Platform: MSX

Zaxxon (1982)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Zaxxon: A Revolutionary Isometric Shooter from the Golden Age of Arcade Gaming

Released in 1982 by Sega, Zaxxon was a groundbreaking isometric shooter arcade game that captivated gamers with its innovative gameplay, thrilling challenges, and stunning visuals. It introduced a unique perspective to the shooter genre, immersing players in a three-dimensional world where they could maneuver their fighter jet with unparalleled freedom and precision.

Gameplay: A Test of Skill and Strategy

Zaxxon’s gameplay revolves around piloting a fighter jet through a series of fortresses, each filled with a labyrinth of obstacles, enemy turrets, and missile launchers. The player’s objective is to destroy as many targets as possible while avoiding enemy fire and conserving fuel.

The game’s isometric perspective provides a unique vantage point, allowing players to see the battlefield from above and plan their attacks accordingly. This perspective adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully consider their positioning and anticipate enemy movements.

Innovative Features: Fuel Management and Destructible Environments

One of the standout features of Zaxxon is its fuel management system. Unlike many other shooters, Zaxxon requires players to manage their fuel supply carefully. Running out of fuel means game over, so players must strategically destroy fuel drums scattered throughout the fortresses to replenish their reserves.

Another innovative aspect of Zaxxon is its destructible environments. Players can use their laser cannons to destroy enemy turrets, bunkers, and even the walls of the fortresses. This adds an element of interactivity to the gameplay, allowing players to shape the battlefield to their advantage.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Zaxxon’s visuals were groundbreaking for its time. The isometric perspective and detailed graphics created a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The vibrant colors and fluid animations brought the fortresses and enemy craft to life.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive. The pulsating soundtrack adds to the紧张感 of the gameplay, while the sound effects of explosions and laser fire create a realistic and immersive experience.

Legacy and Impact: A Pioneer of Isometric Gaming

Zaxxon was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s. Its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals set a new standard for shooter games and influenced the development of countless future titles.

The game’s isometric perspective became a staple of the shooter genre, with games like Gauntlet, Robotron: 2084, and The Simpsons Arcade Game adopting similar viewpoints. Zaxxon’s destructible environments also became a common feature in later shooters, allowing players to interact with the game world in new and exciting ways.

Re-Releases and Home Ports: Bringing Zaxxon to New Audiences

Zaxxon has been ported to numerous home platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. These ports allowed gamers to experience the classic arcade gameplay at home, further solidifying Zaxxon’s status as a beloved gaming icon.

In recent years, Zaxxon has been re-released on modern consoles and PC through digital distribution platforms. This has given a new generation of gamers the opportunity to experience the timeless gameplay and innovative features that made Zaxxon a legend.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic That Continues to Inspire

Zaxxon is a true masterpiece of arcade gaming, a title that pushed the boundaries of the genre and set a new standard for shooter games. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design have captivated gamers for decades, and its influence can still be seen in modern titles today. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of classic arcade games, Zaxxon is a must-play experience that will provide hours of thrilling and challenging entertainment.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Uncharted Waters (1990)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Uncharted Waters (1990): A Swashbuckling Adventure on the High Seas

Released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Uncharted Waters is a role-playing game that transports players to the Age of Exploration, a time of romance, adventure, and discovery. Players take on the role of a young Portuguese captain in 1502, tasked with restoring honor to their family name and making their mark on the world.

Gameplay

Uncharted Waters offers a unique blend of role-playing, strategy, and action gameplay. Players begin by creating their captain, choosing their name, appearance, and starting stats. They are then given a small ship and a crew, and set out to explore the vast world map.

The game world is divided into a grid of squares, each representing a different region or port. Players can sail their ship from square to square, encountering random events, engaging in battles, and trading with other ships.

When players enter a port, they can interact with the local townsfolk, buy and sell goods, and hire new crew members. They can also visit taverns to gather information and rumors, or gamble to earn extra gold.

Combat

Naval combat in Uncharted Waters is turn-based and tactical. When two ships engage in battle, players are presented with a grid-based map of the battle area. Each ship has a certain number of movement points per turn, which can be used to maneuver, attack, or defend.

Ships have a variety of weapons at their disposal, including cannons, mortars, and boarding parties. Players must carefully consider their strategy and positioning in order to defeat their opponents.

Exploration

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Uncharted Waters is the exploration. The game world is vast and filled with secrets to discover. Players can sail to distant shores, search for hidden treasures, and encounter a variety of interesting characters.

