Platform: Atari Lynx

Xenophobe (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Xenophobe (1987): A Detailed Retrospective

Xenophobe is a 1987 arcade game developed and published by Bally Midway. It is a top-down shooter game in which the player controls a lone soldier fighting against hordes of aliens. The game is set in a futuristic space station, and the player must battle their way through multiple levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges.

Gameplay

The goal of each level in Xenophobe is to defeat all of the aliens before time runs out. Players can use a variety of weapons to defeat the aliens, including a machine gun, a flamethrower, and a rocket launcher. Players can also pick up power-ups that will give them temporary boosts, such as increased speed or firepower.

Levels in Xenophobe may contain more than one floor, and players can use elevators or holes to move between floors. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully plan their movements in order to avoid being surrounded by aliens.

Development

Xenophobe was developed by a team led by Eugene Jarvis, who had previously worked on other classic arcade games such as Defender and Robotron: 2084. The game was inspired by the 1982 film The Thing, and Jarvis wanted to create a game that would be as intense and suspenseful as the film.

Xenophobe was released in arcades in 1987 and was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and impressive graphics. Xenophobe was also one of the first arcade games to feature digitized speech, which added to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Legacy

Xenophobe is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Amiga, and the Atari ST. Xenophobe has also been included in a number of arcade compilations, such as Midway Arcade Treasures and Arcade Classics.

The game’s legacy is also evident in its influence on other games. For example, the popular first-person shooter game Doom was heavily inspired by Xenophobe. Doom’s creator, John Carmack, has said that Xenophobe was one of the games that inspired him to create Doom.

Critical Reception

Xenophobe was praised by critics for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and impressive graphics. The game was also one of the first arcade games to feature digitized speech, which added to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Accolades

  • Xenophobe was nominated for the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year in 1988.
  • The game was also ranked #10 in Electronic Gaming Monthly’s list of the “100 Best Arcade Games of All Time” in 1991.

Impact

Xenophobe is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and impressive graphics made it a hit with arcade-goers. Xenophobe also had a significant impact on the development of other games, including the popular first-person shooter game Doom.

Conclusion

Xenophobe is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its simple but addictive gameplay and challenging levels will keep you coming back for more. If you’re a fan of arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Xenophobe.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter (1990)

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is a dungeon-crawling arcade game released in 1990 by Atari Games. It is the third game in the Gauntlet series, and the first to be released in arcades. The game was ported to the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Amiga in 1991.

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is set in the fantasy world of Tyram, which is being terrorized by an evil sorcerer named Garm. Garm has stolen the Star Gem, a powerful artifact that can be used to control the forces of darkness. The player characters must travel through a series of dungeons to defeat Garm and retrieve the Star Gem.

There are four playable characters in Gauntlet: The Third Encounter: Thor the warrior, Thyra the valkyrie, Merlin the wizard, and Questor the elf. Each character has their own unique abilities and weapons. Thor is a powerful melee fighter, Thyra is a skilled archer, Merlin can cast powerful spells, and Questor is a nimble thief.

The game is played from a top-down perspective. The player characters must navigate through a series of rooms, each of which is filled with enemies. The player characters can attack enemies with their weapons or spells, and they can also collect items to help them on their quest.

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, its variety of enemies and levels, and its innovative use of four-player cooperative play. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with fans of dungeon-crawling games today.

Gameplay

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is a dungeon-crawling game in which the player characters must travel through a series of rooms, each of which is filled with enemies. The player characters can attack enemies with their weapons or spells, and they can also collect items to help them on their quest.

The game can be played with up to four players, each of whom controls one of the four playable characters. The player characters can work together to defeat enemies and solve puzzles, or they can compete against each other to see who can score the most points.

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter features a variety of different enemies, including goblins, skeletons, zombies, and dragons. The player characters must use their unique abilities and weapons to defeat each type of enemy.

The game also features a variety of different items that can help the player characters on their quest. These items include potions that can restore health or mana, weapons that can do more damage, and armor that can protect the player characters from enemy attacks.

