Publisher: Hi-Tec

Black Hornet (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Black Hornet: A Hi-Tec Mega Masterpiece

Released in 1991 for the Hi-Tec Mega console, Black Hornet is a vertical-scrolling shooter that puts players in the cockpit of a highly advanced and extremely well-equipped aircraft. With a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons at their disposal, players must destroy the might of the enemy forces, including aircraft, ships, and ground installations.

Gameplay

Black Hornet’s gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with players controlling their aircraft in three dimensions to avoid or destroy enemies and missiles, while also ensuring that the aircraft does not collide with the terrain. The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges and objectives.

One of the things that sets Black Hornet apart from other vertical shooters is its emphasis on realism. The aircraft’s flight physics are accurately simulated, and players must take into account factors such as speed, altitude, and wind speed when maneuvering. The game also features a variety of different weapons, each with its own unique properties and uses. Players must carefully choose the right weapon for each situation in order to maximize their effectiveness.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Black Hornet’s graphics were top-notch. The game’s environments are detailed and colorful, and the aircraft and enemies are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of catchy tunes and atmospheric sound effects.

Legacy

Black Hornet was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it is still considered to be one of the best vertical shooters ever made. The game has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, realistic flight physics, and excellent graphics and sound. Black Hornet has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Tips for Playing Black Hornet

  • Use the right weapon for the job. Each weapon in Black Hornet has its own unique properties and uses. Players must carefully choose the right weapon for each situation in order to maximize their effectiveness.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Black Hornet’s levels are filled with hazards, such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and terrain obstacles. Players must be constantly aware of their surroundings in order to avoid these hazards.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your special weapons. Black Hornet’s aircraft is equipped with a variety of special weapons, such as bombs, missiles, and lasers. These weapons can be very effective against enemy forces, but they are also limited in quantity. Players should use their special weapons wisely.
  • Practice makes perfect. Black Hornet is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. Players who take the time to practice will find that they can improve their skills and progress further in the game.

Conclusion

Black Hornet is a classic vertical shooter that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, realistic flight physics, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding vertical shooter, then Black Hornet is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Blazing Thunder (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Blazing Thunder: A Blazing Gem of the Arcade Era

Released in 1991 by Toaplan, Blazing Thunder is a vertical shoot-’em-up (shmup) that set new standards for the genre in the early ’90s arcade scene. With its exhilarating gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable boss battles, Blazing Thunder quickly became a fan favorite and has remained a beloved classic among shmup enthusiasts to this day.

Gameplay

Blazing Thunder follows the conventions of classic vertical shmups, presenting players with a vertically scrolling gauntlet of enemy waves, obstacles, and imposing bosses. The game features three playable ships, each with its own unique shot type and special weapon:

  • F-14 Tomcat: A balanced all-rounder with a forward-firing laser beam.
  • A-6 Intruder: A powerful ship with a wide spread shot and homing missiles.
  • F-117 Nighthawk: A fast and agile ship with a piercing laser beam.

Players must navigate their ship through dense formations of enemies, dodging bullets and obstacles while unleashing a relentless barrage of firepower. The game’s controls are incredibly responsive, allowing for precise maneuvers and quick reactions.

Visuals

Blazing Thunder’s visuals were groundbreaking for its time. The game’s vibrant pixel art and detailed backgrounds create a visually stunning experience that immerses players in the intense action. The enemy designs are varied and imaginative, ranging from small fighters to massive battleships and colossal bosses.

The game’s backgrounds are equally impressive, featuring a diverse range of environments, from sprawling cities to barren wastelands and alien landscapes. Each level offers a unique visual spectacle, adding to the game’s overall atmosphere and immersion.

Sound

Blazing Thunder’s soundtrack is another highlight of the game. Composed by Tatsuya Uemura, the music perfectly captures the game’s high-octane energy and intense atmosphere. The driving beats and catchy melodies create an exhilarating soundscape that complements the gameplay perfectly.

The game’s sound effects are equally impressive, with satisfying explosions, laser blasts, and the roar of the player’s ship engines. The audio experience in Blazing Thunder is a testament to Toaplan’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a fully immersive gaming experience.

Bosses

Blazing Thunder is renowned for its epic boss battles. Each boss is unique and requires a different strategy to defeat. From the towering mecha of Stage 2 to the colossal alien mothership of Stage 8, the bosses in Blazing Thunder are some of the most memorable and challenging in shmup history.

Defeating these bosses requires a combination of skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. Players must learn the bosses’ attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses to emerge victorious. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming these formidable foes is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game.

Legacy

Blazing Thunder has had a lasting impact on the shmup genre. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and epic boss battles have set a high standard for subsequent shmups. The game has been ported to numerous home consoles and has been included in several retro compilations.

Blazing Thunder’s legacy is also evident in its influence on other games. The game’s vertical scrolling gameplay, enemy designs, and boss battles can be seen in many later shmups, including Cave’s legendary DonPachi series and Treasure’s Radiant Silvergun.

Conclusion

Blazing Thunder is a masterpiece of the arcade era and a shining example of the golden age of shmups. Its exhilarating gameplay, stunning visuals, memorable bosses, and incredible soundtrack have made it a beloved classic among shmup fans for over three decades. Whether you’re a seasoned shmup veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Blazing Thunder is an essential experience that will provide hours of intense and rewarding gameplay.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Alien World (1992)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Alien World (1992)

Introduction

Alien World is a scrolling shoot-em-up released in 1992 for the Commodore 64. It was developed by Team17 and published by Psygnosis. The game is set in a strange and alien world where the player controls Kai, a young man who must rescue his sweetheart Medb from the evil Slough Feg.

Gameplay

Alien World is a side-scrolling shoot-em-up in which the player controls Kai as he travels through a variety of levels, shooting enemies and collecting power-ups. The game features both horizontal and vertical scrolling levels, and the player can only move forward, not backward.

Kai has three lives, and he loses a life when he is hit by an enemy or projectile. He can regain lives by collecting 1-ups. Kai can also collect power-ups to increase his firepower and speed.

The game features a variety of enemies, including flying saucers, robots, and aliens. Each enemy has its own unique attack pattern, and the player must learn how to defeat each type of enemy.

Graphics and Sound

Alien World features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The game’s backgrounds are full of parallax scrolling, and the sprites are large and well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Story

The story of Alien World is simple but effective. Kai’s sweetheart Medb has been kidnapped by the evil Slough Feg, and Kai must travel through a variety of alien worlds to rescue her. Along the way, Kai will encounter a variety of enemies and challenges, but he must never give up hope of rescuing Medb.

Reception

Alien World was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music. It was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Alien World is considered to be one of the best shoot-em-ups ever released on the Commodore 64. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and music are all top-notch, and it has a simple but effective story. Alien World is a must-play for fans of shoot-em-ups and Commodore 64 games.

Tips for Playing Alien World

  • Learn the attack patterns of each enemy type.
  • Use cover to avoid enemy fire.
  • Collect power-ups to increase your firepower and speed.
  • Don’t be afraid to use your special weapons.
  • Practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

Alien World is a classic shoot-em-up that is still fun to play today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and music are all top-notch, and it has a simple but effective story. Alien World is a must-play for fans of shoot-em-ups and Commodore 64 games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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