The game also features a number of historical events and figures, such as the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Players can choose to participate in these events or simply observe them from a distance.

Legacy

Uncharted Waters was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the greatest NES games of all time. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and engaging story.

The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the PlayStation, and the PC. It has also been released on Nintendo’s Virtual Console service.

Uncharted Waters has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is credited with popularizing the naval combat genre, and its influence can be seen in many modern games, such as the Assassin’s Creed series and the Total War series.

Conclusion

Uncharted Waters is a timeless classic that offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. Its blend of role-playing, strategy, and action gameplay, combined with its beautiful graphics and engaging story, make it a must-play for fans of adventure games.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Uncharted Waters is sure to provide hours of swashbuckling fun. So set sail and explore the uncharted waters of the Age of Exploration!

Review Score

8.5/10

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Yie Ar Kung-Fu (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Yie Ar Kung-Fu: The Game That Changed Fighting Games Forever

Released in 1984, Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a martial arts-themed arcade game developed and published by Konami. It is one of the earliest fighting games, and is considered to be one of the most influential games in the genre. Yie Ar Kung-Fu introduced many of the conventions that would become standard in fighting games, such as the use of special moves, combos, and character-specific abilities.

The game’s protagonist is a young martial artist named Lee, who must fight his way through a gauntlet of opponents in order to rescue his kidnapped sister. Lee can perform a variety of punches, kicks, and throws, as well as special moves such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.”

Yie Ar Kung-Fu was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest arcade games of all time. It has been ported to numerous home platforms, and has been included in several compilations of classic arcade games.

Gameplay

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a side-scrolling fighting game in which the player controls Lee as he fights his way through a series of levels. Each level consists of a single opponent, who must be defeated in order to progress to the next level.

Lee can perform a variety of punches, kicks, and throws, as well as special moves such as the “Dragon Punch” and the “Hurricane Kick.” He can also block his opponent’s attacks and dodge their projectiles.

The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, making it easy for players of all skill levels to pick up and play. However, the game is also challenging, and requires players to master Lee’s moves and strategies in order to succeed.

Characters

Yie Ar Kung-Fu features a cast of nine playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The characters include:

  • Lee: The protagonist of the game, Lee is a young martial artist who must fight his way through a gauntlet of opponents in order to rescue his kidnapped sister.
  • Chen: A powerful martial artist who uses a variety of grappling techniques.
  • Chin: A skilled swordsman who is also proficient in hand-to-hand combat.
  • Han: A giant wrestler who uses his size and strength to his advantage.
  • Kim: A female martial artist who uses a variety of kicks and acrobatic moves.
  • Lee (Black): An evil clone of Lee who serves as the game’s final boss.

Legacy

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is considered to be one of the most influential fighting games of all time. It introduced many of the conventions that would become standard in the genre, such as the use of special moves, combos, and character-specific abilities.

The game has been ported to numerous home platforms, and has been included in several compilations of classic arcade games. It has also been the inspiration for several other fighting games, including the Street Fighter series.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a classic fighting game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and exciting experience.

Critical Reception

Yie Ar Kung-Fu was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its colorful graphics. The game was also a hit with arcade operators, who appreciated its simple controls and its ability to attract players of all ages.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu has been consistently ranked as one of the greatest arcade games of all time. In 2004, it was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Cultural Impact

Yie Ar Kung-Fu has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s characters and gameplay have been parodied and referenced in numerous other works of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and video games.

The game’s theme music is also well-known and has been used in numerous other works of popular culture.

Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a classic fighting game that has had a lasting impact on the genre. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and exciting experience.

Review Score

8/10

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Road Fighter (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Road Fighter (1984): A Classic Arcade Racing Game

Road Fighter is a car-based arcade game developed by Konami and released in 1984. It was the first car racing game from Konami, and it quickly became a popular hit in arcades around the world. Road Fighter is notable for its innovative gameplay, which combined elements of racing and shooting games. Players control a car and must race to the finish line while avoiding other cars and obstacles. They can also shoot at other cars to destroy them.

Road Fighter was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music. The game was also ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and MSX.

Gameplay

Road Fighter is a side-scrolling racing game. Players control a car and must race to the finish line within the time limit. The game features a variety of different tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. Players must avoid other cars, oil slicks, and other hazards. They can also shoot at other cars to destroy them.

