Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Reflexive Entertainment
- Publishers: Reflexive Entertainment
Swarm (1998): A Deep Dive into the Classic Top-Down Space Shooter
Released in 1998, Swarm is a top-down space shooter that quickly became a cult classic among fans of the genre. Developed by Unique Development Studios and published by Gathering of Developers, Swarm is known for its challenging gameplay, addictive level design, and impressive graphics for its time.
Gameplay
Swarm is a top-down space shooter in which the player controls a ship that must collect a fuel source called EZT (Endron Zymithium Trisistaline) for the corporation they’re indentured to. The player’s ship is constantly pursued by an aggressive alien species called the Clagnor, which must be avoided or defeated.
The game is level based, with 100 levels of increasing difficulty. The main type of level requires the player to connect enough EZT to reach a certain percentage. The second type of level is a timed level where the player must kill a certain number of enemies. And lastly there is an uncommon bonus level where the player can collect as many items as they can in a short amount of time.
Items carry over between levels, but are lost when the player loses a life. If the player loses all lives, the game is over, though they may start again from the highest level they reached. There is a high score list as well.
Weapons and Items
The player’s ship can be equipped with a variety of weapons and items to help them survive and complete their mission. These include:
- Laser: A basic weapon that fires a single laser beam.
- Spread: A weapon that fires a spread of three laser beams.
- Homing Missile: A missile that locks onto and follows enemies.
- EMP Missile: A missile that disables enemy shields.
- Mine: A proximity mine that explodes when an enemy gets too close.
- Shield: A temporary shield that protects the player’s ship from damage.
- Health: A power-up that restores the player’s ship’s health.
Enemies
The Clagnor are the main enemies in Swarm. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own unique攻擊模式. Some Clagnor are slow and easy to avoid, while others are fast and agile. Some Clagnor fire lasers, while others drop bombs or launch missiles.
The player must use their weapons and items strategically to defeat the Clagnor and complete their mission.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1998, Swarm has impressive graphics. The game’s levels are detailed and varied, and the enemy ships are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of electronic and orchestral music that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.
Legacy
Swarm was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best top-down space shooters ever made. The game has been praised for its challenging gameplay, addictive level design, and impressive graphics. Swarm has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Mac, and Dreamcast.
In 2014, a sequel to Swarm was released, titled Swarm: The Last Wave. The sequel features updated graphics and gameplay, but retains the same classic top-down shooting action that made the original game so popular.
Conclusion
Swarm is a classic top-down space shooter that is still worth checking out today. The game’s challenging gameplay, addictive level design, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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