Publisher: Quicksilva Ltd.

Glass (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Glass (1985): A Retrospective on the Pioneering 3D Arcade Shooter

Released in 1985, Glass was a groundbreaking 3D arcade shooter that pushed the boundaries of gaming technology and captivated players with its intense action and immersive gameplay. Developed by Cinematronics, Glass was one of the first games to utilize 3D vector graphics, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience that set it apart from its contemporaries.

Gameplay

Glass puts players in the cockpit of a starfighter simulator, tasked with clearing 14 increasingly challenging levels of enemies and obstacles. The game’s controls are simple yet effective, with players using a joystick to navigate their ship and fire lasers at enemies. The 3D environment allows for full freedom of movement, giving players a sense of space and depth that was unmatched by other games at the time.

As players progress through the levels, they encounter a variety of enemy ships, each with its own unique attack patterns and behaviors. The levels also feature obstacles such as asteroids and space mines, which add an extra layer of challenge and require players to constantly adapt their tactics.

Graphics and Sound

Glass’s 3D vector graphics were groundbreaking for their time, creating a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games. The game’s environments are detailed and varied, from asteroid fields to alien landscapes, and the enemy ships are rendered with impressive detail.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, with a pulsing electronic score that perfectly captures the intense and futuristic atmosphere of the gameplay. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic explosions and laser fire adding to the overall experience.

Legacy

Glass was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential arcade shooters of all time. Its 3D graphics and immersive gameplay set a new standard for the genre, and inspired countless future games.

Glass has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, Atari ST, and Amiga. However, the arcade version remains the definitive experience, and is still enjoyed by retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Conclusion

Glass (1985) is a seminal arcade shooter that revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking 3D graphics and immersive gameplay. Its influence can still be seen in modern shooters today, and it remains a classic that is enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of retro gaming or simply appreciate the history of video games, Glass is a must-play experience.

Additional Details

  • Developer: Cinematronics
  • Publisher: Cinematronics
  • Release Date: 1985
  • Genre: 3D arcade shooter
  • Platforms: Arcade, Commodore 64, Atari ST, Amiga
  • Number of Levels: 14
  • Control Method: Joystick
  • Graphics: 3D vector graphics
  • Sound: Electronic soundtrack with realistic sound effects

Tips for Playing Glass

  • Use the joystick to move your ship and fire lasers.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate enemy attacks.
  • Use the obstacles to your advantage to block enemy fire.
  • Power-ups can be found throughout the levels to give you an edge in combat.
  • Don’t give up! The game is challenging, but it is possible to beat with patience and skill.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Death Wake (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Death Wake (1985): A Text-Based Adventure Classic

Death Wake is a text-based adventure game developed by Infocom and released in 1985. It is the ninth game in the Zork series, and the first to be released for home computers. The game is set in the fictional town of Death Wake, Massachusetts, and follows the player character as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it allows the player to type in natural language commands. For example, the player can type “go north” to move north, or “pick up the key” to pick up a key.

Death Wake is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s atmosphere is dark and eerie, and the puzzles are clever and challenging. The game also features a number of memorable characters, including the enigmatic Dr. Sinclair and the sinister undertaker, Mr. Graves.

Plot

The player character arrives in Death Wake to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. The town is shrouded in a thick fog, and the inhabitants are all acting strangely. The player soon discovers that the deaths are being caused by a supernatural force, and they must race against time to stop it before it claims more victims.

The player character’s investigation leads them to a number of different locations in Death Wake, including the town graveyard, the local church, and the abandoned mansion on the outskirts of town. Along the way, they will meet a number of characters who can help or hinder their progress.

Gameplay

Death Wake is a text-based adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the world by typing commands. The game’s parser is very sophisticated, and it allows the player to type in natural language commands. For example, the player can type “go north” to move north, or “pick up the key” to pick up a key.

The game world is divided into a number of different locations, and the player can travel between them by typing the appropriate commands. Each location contains a number of objects that the player can interact with. The player can examine objects, pick them up, and use them to solve puzzles.