Road Fighter is unique in that it combines elements of racing and shooting games. This makes for a very exciting and challenging gameplay experience. Players must not only be skilled at racing, but they must also be able to shoot accurately.

Graphics and Sound

Road Fighter’s graphics are very impressive for an arcade game from 1984. The cars are well-detailed and the tracks are colorful and varied. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that adds to the excitement of the gameplay.

Legacy

Road Fighter is considered to be one of the classic arcade racing games. It was one of the first games to combine elements of racing and shooting games, and it helped to popularize the genre. Road Fighter also spawned two sequels, Midnight Run: Road Fighter 2 in 1995 and Winding Heat in 1996.

Conclusion

Road Fighter is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. It’s a fun and challenging game with great graphics and music. If you’re a fan of racing games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Road Fighter.

10 Interesting Facts About Road Fighter

  1. Road Fighter was the first car racing game from Konami.
  2. The game was released in arcades in 1984.
  3. Road Fighter was ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and MSX.
  4. The game was a critical and commercial success.
  5. Road Fighter is notable for its innovative gameplay, which combines elements of racing and shooting games.
  6. Players control a car and must race to the finish line while avoiding other cars and obstacles.
  7. Players can also shoot at other cars to destroy them.
  8. Road Fighter features a variety of different tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges.
  9. The game’s graphics are very impressive for an arcade game from 1984.
  10. Road Fighter spawned two sequels, Midnight Run: Road Fighter 2 in 1995 and Winding Heat in 1996.

Review Score

8/10

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Ultima III: Exodus (1983)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Ultima III: Exodus (1983)

Ultima III: Exodus is a role-playing video game developed and published by Origin Systems for the Apple II, Atari 8-bit family, Commodore 64, and MSX computers. It was released in 1983 and is the third installment in the Ultima series.

The game’s story takes place in the fictional world of Sosaria, which is ruled by the benevolent Lord British. However, the kingdom is threatened by a new evil: the Exodus, a fiery island that has emerged in the southwestern seas. The player takes on the role of the Avatar, a hero who must travel to the Exodus and defeat the evil that dwells there.

Ultima III: Exodus is a significant game in the history of RPGs. It was one of the first games to feature a large, open world that the player could explore at their own pace. The game also introduced a number of new features to the Ultima series, including a character creation system, a day/night cycle, and a weather system.

Gameplay

Ultima III: Exodus is a role-playing game in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The player can explore the world of Sosaria, interact with NPCs, and fight monsters in turn-based combat.

The game’s world is divided into eight different regions, each with its own unique environment and inhabitants. The player can travel between regions by foot, by boat, or by using a magical spell.

The player’s party can gain experience points by defeating monsters and completing quests. As the party gains experience, they will level up and become more powerful. The player can also purchase new weapons, armor, and items from shops in the game’s towns and cities.

Plot

The story of Ultima III: Exodus begins with the player’s character being summoned to the castle of Lord British. Lord British tells the player that the kingdom is in danger from the Exodus, a fiery island that has emerged in the southwestern seas. Lord British tasks the player with traveling to the Exodus and defeating the evil that dwells there.

The player’s journey takes them through a variety of different environments, including forests, mountains, deserts, and swamps. Along the way, the player will meet a variety of NPCs, including friendly villagers, helpful travelers, and dangerous monsters.

The player will eventually reach the Exodus, where they will face off against the game’s final boss, Exodus. Exodus is a powerful demon who must be defeated in order to save the kingdom of Sosaria.

Legacy

Ultima III: Exodus was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its large, open world, its innovative gameplay, and its engaging story. The game has been cited as one of the most influential RPGs of all time.

Ultima III: Exodus has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, including the PC, the Mac, and mobile devices. The game is still enjoyed by many RPG fans today.

Conclusion

Ultima III: Exodus is a classic RPG that still holds up today. It’s a challenging and rewarding game with a great story. If you’re a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Ultima III: Exodus.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Rock n’ Bolt (1985)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Rock n’ Bolt (1985)

Rock n’ Bolt is an arcade game released by Sega in 1985. The player controls Louie the Constructor, who must lock platforms into place according to a supplied map. There are three levels of difficulty; the second and third level have time limits.

The game is played on a single screen, which is divided into a grid of squares. Louie can move up, down, left, and right, and can lock platforms into place by pressing the fire button. The platforms are constantly moving back and forth, and Louie must time his jumps carefully to avoid falling off.

