Summary

• Release Year: 1993
• Genres: Strategy
• Platforms: DOS
• Developers: Albino Frog Software, Inc.
• Publishers: Albino Frog Software, Inc.

Helious (1993)

Helious is a two-part shareware space game released in 1993. The first half of the game is free to play, and the user must pay a registration fee to get the second half (Helious II). The game was developed by Silicon Dreams and published by Apogee Software.

Helious is set in a distant star system where the player takes on the role of a spaceship pilot. The game’s objective is to explore the star system, complete missions, and defeat enemy spaceships. The game features a variety of different ships to fly, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Helious was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and innovative use of shareware. The game was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in space games.

Gameplay

Helious is a top-down space shooter. The player controls their ship from a behind-the-ship perspective. The game world is procedurally generated, so each playthrough is unique.

The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also use their ship’s tractor beam to capture enemy ships and cargo.

The game features a variety of different missions, including escort missions, patrol missions, and search and rescue missions. The player can also complete side quests to earn money and experience points.

As the player progresses through the game, they will level up their ship and gain access to new weapons and abilities. The player can also purchase new ships with different stats and abilities.

Graphics

Helious was one of the first space games to use 3D graphics. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they create a immersive and believable space environment.

The game’s ships are all unique and detailed. The player can see the individual panels and rivets on their ship, and they can even see the pilot inside the cockpit.

The game’s environments are also well-crafted. The player will fly through asteroid fields, nebulas, and star systems. The game’s lighting effects are also impressive, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.

Sound

Helious’s sound effects are simple but effective. The player’s ship makes a satisfying laser sound when it fires, and the explosions are suitably loud and impactful.

The game’s music is also well-done. The music is electronic and atmospheric, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.

Shareware

Helious was one of the first shareware games to achieve widespread success. Shareware is a software distribution model where users can download and play the first part of a game for free. If they enjoy the game, they can then pay a registration fee to get the rest of the game.

Helious’s shareware model was very successful. The game was downloaded by over 1 million people, and over 100,000 people registered for the full version.

The success of Helious helped to popularize the shareware model. Shareware became a common way to distribute games in the 1990s and early 2000s, and it is still used today by some developers.

Conclusion

Helious is a classic space game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and innovative use of shareware make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging space game to play, then I highly recommend Helious. The game is available for free on GOG.com and Steam.

Review Score

8/10

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