The game also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress. The puzzles are clever and challenging, and they require the player to use their wits and problem-solving skills.

Characters

Death Wake features a number of memorable characters, including:

  • The player character: The player character is a private investigator who has been hired to investigate the mysterious deaths in Death Wake. The player character is a resourceful and determined individual, but they will need to use all of their skills to solve the case.
  • Dr. Sinclair: Dr. Sinclair is a local doctor who has been studying the mysterious deaths. He is a brilliant scientist, but he is also a bit eccentric. Dr. Sinclair can provide the player character with valuable information about the case, but he can also be a bit difficult to understand.
  • Mr. Graves: Mr. Graves is the local undertaker. He is a sinister and mysterious figure who seems to know more about the deaths than he lets on. Mr. Graves can be helpful to the player character, but he can also be dangerous.
  • The townspeople of Death Wake: The townspeople of Death Wake are all acting strangely. They are all afraid of something, and they are all reluctant to talk about the deaths. The player character will need to gain the trust of the townspeople in order to learn the truth about what is happening in Death Wake.

Legacy

Death Wake was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its dark and atmospheric setting, its clever puzzles, and its memorable characters. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Death Wake is considered to be one of the classic text-based adventure games. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are a fan of adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Death Wake.

Tips for Playing Death Wake

Here are a few tips for playing Death Wake:

  • Take your time: Death Wake is a challenging game, so don’t be afraid to take your time and explore the world. There are many hidden secrets to discover, so be sure to look around carefully.
  • Talk to everyone: The townspeople of Death Wake are all acting strangely, but they can still be helpful. Be sure to talk to everyone you meet, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Use your wits: The puzzles in Death Wake are clever and challenging, but they can be solved with a little bit of thought. Be sure to use your wits and problem-solving skills to overcome the obstacles in your path.
  • Don’t be afraid to die: Death is a part of life in Death Wake. Don’t be afraid to die, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by making mistakes.

Conclusion

Death Wake is a classic text-based adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s dark and atmospheric setting, its clever puzzles, and its memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding game, then you owe it to yourself to check out Death Wake.

Review Score

8/10

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Astro Blaster (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Astro Blaster (1981): A Retro Space Shooter That Still Packs a Punch

Astro Blaster is a classic arcade space shooter that was released in 1981. It was developed by Konami and published by Sega. The game is set in the year 2200, and the player controls a lone spaceship that must defend Earth from an alien invasion.

Astro Blaster is a side-scrolling shooter, and the player’s ship can move left or right and fire shots. The player must destroy waves of enemies, which attack with varied formations and flight patterns. The player must also monitor the ship’s temperature and fuel gauges; if the ship overheats, its weapon is disabled, and if it is depleted of fuel, the vessel itself explodes.

The game is divided into sectors, and each sector ends with an asteroid belt. The player can shoot the fireballs in the asteroid belt to obtain extra fuel. After completing each sector, the player docks with a mother ship to refuel and repair.

Astro Blaster was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound.

Gameplay

Astro Blaster is a side-scrolling shooter, and the player controls a lone spaceship that must defend Earth from an alien invasion. The player’s ship can move left or right and fire shots. The player must destroy waves of enemies, which attack with varied formations and flight patterns.

The player must also monitor the ship’s temperature and fuel gauges. If the ship overheats, its weapon is disabled. If the ship is depleted of fuel, it explodes. The player can obtain extra fuel by shooting the fireballs in the asteroid belts that appear at the end of each sector.

The game is divided into sectors, and each sector ends with an asteroid belt. After completing each sector, the player docks with a mother ship to refuel and repair.

Graphics and Sound

Astro Blaster’s graphics are impressive for an arcade game released in 1981. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy ships are varied and well-animated. The game’s sound is also excellent, with catchy music and realistic sound effects.

Legacy

Astro Blaster was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound.

Astro Blaster has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.

Conclusion

Astro Blaster is a classic arcade space shooter that still holds up today. It’s a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you’re a fan of retro gaming, you owe it to yourself to check out Astro Blaster.

