Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Sharp X68000
- Developers: Brøderbund Software
- Publishers: Loriciel
Wings of Fury (1987): A Detailed Retrospective
Wings of Fury is a horizontally scrolling shooter game released by SNK in 1987. The game is set during World War II and puts the player in the role of a fighter pilot tasked with defending an aircraft carrier from Japanese attacks and destroying enemy targets on a series of islands.
The game is known for its intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music. It was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shooters of its era.
Gameplay
Wings of Fury is a horizontally scrolling shooter in which the player controls a fighter plane from a behind-the-plane perspective. The player’s goal is to defeat the Japanese by destroying enemy bunkers, turrets, barracks, and aircraft carriers on a series of islands. The player can also kill enemy soldiers either with bombs or by machine gun.
The player has a finite amount of fuel and munitions, which can be replenished by returning to the aircraft carrier. The player’s aircraft can be destroyed by accumulated damage from enemy fire or by crashing into the terrain.
Weapons
The player has a variety of weapons at their disposal, including:
- Machine guns: Unlimited ammo, but weak damage.
- Bombs: Limited ammo, but can destroy ground targets.
- Rockets: Limited ammo, but can destroy enemy aircraft.
- Torpedoes: Limited ammo, but can destroy enemy ships.
The player can also collect power-ups that will temporarily increase their firepower or speed.
Levels
Wings of Fury consists of six levels, each with its own unique set of objectives. The levels are:
- Take Off: The player takes off from an aircraft carrier and must destroy enemy planes and ships.
- Island Assault: The player must destroy enemy bunkers, turrets, and barracks on a series of islands.
- Sea Battle: The player must sink Japanese ships, including destroyers, battleships, and aircraft carriers.
- Air Raid: The player must defend the aircraft carrier from waves of enemy aircraft.
- Bombing Run: The player must bomb enemy targets on a heavily defended island.
- Final Battle: The player must defeat the Japanese commander in a one-on-one dogfight.
Graphics and Sound
Wings of Fury is known for its stunning graphics. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s music is also catchy and memorable.
Reception
Wings of Fury was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music. It was also a hit in arcades, where it was one of the most popular games of its era.
Wings of Fury has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs.
Legacy
Wings of Fury is considered to be one of the best shooters of its era. The game’s intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music have made it a classic among retro gamers.
The game has also been influential on later shooters. For example, the popular arcade game 1942 was heavily inspired by Wings of Fury.
Conclusion
Wings of Fury is a classic arcade shooter that still holds up today. The game’s intense action, stunning graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