There are two types of levels in Rock n’ Bolt. In the first type, Louie must simply lock down all of the platforms in the level. In the second type, Louie must lock down the platforms in a specific order.

The game becomes increasingly difficult as the levels progress. The platforms move faster, and there are more of them to lock down. Louie also has less time to complete the levels on the second and third difficulty levels.

Despite its difficulty, Rock n’ Bolt is a fun and challenging game that will appeal to fans of arcade classics. The game’s simple controls and addictive gameplay make it easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master.

Gameplay

The objective of Rock n’ Bolt is to lock platforms into place according to a supplied map. There are three levels of difficulty:

  • Easy: No time limit.
  • Medium: 30-second time limit.
  • Hard: 20-second time limit.

The player controls Louie the Constructor, who can move up, down, left, and right, and can lock platforms into place by pressing the fire button. The platforms are constantly moving back and forth, and Louie must time his jumps carefully to avoid falling off.

There are two types of levels in Rock n’ Bolt:

  • Type A: Louie must simply lock down all of the platforms in the level.
  • Type B: Louie must lock down the platforms in a specific order.

The game becomes increasingly difficult as the levels progress. The platforms move faster, and there are more of them to lock down. Louie also has less time to complete the levels on the second and third difficulty levels.

Development

Rock n’ Bolt was developed by Sega AM2, a division of Sega that was responsible for developing some of the company’s most popular arcade games, including Out Run, Space Harrier, and After Burner. The game was designed by Yu Suzuki, who would later go on to create the Virtua Fighter and Shenmue series.

Rock n’ Bolt was released in arcades in Japan in 1985. The game was ported to the Sega Master System in 1988.

Reception

Rock n’ Bolt was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and challenging difficulty. The game was also a financial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Rock n’ Bolt has been included in several “best of” lists, including:

  • IGN’s “Top 100 Arcade Games of All Time”
  • GameSpy’s “The 25 Best Arcade Games of All Time”
  • Arcade Sushi’s “The 100 Greatest Arcade Games of All Time”

Legacy

Rock n’ Bolt is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s simple controls and addictive gameplay have made it a popular choice for retro gamers. Rock n’ Bolt has also been ported to several home consoles, including the Sega Master System, Game Gear, and PlayStation 2.

The game’s legacy is also evident in its influence on other games. The puzzle game Tetris, for example, was inspired by Rock n’ Bolt. Tetris designer Alexey Pajitnov has said that he was inspired by Rock n’ Bolt’s simple gameplay and challenging difficulty.

Rock n’ Bolt is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple controls, addictive gameplay, and challenging difficulty make it a timeless classic.

Review Score

7/10

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Bank Panic (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bank Panic (1984)

Bank Panic is a light gun shooter arcade game developed and released by Nintendo in 1984. The player takes on the role of a gunslinger who must shoot bandits hiding behind the doors of a bank. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses a light gun to aim and shoot at the bandits.

Bank Panic is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The player must be quick and accurate in order to shoot the bandits before they shoot him. The game also requires the player to be strategic, as he must decide which doors to open and which bandits to shoot first.

The game is divided into 12 stages, each with a different layout. The player must shoot all of the bandits in each stage in order to advance to the next stage. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more bandits and hostages appearing in each stage.

In addition to the bandits, the player must also be aware of the hostages and innocent bystanders. Shooting a hostage or innocent bystander will result in the player losing a life.

The player has three lives to complete the game. If the player loses all of his lives, the game is over.

Bank Panic was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the first light gun shooters to be released, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the NES, Game Boy, and Wii.

Gameplay

Bank Panic is played from a first-person perspective. The player uses a light gun to aim and shoot at the bandits. The game is played in a series of stages, each with a different layout. The player must shoot all of the bandits in each stage in order to advance to the next stage.

The bandits are hiding behind the doors of a bank. When the player opens a door, the bandit will either pull out a gun and shoot at the player, or he will throw his hands up and surrender. The player must shoot the bandits before they shoot him. If the player shoots a bandit too early, he will be penalized. If the player shoots a bandit too late, he will be shot and lose a life.

In addition to the bandits, the player must also be aware of the hostages and innocent bystanders. Shooting a hostage or innocent bystander will result in the player losing a life.

The player has three lives to complete the game. If the player loses all of his lives, the game is over.

Scoring

The player scores points by shooting bandits. The player also scores points for shooting gold coins. Gold coins are worth more points than bandits.