Tips for Playing Astro Blaster

Here are a few tips for playing Astro Blaster:

  • Keep an eye on your temperature and fuel gauges. If your ship overheats, your weapon will be disabled. If your ship runs out of fuel, it will explode.
  • Shoot the fireballs in the asteroid belts to obtain extra fuel.
  • Dock with the mother ship at the end of each sector to refuel and repair.
  • Try to shoot all of the enemies in a specific order to earn bonus points.
  • Don’t miss any shots to earn bonus points.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master Astro Blaster and become a space shooting legend!

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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Battlezone (1980)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Battlezone (1980): The Arcade Classic That Defined Vector Graphics

Released in November 1980, Battlezone was an arcade game that revolutionized the way we thought about video games. Developed by Atari and designed by Ed Rotberg, Battlezone was one of the first games to use vector graphics, which resulted in a unique and distinctive wireframe aesthetic that set it apart from its contemporaries.

Gameplay

Battlezone is a first-person tank combat game. The player controls a tank that is tasked with destroying enemy tanks and defending their base. The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player can rotate their tank 360 degrees and fire in any direction.

One of the most innovative aspects of Battlezone was its use of vector graphics. Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations, which allows for much sharper and more detailed images than raster graphics, which are created using pixels. This gave Battlezone a unique and futuristic look that was unlike anything else available at the time.

Battlezone was also one of the first games to feature a true 3D environment. The player’s tank could move around a 3D battlefield, and the game’s camera would automatically adjust to keep the tank in the center of the screen. This gave the player a sense of immersion that was unmatched by other games of the era.

Legacy

Battlezone was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s, and it helped to popularize the use of vector graphics in video games. Battlezone was also ported to a number of home computers, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Apple II.

Battlezone has been cited as an influence on a number of later video games, including Star Wars: Battlefront, Halo, and Call of Duty. It is also considered to be one of the most important arcade games of all time.

Graphics

Battlezone’s vector graphics were groundbreaking for their time. The game’s wireframe aesthetic gave it a unique and futuristic look that was unlike anything else available at the time. The game’s environment was also very detailed, with mountains, trees, and other objects all rendered in vector graphics.

Battlezone’s graphics were also very smooth and fluid. The game ran at a high frame rate, which gave it a very responsive and immersive feel. This was in contrast to many other arcade games of the era, which were often jerky and slow.

Sound

Battlezone’s sound effects were also very good for their time. The game’s explosions and gunfire were very realistic, and the game’s music was also very catchy. The game’s sound effects and music helped to create a very immersive and exciting atmosphere.

Gameplay

Battlezone’s gameplay was very innovative for its time. The game’s first-person perspective and 3D environment gave it a sense of immersion that was unmatched by other games of the era. The game’s controls were also very responsive, and the game’s difficulty was well-balanced.

Battlezone was also one of the first games to feature a true artificial intelligence (AI) opponent. The game’s AI was very challenging, and it could adapt to the player’s strategies. This made Battlezone a very replayable game, as players could constantly try to improve their scores and defeat the AI.

Overall

Battlezone is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its innovative vector graphics, smooth gameplay, and challenging AI make it a must-play for any fan of gaming history.

Additional Information

  • Battlezone was the first arcade game to use a trackball for player control.
  • Battlezone was one of the first games to feature a true 3D environment.
  • Battlezone was one of the first games to feature a true artificial intelligence (AI) opponent.
  • Battlezone was ported to a number of home computers, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Apple II.
  • Battlezone has been cited as an influence on a number of later video games, including Star Wars: Battlefront, Halo, and Call of Duty.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Black Thunder (1985)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 3 minutes read

Summary

Black Thunder (1985): A Side-Scrolling Shooter Classic

Introduction

Released in 1985 by UPL, Black Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game that quickly gained a cult following among fans of the genre. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and catchy music made it a standout title in the golden age of arcade gaming.

