Publisher: ARC

9 Lives (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

9 Lives: A Purrfect Platformer with a Feline Twist

Released in 1990, 9 Lives is a side-scrolling platformer that follows the daring adventures of Bob Cat, a muscular anthropomorphic feline with a heart of gold. Embark on a quest to rescue his beloved Claudette from the clutches of a mad scientist, navigating through treacherous levels filled with quirky enemies and challenging obstacles.

Bob Cat: The Hero with Nine Lives

As Bob Cat, players possess an impressive array of acrobatic abilities, including running, jumping, climbing, and utilizing a variety of weapons to fend off enemies. With each life lost, Bob Cat’s appearance changes, reflecting his diminishing health. From a sleek and muscular feline to a disheveled and weary cat, Bob Cat’s resilience is tested with each setback.

A World of Cats and Contraptions

9 Lives presents a vibrant and imaginative world inhabited by an array of anthropomorphic cats. From Bob Cat’s feline friends to the mad scientist’s minions, each character exudes a unique personality and charm. The game’s levels are equally diverse, featuring everything from lush forests and underwater caverns to perilous factories and gravity-defying airships.

A Symphony of Purrs and Meows

Accompanying the captivating gameplay is a memorable soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s lighthearted and adventurous spirit. From the upbeat title theme to the tense boss battle music, 9 Lives’ audio design enhances the overall gaming experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

A Timeless Classic with Enduring Appeal

Over three decades after its initial release, 9 Lives continues to captivate gamers with its timeless charm and engaging gameplay. Its blend of platforming challenges, quirky characters, and feline-themed elements has earned it a place among the most beloved retro classics.

A Critical and Commercial Success

Upon its release, 9 Lives garnered critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and endearing characters. It quickly became a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game’s popularity spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs, further solidifying its status as a gaming icon.

A Legacy of Feline Excellence

9 Lives has left an enduring mark on the video game industry. Its unique blend of platforming, action, and feline charm has inspired countless other games and characters. The game’s protagonist, Bob Cat, has become an iconic figure in gaming, representing the spirit of adventure and determination.

Conclusion: A Purrfect Platforming Adventure

9 Lives is a true gem among retro platformers, offering a delightful blend of challenging gameplay, charming characters, and feline-themed fun. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, 9 Lives is sure to provide hours of entertainment and leave a lasting impression. So, don your whiskers and join Bob Cat on his epic quest to rescue Claudette and restore harmony to the feline world.

Review Score

8/10

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Hellraider (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Hellraider (1989): A Retro Sci-Fi Shooter That Still Packs a Punch

Hellraider is a vertical scrolling shooter game released in 1989 by Toaplan. It is known for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and challenging difficulty. Players control a spaceship that must fight its way through waves of enemies to reach the end of each stage.

The game is set in a futuristic world where an evil alien race known as the Hellraisers have invaded Earth. The player takes on the role of a lone spaceship pilot who must fight back against the Hellraisers and save the planet.

Hellraider is a classic example of a vertical scrolling shooter. The player’s ship is constantly moving upwards, and the screen scrolls down to reveal new waves of enemies. The player must shoot down the enemies while avoiding their fire and other obstacles.

The game features a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique attack patterns. There are also several boss battles, which require the player to use different strategies to defeat.

Hellraider is known for its challenging difficulty. The game is fast-paced and the enemies can be very aggressive. However, the game is also fair, and the player can learn to overcome the challenges with practice.

The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are full of vibrant colors and the enemy designs are creative and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Hellraider was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation.

Gameplay

Hellraider is a vertical scrolling shooter in which the player controls a spaceship that must fight its way through waves of enemies to reach the end of each stage. The player’s ship is constantly moving upwards, and the screen scrolls down to reveal new waves of enemies.

The player must shoot down the enemies while avoiding their fire and other obstacles. The game features a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique attack patterns. There are also several boss battles, which require the player to use different strategies to defeat.

The player’s ship can be upgraded with different weapons and power-ups. These upgrades can be found throughout the game, and they can give the player a significant advantage in combat.

Graphics and Sound

Hellraider’s graphics are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are full of vibrant colors and the enemy designs are creative and varied. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Difficulty

Hellraider is known for its challenging difficulty. The game is fast-paced and the enemies can be very aggressive. However, the game is also fair, and the player can learn to overcome the challenges with practice.

Legacy

Hellraider is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Hellraider has been ported to a variety of platforms, and it is still available to purchase and download today.