The player can also earn bonus points by shooting multiple bandits in a row. The more bandits the player shoots in a row, the more bonus points he will earn.

Power-ups

There are a number of power-ups that can help the player in Bank Panic. These power-ups include:

  • Rapid fire: This power-up allows the player to shoot faster.
  • Spread shot: This power-up allows the player to shoot a wider spread of bullets.
  • Piercing shot: This power-up allows the player’s bullets to pierce through multiple enemies.
  • Invincibility: This power-up makes the player invincible for a short period of time.

Legacy

Bank Panic was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the first light gun shooters to be released, and it helped to popularize the genre. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the NES, Game Boy, and Wii.

Bank Panic is still considered to be one of the best light gun shooters ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Bank Panic is a classic light gun shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The game requires quick reflexes, accuracy, and strategy. If you are a fan of light gun shooters, then you owe it to yourself to check out Bank Panic.

Review Score

8/10

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After the War (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

After the War (1989)

After the War is a side-scrolling beat’em up and shoot’em up game released in 1989 by SNK. It is set in a post-apocalyptic New York City, where the player must fight their way through hordes of mutants and thugs to rescue the president’s daughter.

The game is divided into two parts. The first part is a side-scrolling beat’em up, in which the player character, a soldier named Jack, must fight his way through the dangerous streets of Manhattan. The second part is a side-scrolling shoot’em up, in which Jack must pilot a helicopter to rescue the president’s daughter from a scientific complex.

After the War is a challenging but rewarding game with great graphics and sound. It is a must-play for fans of beat’em ups and shoot’em ups.

Gameplay

The first part of After the War is a side-scrolling beat’em up. The player character, Jack, must fight his way through the dangerous streets of Manhattan, which have become over-run by feral thieves. Jack has a variety of moves at his disposal, including punches, kicks, and throws. He can also pick up weapons, such as knives and pipes, to use against his enemies.

The second part of After the War is a side-scrolling shoot’em up. Jack must pilot a helicopter to rescue the president’s daughter from a scientific complex. The helicopter is armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers and missiles. Jack must use these weapons to destroy enemy helicopters and ground units.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in After the War are excellent. The backgrounds are detailed and atmospheric, and the character sprites are well-animated. The sound is also top-notch, with catchy music and realistic sound effects.

Overall

After the War is a classic beat’em up and shoot’em up game. It is challenging but rewarding, and it has great graphics and sound. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review

After the War is a side-scrolling beat’em up and shoot’em up game released in 1989 by SNK. It is set in a post-apocalyptic New York City, where the player must fight their way through hordes of mutants and thugs to rescue the president’s daughter.

The game is divided into two parts. The first part is a side-scrolling beat’em up, in which the player character, a soldier named Jack, must fight his way through the dangerous streets of Manhattan. The second part is a side-scrolling shoot’em up, in which Jack must pilot a helicopter to rescue the president’s daughter from a scientific complex.

After the War is a challenging but rewarding game with great graphics and sound. It is a must-play for fans of beat’em ups and shoot’em ups.

Score: 8/10

Tips

  • Use your environment to your advantage. The streets of Manhattan are littered with objects that you can use to your advantage, such as barrels, crates, and cars. You can throw these objects at your enemies to damage them or stun them.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your special moves. Jack has a variety of special moves that can be used to deal heavy damage to your enemies. These moves can be performed by pressing certain button combinations.
  • Upgrade your weapons. As you progress through the game, you will be able to find new weapons that are more powerful than your starting weapons. Be sure to upgrade your weapons as soon as possible to make the game easier.
  • Don’t give up. After the War is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. If you get stuck, don’t give up. Keep trying and you will eventually succeed.

Conclusion

After the War is a classic beat’em up and shoot’em up game. It is challenging but rewarding, and it has great graphics and sound. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

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Bumpy (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Bumpy (1989): A Challenging and Addictive Platformer

Released in 1989 for the Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum, Bumpy is a challenging and addictive platformer that will keep you entertained for hours. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, combined with its charming graphics and catchy music, make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Gameplay

In Bumpy, you control a small, round creature named Bumpy as he jumps across a series of bouncy platforms, collecting items and avoiding hazards. The goal of each level is to collect all of the items on the screen, which will then cause the exit to appear. Once you reach the exit, you’ll move on to the next level.

While most platforms are perfectly harmless, some have additional qualities, such as being destructible, thereby granting access to other parts of the screen. Some platforms are also on fire, which will turn out lethal unless you have picked up a water droplet in advance.