Gameplay

Black Thunder puts players in control of a lone spaceship tasked with destroying waves of enemy ships and ground targets. The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and the player’s ship can move left, right, up, and down to avoid enemy fire and navigate the levels.

The player’s ship is equipped with a powerful laser cannon that can be fired in eight directions. By holding down the fire button, the player can charge up a more powerful shot that deals more damage to enemies.

Levels

Black Thunder features a total of 16 levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges. The levels are set in a variety of environments, including space, underwater, and over land.

As the player progresses through the levels, they will encounter a variety of enemy ships, ground targets, and bosses. The enemies become increasingly more difficult to defeat, and the levels become more complex and challenging.

Graphics and Sound

For a 1985 arcade game, Black Thunder’s graphics are impressive. The sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game’s music is also top-notch, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced gameplay.

Legacy

Black Thunder was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains popular among fans of classic arcade games today. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

Black Thunder has also been cited as an influence on later side-scrolling shooters, such as Gradius and R-Type. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and catchy music continue to entertain gamers today.

Conclusion

Black Thunder is a classic side-scrolling shooter that deserves its place among the greats of the genre. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Black Thunder is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Glider Rider (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Glider Rider (1986)

Glider Rider is a classic ZX Spectrum game that combines motorcycle racing with hang gliding. It was developed by Raffaele Cecco and published by Codemasters in 1986. The game is set on a remote island, and the player must destroy the reactors on the island by dropping grenades on them. The reactors are defended by laser gun towers which can be temporarily disabled by disrupting their control towers.

The player’s character rides a machine which is a combination motorcycle and hang glider. By driving down a mountainside and suddenly reversing direction, the player can take to the air. He can fly in any direction, or lose height, but cannot climb higher. There are many mountains on the island to help him achieve flight. To destroy a reactor he must fly over it dropping grenades.

On touching ground the motorcycle is restored. If the player falls in the sea he will be eaten by sharks.

Glider Rider was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound. The game was also ported to the Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC.

Gameplay

Glider Rider is a challenging and rewarding game. The player must carefully plan their approach to each reactor, taking into account the location of the laser gun towers and the terrain. The game also requires good timing and reflexes, as the player must drop their grenades at the right moment to destroy the reactors.

There are a total of 16 reactors on the island. Once all of the reactors have been destroyed, the player must fly to the exit point to complete the game.

Graphics and sound

Glider Rider has impressive graphics for a ZX Spectrum game. The island is rendered in great detail, and the explosions and other effects are well-animated. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere.

Legacy

Glider Rider is considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games of all time. It was one of the first games to combine multiple genres, and its innovative gameplay has been praised by critics and gamers alike. The game has also been cited as an influence on later games, such as the Grand Theft Auto series.

Conclusion

Glider Rider is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game with great graphics and sound. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then I highly recommend checking out Glider Rider.

Tips for playing Glider Rider

  • Plan your approach to each reactor carefully. Take into account the location of the laser gun towers and the terrain.
  • Time your drops carefully. You need to drop your grenades at the right moment to destroy the reactors.
  • Use the mountains to gain height. This will help you to avoid the laser gun towers and reach the reactors more easily.
  • Be careful not to fall in the sea. If you do, you will be eaten by sharks.

Additional information

  • Glider Rider was one of the first games to be developed by Codemasters, who went on to become one of the most successful video game companies in the world.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Eagle Rider”, but the name was changed to “Glider Rider” to avoid confusion with another game called “Eagle Rider” that was released in 1983.
  • Glider Rider was ported to the Commodore 64 and Amstrad CPC in 1987. The Commodore 64 version was developed by Raffaele Cecco, while the Amstrad CPC version was developed by David Whittaker.
  • Glider Rider was re-released on the ZX Spectrum Next in 2018. The re-release includes a number of new features, such as improved graphics and sound, and a level editor.