Conclusion

Hellraider is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics make it a great choice for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro shooter that will challenge you and keep you entertained, then you should definitely check out Hellraider.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Badlands Pete (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Badlands Pete: A Frontier Adventure in the Wild West

Introduction

Released in 1990, Badlands Pete is an arcade classic that takes players on a thrilling adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. With its innovative gameplay, stunning 3D graphics, and memorable characters, Badlands Pete remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of Badlands Pete Coyote, a legendary gunslinger with a reputation for quick-draw duels and unwavering bravery. The game’s objective is to rescue the Governor’s daughters, who have been kidnapped by a ruthless band of outlaws.

Badlands Pete is a side-scrolling shooter with unique “Strip-A-Mation” graphics that combine smooth scrolling with 3D sprite graphics. This creates a sense of depth and realism that was groundbreaking for its time.

The game features a variety of enemies, each with their own unique attacks and behaviors. Players must use their quick reflexes and strategic thinking to outmaneuver and defeat their foes. Badlands Pete can shoot in eight directions, and he can also perform a variety of special moves, such as a rapid-fire attack and a powerful shotgun blast.

Characters

In addition to Badlands Pete, the game features a cast of memorable characters, including:

  • The Governor’s Daughters: The three kidnapped daughters are the damsels in distress who Badlands Pete must rescue.
  • Bat Masterson: A legendary lawman who aids Badlands Pete on his quest.
  • Buffalo Bill Cody: A famous frontiersman and showman who provides Badlands Pete with supplies and information.
  • Crazy Horse: A Lakota warrior who fights alongside Badlands Pete against the outlaws.
  • Billy the Kid: A notorious outlaw who is one of the main antagonists of the game.

Weapons and Items

Badlands Pete has access to a variety of weapons and items to help him on his quest, including:

  • Colt Peacemaker: Badlands Pete’s trusty six-shooter.
  • Shotgun: A powerful close-range weapon.
  • Dynamite: Explosives that can be used to clear out large groups of enemies.
  • Health Power-Ups: Items that restore Badlands Pete’s health.
  • Extra Lives: Items that give Badlands Pete an extra life.

Levels

The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique setting and challenges. The levels include:

  • Saloon: A raucous saloon filled with outlaws and treacherous barmaids.
  • Canyon: A treacherous canyon filled with mountain men and renegade Indians.
  • Fort: A heavily fortified outpost defended by Mexican banditos.
  • Town: A bustling town where Badlands Pete must face off against Billy the Kid.
  • Stagecoach: A stagecoach race through a dangerous canyon.
  • Showdown: A final showdown with the outlaws who kidnapped the Governor’s daughters.

Graphics and Sound

Badlands Pete’s graphics were groundbreaking for its time. The game’s “Strip-A-Mation” technology created a sense of depth and realism that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s character sprites are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are lush and atmospheric.

The game’s sound is equally impressive. The soundtrack features a variety of catchy Western-themed tunes, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.

Legacy

Badlands Pete was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters made it a favorite among arcade-goers. Badlands Pete has been ported to a variety of home consoles, and it remains a popular title among retro gaming enthusiasts.

The game’s legacy is also evident in its influence on other video games. Badlands Pete’s unique “Strip-A-Mation” graphics inspired the development of similar techniques in later games, such as the “Mode 7” graphics used in the Super Nintendo game F-Zero.

Conclusion

Badlands Pete is a classic arcade game that offers a thrilling adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. With its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters, Badlands Pete remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Badlands Pete is a game that is sure to provide hours of wild West fun.

Review Score

8/10

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Armada (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Armada (1989): A Historical Naval Simulation Classic

Introduction

Armada (1989) is a historical naval simulation game developed by Cinemaware and published by Atari for the Atari ST, Amiga, and DOS. The game is based on the Spanish Armada, a failed attempt by Spain to invade England in 1588. Armada allows players to take command of either the English or Spanish fleet and experience the five-day battle that took place between the two fleets.

Gameplay

Armada is a turn-based strategy game. Players must use their ships to attack the enemy fleet while protecting their own ships. The game features a variety of different ship types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the composition of their fleet and the tactics they use in order to be successful.

In addition to the turn-based combat, Armada also features a number of other gameplay elements, such as weather effects, ship damage, and morale. Players must take all of these factors into account when making their decisions.