Characters

There are four playable characters in Gauntlet: The Third Encounter:

  • Thor the warrior: Thor is a powerful melee fighter who is proficient with all types of weapons. He is also the strongest character in the game.
  • Thyra the valkyrie: Thyra is a skilled archer who can attack enemies from a distance. She is also the fastest character in the game.
  • Merlin the wizard: Merlin is a powerful spellcaster who can cast a variety of spells to attack enemies and heal his allies.
  • Questor the elf: Questor is a nimble thief who can use his agility to avoid enemy attacks and steal items from them.

Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Thor is the strongest character, but he is also the slowest. Thyra is the fastest character, but she is also the weakest. Merlin is a powerful spellcaster, but he is also very fragile. Questor is a nimble thief, but he is also the least powerful character.

Development

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was developed by Atari Games. The game was designed by Ed Logg, who also designed the original Gauntlet game. Logg wanted to create a game that was more challenging and varied than the original Gauntlet. He also wanted to add more cooperative play elements to the game.

The development of Gauntlet: The Third Encounter took approximately two years. The game was programmed by Ed Logg, Dave Needle, and Neil Falconer. The graphics were designed by George Petro, John Tobias, and Dave Manzo. The music was composed by Tim Follin.

Release

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was released in arcades in 1990. The game was ported to the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Amiga in 1991.

The arcade version of Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was a commercial success. It was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1990. The home versions of the game were also successful, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Reception

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was praised by critics for its addictive gameplay, its variety of enemies and levels, and its innovative use of four-player cooperative play. The game was also praised for its graphics and sound.

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Arcade Game of the Year. The game won the award for Best Arcade Game of the Year from Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Legacy

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is considered to be one of the greatest dungeon-crawling games of all time. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains popular with fans of the genre today.

The game has been cited as an influence on many other dungeon-crawling games, including Diablo and Torchlight. Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is also credited with popularizing the use of four-player cooperative play in arcade games.

Conclusion

Gauntlet: The Third Encounter is a classic dungeon-crawling game that is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today. The game’s addictive gameplay, variety of enemies and levels, and innovative use of four-player cooperative play make it a timeless classic.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Klax (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Klax: A Colorful Classic from the Golden Age of Arcade Gaming

Released in 1990, Klax is a captivating puzzle game that has stood the test of time. Developed by Atari Games, Klax was designed by Dave Akers and Mark Stephen Pierce, who were inspired by the popular game Columns. The objective of Klax is to rotate and drop colored blocks into rows of similar colors to make them disappear. This simple yet addictive gameplay has made Klax a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts for over three decades.

Gameplay

Klax is played on a 10×10 grid. Blocks of various colors fall from the top of the screen, and the player can rotate and drop them into place using the joystick or keyboard controls. The goal is to line up three or more blocks of the same color either horizontally or vertically to make them disappear. As rows of blocks are cleared, the remaining blocks fall down to fill the empty spaces.

The game becomes increasingly challenging as the speed of the falling blocks increases and new obstacles are introduced. These obstacles include bombs that explode and destroy surrounding blocks, and flippers that change the direction of falling blocks. The player must think quickly and strategically to clear rows of blocks and avoid being overwhelmed by the incoming onslaught.

Power-Ups

Klax features a variety of power-ups that can help the player clear blocks more efficiently. These power-ups include:

  • Bomb: Destroys all blocks in a 3×3 area.
  • Flipper: Changes the direction of falling blocks.
  • Laser: Destroys a horizontal row of blocks.
  • Time Warp: Slows down the speed of the falling blocks.
  • Extra Life: Grants the player an additional life.

Multiplayer

Klax features a competitive multiplayer mode for up to two players. In multiplayer mode, players compete to clear the most rows of blocks and earn the highest score. The multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the game.

Legacy

Klax was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. Klax has been ported to numerous home platforms, including the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. It has also been included in several retro game compilations.

Klax remains a popular puzzle game today, and it is still enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Its simple yet challenging gameplay has made it a timeless classic that continues to entertain and engage players.

