Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Wood Place Inc.
- Publishers: U.S. Gold, Wood Place Inc.
The Deep (1987): A Retro Underwater Adventure
Released in 1987, The Deep is an arcade classic that takes you on an underwater adventure filled with enemy submarines, jellyfish, and underwater mines. As the captain of a ship, you must defend yourself against these threats while completing various objectives on each screen.
Gameplay
The Deep is a side-scrolling shooter game where you control a ship that can move left and right. You are constantly under attack from enemy submarines, jellyfish, and mines, which launch missiles or mines at you. You can dodge these attacks by moving your ship out of the way.
To defeat your enemies, you can shoot them with your ship’s cannons. You can also drop water bombs, which are more powerful than your cannons but are limited in quantity. Water bombs slowly refill over time.
In addition to shooting enemies, you can also collect power-ups that will help you on your journey. These power-ups include smart bombs, steering rockets, and additional speed. You can also turn your ship into a submarine to collect items underwater.
Each screen in The Deep has a different objective. Sometimes you will need to collect an orb, other times you will need to bomb an underwater station, or destroy a powerful ship. Once you complete the objective on a screen, you will move on to the next screen.
Graphics and Sound
The Deep’s graphics are colorful and detailed for an arcade game of its time. The underwater environments are well-drawn and the enemies are varied and interesting. The game’s sound effects are also well done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Difficulty
The Deep is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The difficulty increases gradually as you progress through the game, and there are plenty of checkpoints to help you if you die.
Overall
The Deep is a classic arcade game that is still fun to play today. The game’s challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music make it a great choice for retro gaming fans.
Tips for Playing The Deep
- Use your water bombs wisely. They are your most powerful weapon, but they are also limited in quantity.
- Collect power-ups whenever you can. They can give you a significant advantage in battle.
- Don’t be afraid to turn into a submarine. It can be helpful for collecting items underwater and avoiding enemy attacks.
- Be patient. The Deep is a challenging game, but it is also fair. If you die, don’t give up. Just keep trying and you will eventually succeed.
History
The Deep was developed by the Japanese company Toaplan and released in arcades in 1987. It was later ported to the Sega Genesis and other home computers. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time. The game spawned two sequels ‘Fire Shark’ and ‘Trident.
Cultural Impact
The Deep has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. It has also been featured in several video game magazines and websites.
Review Score
8.5/10