Historical Accuracy

Armada is a historically accurate game. The developers worked closely with historians to ensure that the game accurately reflects the events of the Spanish Armada. The game features realistic ship models, accurate weather effects, and detailed maps of the English Channel.

Graphics and Sound

Armada features beautiful graphics for its time. The game’s ships are rendered in 3D and the water effects are very realistic. The game also features a stirring soundtrack that helps to create a sense of atmosphere.

Reception

Armada was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its historical accuracy, realistic gameplay, and beautiful graphics. Armada was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in video games.

Legacy

Armada is considered to be one of the greatest naval simulation games ever made. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy, realistic gameplay, and beautiful graphics. Armada has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of 3D graphics in video games.

Conclusion

Armada (1989) is a classic naval simulation game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s historical accuracy, realistic gameplay, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Cinemaware
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: 1989
  • Platforms: Atari ST, Amiga, DOS
  • Genre: Naval simulation

Review Scores

  • Computer Gaming World: 5/5
  • Amiga Format: 95%
  • ST Format: 94%

Awards

  • Golden Joystick Award for Best Simulation Game (1989)

Historical Context

The Spanish Armada was a fleet of ships that was sent by Spain to invade England in 1588. The Armada was commanded by the Duke of Medina Sidonia. The English fleet was commanded by Lord Howard of Effingham.

The Armada sailed from Spain in May 1588. The fleet was made up of over 130 ships, including galleons, galleys, and transports. The Armada was the largest fleet ever assembled up to that time.

The English fleet was smaller than the Armada, but it was more maneuverable and had better guns. The English also had the advantage of fighting in their home waters.

The two fleets met in the English Channel on July 19, 1588. The English attacked the Armada with fire ships and cannon fire. The Armada was forced to retreat.

The Armada was pursued by the English fleet for several days. The English captured or sank many of the Spanish ships. The Armada was eventually forced to return to Spain.

The defeat of the Spanish Armada was a major victory for England. It ended the threat of a Spanish invasion and helped to secure England’s position as a major power.

Armada in Popular Culture

The Spanish Armada has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and television shows. The Armada is also featured in the video game Sid Meier’s Civilization V.

Additional Screenshots

[Image of the Armada (1989) game box]

[Image of the Armada (1989) game screen]

[Image of the Armada (1989) game map]

Review Score

8/10

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Gettysburg (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Gettysburg: An Interactive Battle Simulation

Released in 1990 by SSI, Gettysburg is a real-time strategy game that allows players to experience the famous historical battle and potentially change its outcome. The game was developed by Joe Balkoski, a noted Civil War historian, and featured innovative gameplay for its time.

Gettysburg is played on a hex-based map of the Gettysburg battlefield. Players can control either the Union or Confederate forces, and must use their units to capture and hold key objectives. The game features a variety of unit types, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and players must use them wisely to achieve victory.

In addition to the standard real-time strategy gameplay, Gettysburg also features a number of unique elements. For example, the game includes a detailed weather system that can affect the movement of units and the effectiveness of artillery. The game also features a morale system, which can affect the战斗力of units.

Gettysburg was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy, its innovative gameplay, and its replayability.

Gameplay

Gettysburg is a real-time strategy game in which players control either the Union or Confederate forces. The game is played on a hex-based map of the Gettysburg battlefield, and players must use their units to capture and hold key objectives.

The game features a variety of unit types, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and players must use them wisely to achieve victory. For example, infantry is strong in close combat, but is vulnerable to cavalry charges. Cavalry is fast and can deal heavy damage to infantry, but is weak against artillery. Artillery can deal devastating damage to enemy units, but is slow and vulnerable to attack.

In addition to the standard real-time strategy gameplay, Gettysburg also features a number of unique elements. For example, the game includes a detailed weather system that can affect the movement of units and the effectiveness of artillery. The game also features a morale system, which can affect the战斗力of units.

Historical Accuracy

Gettysburg was developed by Joe Balkoski, a noted Civil War historian, and the game is praised for its historical accuracy. The game’s map is based on detailed historical research, and the units and weapons are all authentic to the period. The game also includes a number of historical scenarios, which allow players to experience some of the most famous battles of the Civil War.

Legacy

Gettysburg was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. The game has been praised for its historical accuracy, its innovative gameplay, and its replayability. Gettysburg has also been influential on the development of other real-time strategy games, and its legacy continues to this day.

Conclusion

Gettysburg is a classic real-time strategy game that offers a unique and engaging experience. The game’s historical accuracy, innovative gameplay, and replayability make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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