Cultural Impact

Klax has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s distinctive graphics and music have been referenced in numerous other works of art and entertainment. For example, the Klax logo appeared in the popular 1990s sitcom “Friends.”

Critical Reception

Klax received positive reviews from critics upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. Many reviewers compared Klax favorably to Columns, and some even hailed it as the superior game.

Accolades

  • Golden Joystick Award for Best Coin-Op Game of the Year (1990)
  • Arcade Game of the Year (1990)

Conclusion

Klax is a classic puzzle game that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music have made it a favorite among gamers for over three decades. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Klax is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Zarlor Mercenary (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Zarlor Mercenary: A Retrospective

Released in 1990 for the Commodore 64 and Amiga, Zarlor Mercenary is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up that quickly gained a cult following among fans of the genre. With its fast-paced action, variety of enemies, and multiple player modes, Zarlor Mercenary is a game that still holds up today.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that scrolls vertically through a variety of levels, destroying enemy spaceships and buildings in order to earn money. This money can then be used to purchase upgrades between levels, such as new weapons, shields, and engines.

At the end of each level, there is a boss ship or landing craft that needs to be destroyed. These boss fights are often challenging, but they also provide a great sense of satisfaction when they are finally defeated.

Zarlor Mercenary can be played with up to four players simultaneously using the Comlynx. This makes for a chaotic and fun experience, as players work together to defeat the enemy hordes. However, it is also possible to betray your fellow players and steal their money, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Zarlor Mercenary had impressive graphics and sound. The backgrounds are detailed and varied, and the enemy ships are well-animated. The sound effects are also top-notch, and the music is catchy and memorable.

Story

Zarlor Mercenary does not have a particularly deep story, but it does provide enough context to keep the player engaged. The player takes on the role of a mercenary pilot who is hired to fight against the evil Zarlor Empire. As the player progresses through the game, they will learn more about the Zarlor Empire and its plans for conquest.

Reception

Zarlor Mercenary was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced action, variety of enemies, and multiple player modes. The game was also a finalist for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Shoot ‘Em Up in 1990.

Legacy

Zarlor Mercenary is still considered one of the best vertically scrolling shoot ’em ups ever made. It has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains popular among fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing Zarlor Mercenary

  • Use the environment to your advantage. The levels are filled with obstacles that can be used to block enemy fire or trap enemies.
  • Upgrade your ship regularly. The money you earn from defeating enemies can be used to purchase upgrades that will make your ship more powerful and durable.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies. There is no one right way to play Zarlor Mercenary, so experiment until you find a playstyle that suits you.
  • If you are playing with multiple players, work together to defeat the enemy hordes. However, don’t be afraid to betray your fellow players if you think you can get away with it.

Conclusion

Zarlor Mercenary is a classic shoot ’em up that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, variety of enemies, and multiple player modes, it is a game that is sure to provide hours of fun. If you are a fan of the genre, or if you are just looking for a great retro game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Zarlor Mercenary.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Awesome Golf (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Awesome Golf (1991) Review

Awesome Golf is a golf simulation game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in Japan in 1991 and in North America and Europe in 1992.

The game features three 18-hole courses: the St. Andrews Links in Scotland, the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, and the Karuizawa 72 Golf Course in Japan. Each course has its own unique challenges, such as narrow fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens.

Players can choose to play as one of four golfers, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. They can also choose from a variety of clubs, including drivers, irons, woods, and putters.

The gameplay is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must first line up their shot by using the D-pad to move the cursor around the screen. Once they are satisfied with the alignment, they can press the A button to swing the club. The power of the swing is determined by how long the A button is held down.

After the club has been swung, players must then stop the cursor on one of the three power meters. The closer the cursor is to the center of the meter, the more accurate the shot will be. If the cursor is too far to the left or right, the ball will slice or hook, respectively.

Once the power and accuracy of the shot have been determined, the ball will be hit. The ball’s trajectory is determined by the club that was used, the power of the swing, and the accuracy of the shot.

Players can also use the B button to add spin to the ball. This can be useful for making the ball land closer to the pin or for getting it out of a hazard.

