Publisher: Arcadia Systems

Silver Surfer (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Silver Surfer (1990)

Released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Silver Surfer is a side-scrolling shooter game based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The game was developed by Software Creations and published by Nintendo.

The game follows Silver Surfer as he travels through space, battling against the forces of evil. The Surfer’s only ability is to move around the screen and to shoot directly in front of him. He can collect power-ups that increase his firepower, speed, and grant him special abilities.

Silver Surfer is known for its challenging gameplay and its innovative use of vertical scrolling. The game’s graphics are also impressive for the time, with detailed sprites and colorful backgrounds.

Gameplay

Silver Surfer is a side-scrolling shooter game in which the player controls the titular character as he flies through space, battling against the forces of evil. The Surfer’s only ability is to move around the screen and to shoot directly in front of him. He can collect power-ups that increase his firepower, speed, and grant him special abilities.

The game is divided into two types of levels: horizontal scrolling levels and vertical scrolling levels. In horizontal scrolling levels, the Surfer flies from left to right, shooting at enemies and avoiding obstacles. In vertical scrolling levels, the Surfer flies up or down, shooting at enemies and dodging obstacles.

The game’s difficulty is relentless, with enemies constantly spawning and firing at the Surfer. The Surfer has a limited amount of health, and if he is hit by too many enemy attacks, he will lose a life. The game is over if the Surfer loses all of his lives.

Power-Ups

The Surfer can collect a variety of power-ups throughout the game. These power-ups can increase his firepower, speed, and grant him special abilities.

  • Firepower: The letter “F” power-up increases the number and power of the Surfer’s projectiles.
  • Smart bombs: Smart bombs destroy everything on the screen, including enemies and obstacles.
  • Speedup: The letter “S” power-up increases the Surfer’s movement speed.
  • Orbs: Orbs are special power-ups that can be positioned to fire the Surfer’s weapon forwards, backwards, or sideways.

Bosses

The Surfer must battle a variety of bosses throughout the game. These bosses include:

  • Golem: A large, rock-like creature that fires boulders at the Surfer.
  • Dragon: A fire-breathing dragon that flies around the screen, shooting fireballs at the Surfer.
  • Thanos: The Mad Titan, who is the main antagonist of the game.

Reception

Silver Surfer was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative use of vertical scrolling, and impressive graphics. Silver Surfer was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The game has been included on several lists of the best NES games of all time. In 2009, IGN ranked Silver Surfer as the 88th best NES game of all time. In 2012, GamesRadar ranked Silver Surfer as the 10th best NES game of all time.

Legacy

Silver Surfer is considered to be one of the best NES games of all time. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative use of vertical scrolling, and impressive graphics have made it a favorite among retro gamers. Silver Surfer has also been cited as an influence on later side-scrolling shooter games, such as Gradius and R-Type.

In 2012, a remake of Silver Surfer was released for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The remake features updated graphics and sound, as well as new gameplay modes and features.

Conclusion

Silver Surfer is a classic NES game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative use of vertical scrolling, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Xenon (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Xenon: A Pioneering Masterpiece of Scrolling Shooter Excellence

Released in 1988 by The Bitmap Brothers, Xenon is a vertical scrolling shooter that stands as a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of its developers. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding soundtrack, Xenon set a new standard for the genre and remains a beloved classic to this day.

A Revolutionary Gameplay Formula

At its core, Xenon is a vertical scrolling shooter in the same vein as classics like Gradius and R-Type. However, Xenon introduced a number of groundbreaking gameplay mechanics that set it apart from its contemporaries.

Most notably, Xenon’s player ship has the ability to transform between two distinct modes: a flying plane and a ground tank. This unique feature allows players to adapt their strategy to the ever-changing threats they face. The flying plane is faster and more maneuverable, making it ideal for dodging enemy fire and navigating tight spaces. The ground tank, on the other hand, is slower but more heavily armored, making it better suited for taking on ground-based enemies and obstacles.

The ability to switch between these two modes on the fly gives Xenon a level of strategic depth that is unmatched by most other shooters. Players must constantly assess the situation and choose the appropriate mode for the task at hand. This adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay that keeps it fresh and engaging from start to finish.

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

In addition to its innovative gameplay, Xenon is also known for its stunning visuals. The game’s graphics are a master class in pixel art, with vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and fluid animations. The enemy designs are particularly impressive, with each type of alien having its own unique look and attack patterns.

Xenon’s backgrounds are also a sight to behold. The game takes players through a variety of environments, from lush forests to alien planets to outer space. Each level is meticulously crafted with a unique color palette and set of obstacles. The attention to detail is simply breathtaking, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.

A Soundtrack That Will Get Your Blood Pumping

No discussion of Xenon would be complete without mentioning its incredible soundtrack. Composed by Rob Hubbard, the game’s music is a perfect blend of catchy melodies and driving rhythms. The main theme is one of the most iconic in all of gaming, and it perfectly captures the game’s sense of urgency and excitement.

The soundtrack also does a great job of setting the mood for each level. The forest levels have a more ambient feel, with lush soundscapes and潺潺ing water. The alien planet levels, on the other hand, are more intense, with pounding drums and screeching synths. The music is always perfectly in sync with the action on screen, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.