Review Score

8/10

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Elevator Action (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Elevator Action (1983): A Vertical Journey Through Espionage and Excitement

Introduction

In the annals of arcade gaming history, Elevator Action stands as a true pioneer, a game that broke new ground in both gameplay and design. Released in 1983 by Taito, Elevator Action quickly became a global sensation, captivating players with its innovative vertical scrolling gameplay, thrilling espionage theme, and addictive action.

Gameplay: A Vertical Odyssey

Elevator Action presents players with a unique vertical scrolling experience, set within a towering skyscraper filled with treacherous elevators and elusive secret agents. The player assumes the role of a skilled spy tasked with infiltrating this high-rise labyrinth, retrieving confidential documents, and escaping unscathed.

The gameplay revolves around navigating the building’s 30 floors, utilizing a complex network of elevators to ascend and descend. Players must carefully plan their movements, as enemy agents lurk behind every corner, ready to ambush and eliminate the spy. Stealth and quick reflexes are paramount to success, as players must either engage in combat or evade these adversaries to progress.

Espionage and Intrigue

Beyond its innovative gameplay, Elevator Action also boasts a compelling espionage narrative. The player’s mission is to retrieve vital documents from the clutches of敌对间谍组织潜伏在大厦之中。收集这些文件对于国家安全至关重要，而特工必须不惜一切代价完成任务。

This espionage element adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, as players must remain vigilant and constantly aware of their surroundings. The tension ratchets up with each passing floor, as the enemy agents become more numerous and aggressive.

Controls and Graphics

Elevator Action’s controls are deceptively simple yet highly effective. Players utilize a four-way joystick to move the spy and two buttons for shooting and jumping/kicking. This minimalist approach allows for precise and responsive gameplay, essential for navigating the game’s intricate levels.

The game’s graphics, while simple by today’s standards, were cutting-edge for their time. The 2D color graphics effectively convey the building’s environment, with each floor featuring unique obstacles and hazards. The character sprites are well-animated and distinct, adding to the game’s overall charm.

Music and Sound

Elevator Action’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Yoshio Imamura, is an unforgettable fusion of electronic melodies and percussive rhythms. The music perfectly captures the game’s frenetic pace and tense atmosphere, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

The sound effects are equally impressive, with realistic gunfire, explosions, and the distinctive chime of the elevators adding to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Legacy and Impact

Elevator Action’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It was one of the first games to introduce vertical scrolling gameplay, a concept that would later become a staple in countless other titles. The game’s innovative design and thrilling action formula set a new standard for arcade games, inspiring a generation of developers.

Elevator Action’s legacy extends beyond its immediate impact. The game has been ported to numerous home consoles and handheld devices, ensuring its continued accessibility to new audiences. It has also been featured in various compilations and retrospectives, celebrating its enduring popularity and historical significance.

Conclusion

Elevator Action (1983) is a true arcade masterpiece, a game that revolutionized vertical scrolling gameplay and captivated players worldwide. Its innovative design, thrilling espionage theme, and addictive action have stood the test of time, making it a beloved classic that continues to entertain and challenge gamers to this day. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of retro gaming, Elevator Action is an essential experience that will leave you breathless from start to finish.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Captain Kelly (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Captain Kelly (1986): A Text Adventure Masterpiece

Captain Kelly is a text adventure game released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. It was developed and published by CRL Group and is considered one of the best text adventure games ever made.

The game is set in the year 2254. The player takes on the role of Captain Kelly, a female starship captain who is on a mission to rescue her crew from a derelict spaceship. The spaceship is filled with puzzles and dangers, and Kelly must use her wits and ingenuity to overcome them.

Captain Kelly is a text-based game, meaning that the player interacts with the game by typing commands. The game uses a parser to understand the player’s commands, and the player can type in any command that they can think of. This makes the game very open-ended, and the player is free to explore the spaceship and solve the puzzles in any order they choose.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and the player will need to use their logic and problem-solving skills to overcome them. The game also features a number of red herrings and dead ends, so the player will need to be careful not to get sidetracked.

In addition to the puzzles, the game also features a number of action sequences. These sequences are typically timed, and the player will need to be quick and accurate in order to complete them. The action sequences add a sense of excitement and urgency to the game, and they help to keep the player engaged.

