Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter, Visual Novel
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Firebird Software
The Helm (1985): A Cyberpunk-Horror Gem
Released in 1985 by Magical Zoo for the PC-8801, The Helm is a cyberpunk-horror action RPG that takes place in a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi setting. The game was later ported to the PC-9801 and X1 in 1986, and an English fan translation was released in January 2015.
The Helm is set in a future where a global nuclear war has devastated the world. The few survivors live in isolated communities, struggling to rebuild civilization. However, a new threat has emerged: the Screamers. These mutant creatures are driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh, and they are slowly but surely wiping out the remaining survivors.
The player takes on the role of a lone warrior who must travel across the wasteland, searching for a way to stop the Screamers. Along the way, the player will encounter a variety of challenges, including hostile mutants, dangerous environments, and deadly traps.
The Helm is a challenging game that requires patience and strategy. The player must carefully manage their resources, including food, water, and ammunition. They must also be aware of their surroundings and avoid making unnecessary noise, as this will attract the attention of the Screamers.
The game’s combat is fast-paced and unforgiving. The player must use a variety of weapons and tactics to defeat their enemies. They can also use stealth to avoid combat altogether.
The Helm is a unique and atmospheric game that offers a truly immersive experience. The game’s world is dark and dangerous, but it is also full of beauty and hope. The player’s journey is a difficult one, but it is also a rewarding one.
Gameplay
The Helm is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls a lone warrior who must travel across a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of a way to stop the Screamers.
The game world is divided into a series of interconnected screens. The player can move between screens by walking, running, or using a vehicle. The player can also interact with the environment by picking up items, opening doors, and using machines.
The player’s goal is to reach the end of the game world and defeat the final boss. Along the way, the player will encounter a variety of challenges, including hostile mutants, dangerous environments, and deadly traps.
The player must carefully manage their resources, including food, water, and ammunition. They must also be aware of their surroundings and avoid making unnecessary noise, as this will attract the attention of the Screamers.
The game’s combat is fast-paced and unforgiving. The player must use a variety of weapons and tactics to defeat their enemies. They can also use stealth to avoid combat altogether.
Setting
The Helm is set in a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi setting. The world has been devastated by a global nuclear war, and the few survivors live in isolated communities, struggling to rebuild civilization.
The game’s world is dark and dangerous, but it is also full of beauty and hope. The player’s journey is a difficult one, but it is also a rewarding one.
Characters
The player takes on the role of a lone warrior who must travel across the wasteland, searching for a way to stop the Screamers. The player’s character is customizable, and they can choose from a variety of weapons and skills.
The player will also encounter a variety of other characters throughout the game. These characters can be helpful or hostile, and the player must decide how to interact with them.
Reception
The Helm was released in 1985 to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, atmospheric setting, and challenging combat. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
The Helm has been featured in several publications, including Retro Gamer magazine and The Video Game Encyclopedia. The game has also been cited as an influence on several other games, including Fallout and The Last of Us.
Legacy
The Helm is a classic action RPG that has stood the test of time. The game’s unique blend of cyberpunk and horror elements, combined with its challenging gameplay and immersive setting, have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
The Helm has been re-released several times over the years, and it is now available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Mac, and Linux. The game has also been translated into several languages, including English, French, German, and Japanese.
The Helm is a true gem of the gaming world, and it is a must-play for fans of action RPGs, cyberpunk, and horror games.
Review Score
8.5/10