A Timeless Classic

Over three decades after its initial release, Xenon remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding soundtrack have stood the test of time, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.

If you’re a fan of vertical scrolling shooters, or if you’re just looking for a great retro game to play, then Xenon is an absolute must-play. It’s a game that will challenge your skills, amaze your eyes, and get your blood pumping. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Xenon today and experience one of the greatest shooters of all time.

Tips for Playing Xenon

  • Use the right mode for the job. The flying plane is faster and more maneuverable, while the ground tank is slower but more heavily armored. Switch between modes frequently to adapt to the changing threats.
  • Power-ups are your friend. Destroying certain enemies will release power-ups that can enhance your ship’s weapons and abilities. Be sure to collect as many power-ups as possible to increase your chances of survival.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Xenon is a game that rewards experimentation. Try different strategies and see what works best for you. There’s no one right way to play the game.
  • Practice makes perfect. Xenon is a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding. The more you play, the better you’ll become at it. So don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually master the game.

Conclusion

Xenon is a true masterpiece of the scrolling shooter genre. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding soundtrack have made it a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a great game to play, then Xenon is an absolute must-play.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Aaargh! (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Aaargh! is a 1987 platform game developed and published by Psygnosis for the Commodore 64. The player controls a giant blue monster named Aaargh! who must destroy buildings in various cities in order to find the Roc’s egg.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective. Aaargh! can move left and right, jump, punch, and shoot fireballs. He must use these abilities to destroy the buildings in each city, while avoiding the other creatures on the screen.

The other creatures in the game include humans, hornets, and bats. The humans will try to attack Aaargh! with spears and guns, while the hornets and bats will simply fly around and sting or bite him. Aaargh! must destroy all of the creatures in each city before he can move on to the next one.

There are a total of 16 cities in the game. Each city has a different layout and a different set of creatures. The first few cities are relatively easy, but the later cities become increasingly difficult.

In order to find the Roc’s egg, Aaargh! must destroy all of the buildings in each city. However, not all of the cities contain an egg. Aaargh! must simply keep destroying buildings until he finds one.

Once Aaargh! has found the Roc’s egg, he must return it to its nest. The nest is located at the end of the game. Once Aaargh! returns the egg to the nest, he will be victorious.

Gameplay

Aaargh! is a simple but challenging game. The controls are easy to learn, but the game itself is difficult to master. Aaargh! is constantly under attack from the other creatures on the screen, and he must use all of his abilities to survive.

The game is divided into 16 levels, each of which is a different city. The cities become increasingly difficult as the game progresses. The first few cities are relatively easy, but the later cities are very difficult.

In order to complete a level, Aaargh! must destroy all of the buildings in the city. However, not all of the cities contain an egg. Aaargh! must simply keep destroying buildings until he finds one.

Once Aaargh! has found the egg, he must return it to its nest. The nest is located at the end of the game. Once Aaargh! returns the egg to the nest, he will be victorious.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in Aaargh! are simple but effective. The characters and environments are all well-drawn and colorful. The game also features some nice parallax scrolling effects.

The sound in Aaargh! is also very good. The music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic.

Overall

Aaargh! is a fun and challenging game that will keep you entertained for hours. The graphics are simple but effective, the gameplay is addictive, and the sound is very good. If you’re a fan of classic arcade games, then you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you play Aaargh!:

  • Use your punch attack to destroy the buildings.
  • Use your fireball attack to kill the other creatures.
  • Be careful of the hornets and bats. They can sting or bite you.
  • Destroy the weapons that the humans are using.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.

Trivia

  • Aaargh! was one of the first games to feature a giant monster as the protagonist.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Monster Mash.”
  • Aaargh! was released in the United States by Activision.
  • The game was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
  • Aaargh! was followed by a sequel, Aaargh! 2, in 1989.

Review Score

7/10

Art

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Ninja (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Ninja: A Retro Beat ‘Em Up Adventure

Released in 1986, Ninja is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game developed and published by UPL. Players take control of a ninja who must fight their way through a fortress crawling with enemy ninjas, samurai, and other foes. The game is known for its challenging difficulty, fast-paced action, and innovative non-linear level design.

Gameplay

Ninja is a classic beat ’em up in the same vein as Double Dragon or Final Fight. The player character can punch, kick, and jump their way through hordes of enemies. They can also pick up weapons such as swords, spears, and throwing stars.

What sets Ninja apart from other beat ’em ups is its non-linear level design. The game world is made up of individual fixed screens which can be explored in any order. This gives the player a lot of freedom to choose their own path through the game.

The game also features a variety of boss battles, each with their own unique attack patterns and weaknesses. These boss battles are some of the most challenging in any beat ’em up game.

Graphics and Sound

Ninja’s graphics are typical of early arcade games. The characters and backgrounds are all rendered in 8-bit sprites. The animations are fluid and the colors are vibrant.

The game’s soundtrack is composed of catchy chiptune music. The sound effects are also well done, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere.

