cannon to take out weaker enemies.
- Be patient and persistent. Suicide Strike is a challenging game, but it is possible to beat with practice.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