Awesome Golf is a challenging and rewarding golf simulation game. It features realistic gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a variety of courses and golfers to choose from. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a novice, you are sure to enjoy Awesome Golf.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Awesome Golf is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must first line up their shot by using the D-pad to move the cursor around the screen. Once they are satisfied with the alignment, they can press the A button to swing the club. The power of the swing is determined by how long the A button is held down.

After the club has been swung, players must then stop the cursor on one of the three power meters. The closer the cursor is to the center of the meter, the more accurate the shot will be. If the cursor is too far to the left or right, the ball will slice or hook, respectively.

Once the power and accuracy of the shot have been determined, the ball will be hit. The ball’s trajectory is determined by the club that was used, the power of the swing, and the accuracy of the shot.

Players can also use the B button to add spin to the ball. This can be useful for making the ball land closer to the pin or for getting it out of a hazard.

Courses

Awesome Golf features three 18-hole courses: the St. Andrews Links in Scotland, the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, and the Karuizawa 72 Golf Course in Japan. Each course has its own unique challenges, such as narrow fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens.

The St. Andrews Links is a classic links course that is known for its challenging winds and pot bunkers. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is a beautiful course that is known for its stunning ocean views. The Karuizawa 72 Golf Course is a challenging mountain course that is known for its tight fairways and fast greens.

Golfers

Players can choose to play as one of four golfers in Awesome Golf. Each golfer has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

  • John Daly: A long hitter with a powerful swing.
  • Nick Faldo: A consistent golfer with a great short game.
  • Greg Norman: A versatile golfer who can play well on all types of courses.
  • Annika Sorenstam: A rising star who is known for her accuracy and putting.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Awesome Golf are colorful and detailed. The courses are realistically rendered, and the golfers are animated smoothly. The sound effects are also realistic, and the music is catchy and upbeat.

Conclusion

Awesome Golf is a challenging and rewarding golf simulation game. It features realistic gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a variety of courses and golfers to choose from. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a novice, you are sure to enjoy Awesome Golf.

Score

9/10

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Kung Food (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Kung Food (1992)

The Ultimate Food Fight

Kung Food is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up arcade game released by Capcom in 1992. The player controls one of three characters—Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, or Sammo Hung—as they fight their way through hordes of mutant vegetables in order to save the world.

The game is set in a world where mutant vegetables have taken over and are terrorizing the populace. The player characters must use their martial arts skills to defeat the vegetables and restore order to the world.

Kung Food is a fast-paced and challenging game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player characters have a variety of attacks at their disposal, including punches, kicks, and special moves. They can also pick up weapons, such as knives and baseball bats, to use against their enemies.

The game features a variety of different enemies, each with their own unique attacks and abilities. Some of the more common enemies include tomatoes that shoot seeds, carrots that can burrow underground, and onions that can emit a noxious gas.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique boss. The final boss is a giant mutant vegetable called the Vegetal Overlord.

Gameplay

Kung Food is a side-scrolling beat-’em-up game in which the player controls one of three characters—Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, or Sammo Hung—as they fight their way through hordes of mutant vegetables. The player characters have a variety of attacks at their disposal, including punches, kicks, and special moves. They can also pick up weapons, such as knives and baseball bats, to use against their enemies.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique boss. The final boss is a giant mutant vegetable called the Vegetal Overlord.

Characters

There are three playable characters in Kung Food:

  • Bruce Lee is a martial arts master and the inspiration for the game’s main character. He is the fastest and most agile of the three characters, and his attacks are very powerful.
  • Jackie Chan is a martial arts actor and stuntman. He is not as fast or powerful as Bruce Lee, but he is more durable and has a wider range of attacks.
  • Sammo Hung is a martial arts actor and director. He is the slowest and least agile of the three characters, but he is the strongest and has the most health.

Enemies

There are a variety of different enemies in Kung Food, each with their own unique attacks and abilities. Some of the more common enemies include:

  • Tomatoes shoot seeds that can damage the player characters.
  • Carrots can burrow underground and attack the player characters from below.
  • Onions emit a noxious gas that can damage the player characters.
  • Potatoes are slow and笨拙, but they can take a lot of damage.
  • Eggplants are fast and agile, and they can attack the player characters with their sharp claws.