Legacy

Ninja was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative level design, and excellent graphics and sound. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Ninja has also been cited as an influence on a number of later beat ’em up games, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game and the Streets of Rage series.

Conclusion

Ninja is a classic beat ’em up game that still holds up today. Its challenging gameplay, innovative level design, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a retro gamer or a newcomer to the beat ’em up genre, Ninja is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.

Tips for Playing Ninja

Here are a few tips for playing Ninja:

  • Learn the attack patterns of your enemies. Each enemy has their own unique attack patterns, so it’s important to learn how to avoid them.
  • Use your environment to your advantage. The game’s levels are filled with objects that you can use to your advantage, such as barrels, crates, and even the walls themselves.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to beat each level, so don’t be afraid to try different things.
  • Practice makes perfect. Ninja is a challenging game, but it’s also a very rewarding one. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at it.

Additional Information

  • Ninja was originally released in arcades in 1986.
  • The game was ported to the NES in 1988.
  • The game was also ported to the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
  • Ninja was developed by UPL, a Japanese video game company.
  • The game was designed by Kazuyuki Nakashima.
  • The game’s music was composed by Manabu Namiki.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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SideWinder (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 3 minutes read

Summary

SideWinder (1988): A Connect Four Variant with a Twist

Released in 1988, SideWinder is a German video game based on the classic board game Connect Four. Developed by Rainbow Arts and published by SSI, the game was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.

Gameplay

SideWinder takes the basic gameplay of Connect Four and adds a few twists. The game is played on a 7×6 grid, and players take turns dropping their colored pieces into the grid from the top. The goal is to be the first player to connect four of their pieces in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

However, unlike in Connect Four, pieces in SideWinder can also be moved sideways after they have been dropped. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must now consider not only where to drop their pieces, but also how to move them afterwards.

Features

In addition to the standard Connect Four gameplay, SideWinder also includes a number of additional features:

  • Two-player mode: Play against a friend or family member on the same computer.
  • Computer opponent: Play against a computer opponent of varying difficulty levels.
  • Tournament mode: Compete in a tournament against multiple computer opponents.
  • Editor: Create and play your own custom levels.

Reception

SideWinder was generally well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging AI, and innovative use of the Connect Four formula. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to Connect Four, and felt that it didn’t offer enough new features to justify its purchase.

Legacy

SideWinder remains a popular game among fans of Connect Four and retro gaming. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging strategy make it a great choice for gamers of all ages. SideWinder has also been cited as an influence on several other video games, including Puyo Puyo and Tetris.

Conclusion

SideWinder is a fun and challenging Connect Four variant that adds a few new twists to the classic formula. With its addictive gameplay, challenging AI, and innovative use of the Connect Four formula, SideWinder is a great choice for gamers of all ages.

Review Score

7/10

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Artura (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Artura (1988)

Artura is a 1988 action-adventure game developed and published by Hewson Consultants for the Commodore 64. The player controls Artura, a female knight, on a quest to rescue Nimue, the apprentice of the wizard Merlyn, from the evil sorceress Morgause.

Artura is an early example of a female protagonist in a video game. She is a skilled warrior who is not afraid to use her sword to fight her enemies. The game is set in a fantasy world based on the Arthurian legend, and features many of the familiar characters and locations from the stories.

Artura is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s world is large and complex, and there are many different ways to complete the quest. The game also features a variety of puzzles and challenges, which add to the replay value.

Gameplay

Artura is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls Artura as she explores the game world, fights enemies, and solves puzzles. The game world is divided into a number of different screens, which are connected by doors and other passages.

Artura is armed with a sword and a shield. She can use her sword to attack enemies, and her shield to block their attacks. Artura can also collect a variety of power-ups, which give her new abilities and enhance her stats.

The game features a variety of different enemies, including goblins, skeletons, and dragons. Artura must defeat these enemies in order to progress through the game. The game also features a number of puzzles, which Artura must solve in order to open doors and access new areas.

Setting

Artura is set in a fantasy world based on the Arthurian legend. The game world is home to a variety of different creatures, including humans, elves, dwarves, and goblins. The game also features a number of familiar locations from the Arthurian legend, such as Camelot and the Forest of Dean.

The game’s story is set in a time when the evil sorceress Morgause has kidnapped Nimue, the apprentice of the wizard Merlyn. Artura must set out on a quest to rescue Nimue and defeat Morgause.

Reception

Artura was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, its large and complex world, and its unique setting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.

Artura is considered to be one of the best Commodore 64 games of all time. The game is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it is considered to be a classic of the action-adventure genre.

Legacy

Artura has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game is credited with helping to popularize the female protagonist in video games. The game also helped to establish the action-adventure genre as a major force in the video game industry.

Artura has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Amiga, the Atari ST, and the PC. The game has also been re-released on a number of compilation albums.

In 2004, a sequel to Artura was released for the PC. The sequel, titled Artura: The Shadow of Death, was developed by the original creators of the game.

Conclusion

Artura is a classic action-adventure game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game is challenging, rewarding, and features a unique setting and story. Artura is a must-play for fans of the action-adventure genre.

Review Score

6/10

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