To move Bumpy, you use the left and right arrow keys to control his horizontal movement, and the up arrow key to make him jump. You can also hold down the up arrow key to make Bumpy jump higher.

Levels

Bumpy features a total of 50 levels, each of which is more challenging than the last. The levels are set in a variety of different environments, including forests, caves, and castles. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter new hazards and enemies, such as fireballs, spikes, and ghosts.

Graphics and Sound

Bumpy’s graphics are simple but charming, and the game’s world is full of bright colors and detailed sprites. The game’s music is also catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.

Controls

Bumpy’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but they can be difficult to master. The game requires precise timing and coordination, and it can be challenging to navigate some of the more difficult levels.

Overall

Bumpy is a challenging and addictive platformer that will keep you entertained for hours. The game’s simple but effective gameplay, combined with its charming graphics and catchy music, make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.

Tips for Playing Bumpy

  • Take your time and learn the levels. The levels in Bumpy can be challenging, so it’s important to take your time and learn the layout of each level before you try to rush through it.
  • Use the water droplets to your advantage. The water droplets in Bumpy can be used to put out fires and protect you from enemies. Be sure to collect as many water droplets as you can, and use them wisely.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to beat each level in Bumpy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies until you find one that works for you.

Conclusion

Bumpy is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging platformer to play, then be sure to check out Bumpy.

Review Score

8/10

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Altered Beast (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Altered Beast: Unleashing the Power of Transformation

Released in arcades in 1988 and later ported to the Sega Genesis, Altered Beast is a side-scrolling beat ’em up that captured the imaginations of gamers with its groundbreaking graphics, intense action, and innovative gameplay mechanic: the ability to transform into a variety of powerful beasts.

Story

Altered Beast is set in ancient Greece, where the evil demon god Neff has kidnapped Athena, the daughter of Zeus. Zeus calls upon a fallen warrior to rise from the dead and rescue Athena. The warrior is granted the power to transform into five different beasts: a wolf, a bear, a tiger, a dragon, and a golden wolf.

Gameplay

Altered Beast is a side-scrolling beat ’em up in which the player controls the warrior as he fights his way through hordes of undead monsters, demons, and other creatures. The warrior can use his fists, feet, and weapons to defeat his enemies.

The game’s unique feature is the ability to transform into five different beasts. Each beast has its own unique abilities and strengths. The wolf is fast and agile, the bear is strong and powerful, the tiger is balanced and versatile, the dragon can fly and breathe fire, and the golden wolf is the most powerful of all.

To transform into a beast, the player must first collect spirit balls. Spirit balls are dropped by defeated enemies. Once the player has collected enough spirit balls, they can press a button to transform into the corresponding beast.

The beasts are much more powerful than the warrior’s normal form, and they can be used to defeat more powerful enemies. However, the beasts can only be used for a limited time. Once the time limit expires, the warrior will revert to his normal form.

Graphics and Sound

Altered Beast was one of the most visually impressive arcade games of its time. The game’s graphics were colorful and detailed, and the character sprites were large and well-animated. The game’s soundtrack was also impressive, with a mix of heavy metal and orchestral music.

Reception

Altered Beast was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and innovative use of transformation. Altered Beast was one of the best-selling arcade games of 1988, and it was later ported to the Sega Genesis, where it was also a commercial success.

Legacy

Altered Beast is considered to be one of the classic beat ’em up games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanic has been copied by many other games, and the game’s characters and monsters have become iconic symbols of the genre.

Altered Beast has been re-released on a number of platforms over the years, including the Sega Genesis Mini, the PlayStation 2, and the Xbox 360. The game is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a testament to the enduring power of classic arcade gaming.

Tips for Playing Altered Beast

  • Collect spirit balls as quickly as possible. Spirit balls are essential for transforming into beasts, so it’s important to collect them as quickly as possible.
  • Use the right beast for the right situation. Each beast has its own unique abilities and strengths, so it’s important to use the right beast for the right situation. For example, the wolf is good for taking out small enemies, the bear is good for taking out large enemies, and the dragon is good for taking out flying enemies.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to play Altered Beast, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
  • Have fun! Altered Beast is a challenging but rewarding game, so make sure to have fun while you’re playing it.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Sega
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: 1988
  • Platforms: Arcade, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Sega Genesis Mini
  • Genre: Beat ’em up
  • Number of Players: 1-2

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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