Bosses

Each stage in Kung Food has its own unique boss. The bosses are all giant mutant vegetables, and they are much more powerful than the regular enemies. The final boss is a giant mutant vegetable called the Vegetal Overlord.

Legacy

Kung Food was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy soundtrack. Kung Food has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation.

Kung Food is still considered to be one of the best beat-’em-up games ever made. The game is a classic example of the genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

Trivia

  • The game was originally going to be called “Veggies From Hell.”
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yoko Shimomura, who also composed the soundtracks for the Street Fighter II and Final Fantasy series.
  • The game was featured in the 1993 film Surf Ninjas.

Reviews

  • “Kung Food is a classic beat-’em-up that’s still a lot of fun to play today. The graphics are charming, the gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, and the soundtrack is catchy. If you’re a fan of retro gaming, then you should definitely check out Kung Food.” – IGN
  • “Kung Food is a great example of a classic beat-’em-up. The game is fast-paced, challenging, and a lot of fun to play. The graphics are charming, the soundtrack is catchy, and the characters are memorable. If you’re a fan of beat-’em-ups, then you should definitely check out Kung Food.” – GameSpot
  • “Kung Food is a fun and challenging beat-’em-up that’s sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s graphics are charming, the gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, and the soundtrack is catchy. If you’re looking for a classic beat-’em-up to play, then Kung Food is definitely worth checking out.” – Nintendo Life

Review Score

8/10

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Shanghai (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Shanghai (1986): A Classic Mahjong Solitaire Video Game

Introduction

Shanghai is a computerized version of mahjong solitaire, a popular Chinese game of skill and strategy. The game was developed by Brodie Lockard and originally released for the Macintosh in 1986. It was later ported to a variety of other platforms, including the Sega Master System, MS-DOS, and Windows. Shanghai quickly became a critical and commercial success, and it remains one of the most popular mahjong solitaire games ever created.

Gameplay

The goal of Shanghai is to remove all of the tiles from the game board. The board is made up of 144 tiles, which are arranged in a 7×20 grid. The tiles are all facing down, and they are stacked in layers.

To remove a tile, you must match it with another tile of the same type. The tiles can be matched horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. When you match two tiles, they will disappear from the board.

The game becomes more difficult as you progress. As you remove tiles, the remaining tiles will become more difficult to match. You will also have to deal with obstacles, such as locked tiles and tiles that are covered by other tiles.

Scoring

You earn points for each tile that you remove from the board. The number of points you earn depends on the type of tile that you remove. Common tiles are worth 1 point, while rare tiles are worth more points.

You also earn bonus points for completing certain tasks, such as removing all of the tiles from a single layer or removing all of the tiles from the board in a limited number of moves.

Strategy

There are a few basic strategies that you can use to improve your chances of winning at Shanghai.

  • Look for exposed tiles. Exposed tiles are tiles that are not covered by any other tiles. These tiles are the easiest to match, so you should always try to remove them first.
  • Match tiles that are close together. When you match tiles that are close together, you will create more opportunities to match other tiles.
  • Don’t be afraid to move tiles. If you can’t find a match for a tile, don’t be afraid to move it to a different location. This will give you a new perspective on the board and may help you find a match.
  • Use the undo button. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo button to reverse your last move. This can be helpful if you accidentally remove a tile that you needed.

History

Shanghai was developed by Brodie Lockard, a software engineer from California. Lockard was inspired to create the game after playing a game of mahjong solitaire with his wife. He wanted to create a computerized version of the game that would be more accessible and challenging.

Shanghai was originally released for the Macintosh in 1986. The game was an instant success, and it was soon ported to a variety of other platforms. Shanghai has been praised for its simple gameplay, stunning visuals, and addictive challenge. It remains one of the most popular mahjong solitaire games ever created.

Cultural Impact

Shanghai has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in songs and books. Shanghai has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities.

