Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Beam Software
- Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, ASCII Corporation
Super Smash T.V. (1992): A Retro Gem That Still Packs a Punch
Super Smash T.V. is a 1990 arcade game created by Eugene Jarvis and Mark Turmell for Williams. It is a dual-stick shooter in the same vein as its predecessor, Robotron: 2084 (also produced by Jarvis). As in the previous game, players battle waves of enemies by using guns. The plot of Smash TV revolves around a futuristic game show in which players compete for various prizes as well as their lives.
The game was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. The SNES version is largely faithful to the arcade original, but with some minor changes. For example, the SNES version has a slightly different enemy lineup, and it also features a new bonus stage.
Gameplay
Super Smash T.V. is a top-down dual-stick shooter. Players control one of two contestants on a game show called “Smash TV.” The goal of the game is to survive as long as possible and to score as many points as possible.
Players use the left stick to move their character around the screen, and the right stick to aim and shoot their gun. Players can also use a variety of power-ups that can help them to defeat their enemies.
The game is divided into a series of levels, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. Players must defeat all of the enemies in a level in order to advance to the next one.
Enemies
Super Smash T.V. features a wide variety of enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns. Some of the most common enemies include:
- Grunts: These are the most basic enemies in the game. They are slow and weak, but they can appear in large numbers.
- Fliers: These enemies can fly around the screen, making them difficult to hit. They can also drop bombs on the player.
- Tanks: These enemies are slow and heavily armored. They can fire powerful shots at the player.
- Bosses: Each level of Super Smash T.V. ends with a boss fight. Bosses are large and powerful enemies that require a lot of firepower to defeat.
Power-Ups
Super Smash T.V. features a variety of power-ups that can help players to defeat their enemies. Some of the most common power-ups include:
- Spread Shot: This power-up increases the spread of the player’s gun, making it easier to hit enemies.
- Rapid Fire: This power-up increases the rate of fire of the player’s gun.
- Homing Missiles: This power-up gives the player a limited number of homing missiles that can automatically track and destroy enemies.
- Invincibility: This power-up makes the player invincible for a short period of time.
Graphics and Sound
Super Smash T.V. features colorful and detailed graphics. The game’s backgrounds are full of life and movement, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of heavy metal and electronic music.
Legacy
Super Smash T.V. was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, its unique setting, and its excellent graphics and sound. Super Smash T.V. has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.
Conclusion
Super Smash T.V. is a classic arcade game that still packs a punch today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, unique setting, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
Review Score
8/10