Shanghai is a classic video game that has stood the test of time. It is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. Shanghai is a challenging and addictive game that will provide hours of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Shanghai is a classic mahjong solitaire video game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The game is simple to learn, but it is difficult to master. Shanghai is a challenging and addictive game that will provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Ivan ”Ironman” Stewart’s Super Off Road (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Ivan ”Ironman” Stewart’s Super Off Road (1989)

Ivan “Ironman” Stewart’s Super Off Road is a classic arcade racing game that was released in 1989. The game was developed by Leland Corporation and published by Williams Electronics. It is known for its simple controls, challenging tracks, and addictive gameplay.

Gameplay

Super Off Road is a top-down racing game in which players control one of four off-road vehicles. The goal of the game is to race around a track and finish in first place. Players can use their nitro boost to gain an advantage over their opponents, but they must be careful not to use it too much, as it can cause their vehicle to overheat.

The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges. Some tracks are set in deserts, while others are set in forests or mountains. The tracks are also littered with obstacles, such as rocks, trees, and water hazards.

Players can race against computer-controlled opponents or against other human players. The game also features a championship mode, in which players must race through a series of tracks in order to win the championship.

Development

Super Off Road was developed by Leland Corporation, a company that was founded by Eugene Jarvis and Larry DeMar. Jarvis and DeMar had previously worked on a number of other classic arcade games, including Spy Hunter and Gauntlet.

The development of Super Off Road was led by programmer Mark Turmell. Turmell had previously worked on a number of other racing games, including Turbo Outrun and After Burner.

Turmell wanted to create a racing game that was both accessible to casual players and challenging to hardcore gamers. He also wanted to create a game that was visually impressive and featured a variety of tracks.

The development of Super Off Road took approximately two years. The game was released in arcades in 1989 and was met with critical and commercial success.

Reception

Super Off Road was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple controls, challenging tracks, and addictive gameplay. It was also praised for its impressive graphics and sound.

Super Off Road was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s. It was also ported to a number of home platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy.

Legacy

Super Off Road is considered to be one of the greatest arcade racing games of all time. It is still played by many people today, both on arcade cabinets and on home consoles.

The game has been cited as an influence on a number of other racing games, including Mario Kart and Need for Speed.

Ivan “Ironman” Stewart

Ivan “Ironman” Stewart is a professional off-road racer who has won multiple championships in a variety of off-road racing disciplines. Stewart was born in 1955 in Orange, California. He began racing off-road vehicles in the early 1970s and quickly rose to prominence.

Stewart has won a number of off-road racing championships, including the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series championship and the Baja 1000. He has also competed in the Dakar Rally, one of the most challenging off-road races in the world.

Stewart is known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to win races in a variety of conditions. He is also known for his work as a television commentator and for his involvement in the development of off-road racing video games.

Conclusion

Ivan “Ironman” Stewart’s Super Off Road is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. With its simple controls, challenging tracks, and addictive gameplay, it is a great game for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Rygar (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Rygar: A Legendary Warrior’s Quest to Restore Peace and Justice

Released in 1986 by Tecmo, Rygar is a side-scrolling action game that quickly became a beloved classic in the arcade scene. Players take control of the legendary warrior Rygar, who must traverse a vast and treacherous land to defeat the evil being Ligar and restore peace to the kingdom of Argool.

A Hero Rises from the Grave

The story of Rygar begins with the rise of Ligar, a demonic sorcerer who threatens to conquer the land of Argool. Such is his power that no living creature dares to challenge him. But hope emerges from the unlikeliest of places: the grave of the legendary warrior Rygar.

Awakened by the desperate pleas of his people, Rygar rises from his eternal slumber, armed with his famed weapon, the Diskarmor. This powerful weapon, a razor-sharp disc attached to a chain, can be thrown, swung, and used as a shield, making Rygar a formidable opponent.

A Perilous Quest

With the Diskarmor in hand, Rygar embarks on a perilous quest to defeat Ligar and restore peace to Argool. His journey takes him through a diverse and unforgiving landscape, from lush forests to desolate wastelands, each teeming with grotesque monsters and deadly traps.

Along the way, Rygar must battle hordes of Ligar’s minions, including giant spiders, fire-breathing dragons, and even the undead. Each enemy poses a unique challenge, requiring Rygar to adapt his combat tactics and use his wits to overcome them.

The Power of the Diskarmor

The Diskarmor is not merely a weapon; it is an extension of Rygar’s will. With it, he can perform a variety of powerful attacks and abilities. The basic attack involves throwing the disc, which can be aimed in eight directions. Rygar can also swing the disc around his body to create a protective shield, deflecting enemy projectiles and attacks.

In addition, the Diskarmor grants Rygar special abilities, such as the ability to charge up his disc for a more powerful throw, or to create a temporary force field that protects him from all harm. These abilities are essential for overcoming the game’s many challenges and defeating the powerful bosses that stand in Rygar’s path.

A Timeless Classic

Rygar was an instant success upon its release, captivating players with its intense action, challenging gameplay, and memorable hero. The game’s graphics were cutting-edge for the time, featuring detailed sprites and vibrant colors. The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Tim Follin, is still considered one of the best in video game history, perfectly capturing the epic scope and intensity of Rygar’s quest.

Over the years, Rygar has been ported to numerous home consoles, including the NES, Game Boy, and PlayStation 2. While these ports may not fully capture the arcade experience, they have allowed a new generation of gamers to experience this classic title.

Legacy and Impact

Rygar’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and timeless art style. It has inspired numerous sequels and spin-offs, as well as countless imitators.

Rygar is also credited with popularizing the “scrolling beat ’em up” genre, where players fight their way through hordes of enemies in a side-scrolling environment. This genre would go on to become a staple of the arcade scene, with games like Double Dragon, Streets of Rage, and Final Fight all owing a debt to Rygar’s pioneering gameplay.

Conclusion

Rygar is a true classic of the arcade era, a game that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Its intense action, challenging gameplay, and memorable hero have cemented its place in gaming history. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Rygar is a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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APB (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

APB (1987): A Nostalgic Look at the Classic Arcade Police Simulator

Released in 1987, APB (“All Points Bulletin”) is an arcade game that puts players in the shoes of Officer Bob, a rookie police officer. As Bob, players drive around the city, ticketing motorists for minor infractions and pulling over more serious offenders. Eventually, players must apprehend criminals for which an all-points bulletin has been called.

APB was a groundbreaking game for its time, offering a unique and immersive police simulation experience. The game’s graphics were impressive for the time, and the gameplay was challenging and engaging. APB was also one of the first games to feature a fully realized city environment, complete with traffic, pedestrians, and buildings.

Gameplay

APB is played from a top-down perspective. Players control Officer Bob as he drives around the city in his police car. The game’s city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique challenges. Players must patrol the city, looking for motorists who are breaking the law.

When players spot a motorist who is breaking the law, they can pull them over and issue a ticket. Minor infractions, such as speeding or running a red light, result in a simple ticket. More serious offenses, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, result in the offender being arrested.

In addition to ticketing motorists, players must also apprehend criminals. Criminals are identified by their wanted posters, which are displayed on the dashboard of Officer Bob’s police car. When players spot a wanted criminal, they must chase them down and arrest them.

Challenges

APB is a challenging game, especially in the later levels. As players progress through the game, they will encounter more and more criminals, and the criminals will become more difficult to apprehend. Players must use all of their skills and resources to track down and arrest the criminals.

In addition to the criminals, players must also contend with the city’s traffic. The city is always busy, and players must be careful not to get into accidents. Players must also be aware of the pedestrians, who can sometimes get in the way.

Legacy

APB was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and challenging difficulty. APB was also one of the first games to feature a fully realized city environment, which set a new standard for future games.

APB has been ported to several home consoles, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Atari ST. The game has also been released on several mobile platforms. APB remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by many retro gamers.

Conclusion

APB is a classic arcade game that offers a unique and immersive police simulation experience. The game’s challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and fully realized city environment make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming and police simulators.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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