Captain Kelly was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its challenging puzzles, its well-written story, and its innovative use of language. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for text adventure fans today.

Gameplay

Captain Kelly is a text-based game, meaning that the player interacts with the game by typing commands. The game uses a parser to understand the player’s commands, and the player can type in any command that they can think of. This makes the game very open-ended, and the player is free to explore the spaceship and solve the puzzles in any order they choose.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and the player will need to use their logic and problem-solving skills to overcome them. The game also features a number of red herrings and dead ends, so the player will need to be careful not to get sidetracked.

In addition to the puzzles, the game also features a number of action sequences. These sequences are typically timed, and the player will need to be quick and accurate in order to complete them. The action sequences add a sense of excitement and urgency to the game, and they help to keep the player engaged.

Story

Captain Kelly is set in the year 2254. The player takes on the role of Captain Kelly, a female starship captain who is on a mission to rescue her crew from a derelict spaceship. The spaceship is filled with puzzles and dangers, and Kelly must use her wits and ingenuity to overcome them.

The game’s story is well-written and engaging. The player will quickly become invested in Kelly’s quest to rescue her crew, and they will be eager to see how the story unfolds. The game also features a number of twists and turns, which will keep the player guessing until the very end.

Characters

Captain Kelly is a well-developed and relatable character. She is a strong and intelligent woman who is determined to rescue her crew. The player will quickly come to admire Kelly’s courage and determination.

The game also features a number of other characters, including Kelly’s crew members and the aliens who inhabit the derelict spaceship. These characters are all well-written and memorable, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.

Graphics and Sound

Captain Kelly is a text-based game, so it does not have any graphics. However, the game’s text descriptions are very evocative, and the player will be able to easily visualize the game’s world and characters.

The game also features a number of sound effects, which help to create a sense of atmosphere. The sound effects are well-used and effective, and they help to immerse the player in the game’s world.

Overall

Captain Kelly is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s challenging puzzles, well-written story, and innovative use of language make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

7/10

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Defcom (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Defcom (1986): The Game That Simulated Nuclear War

Defcom is a strategy video game released in 1986 by Tomahawk. The game simulates nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Players take control of either side and must make strategic decisions about which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory.

Defcom was one of the first video games to realistically simulate nuclear war. The game’s graphics were simple, but they effectively conveyed the devastation that a nuclear war would cause. The game also featured a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects.

Defcom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its thought-provoking subject matter. The game has been credited with raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear war and helping to prevent a real-life conflict.

Gameplay

Defcom is a turn-based strategy game. Players take turns moving their units around the map and attacking enemy targets. Units can be either land-based or sea-based. Land-based units include infantry, tanks, and artillery. Sea-based units include ships and submarines.

Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses. Infantry is good for defending territory, but it is weak against tanks. Tanks are good for attacking enemy units, but they are slow and vulnerable to air attacks. Artillery is good for long-range attacks, but it is inaccurate and can cause collateral damage. Ships are good for attacking enemy ships and coastal targets, but they are vulnerable to submarines. Submarines are good for attacking enemy ships and coastal targets, but they are slow and can be detected by sonar.

Players must carefully consider which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory. The game features a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects. Nuclear explosions can cause widespread damage and radiation sickness. Players must be careful not to target their own territory with nuclear weapons, as this will result in a loss of population and resources.

Reception

Defcom was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realism, its challenging gameplay, and its thought-provoking subject matter. The game has been credited with raising awareness of the dangers of nuclear war and helping to prevent a real-life conflict.

Defcom was one of the first video games to realistically simulate nuclear war. The game’s graphics were simple, but they effectively conveyed the devastation that a nuclear war would cause. The game also featured a realistic model of nuclear weapons and their effects.

Defcom was a challenging game to play. Players had to carefully consider which targets to attack and how to defend their own territory. The game also featured a high level of uncertainty. Players never knew exactly what the enemy was going to do, which made the game even more challenging.

Defcom was a thought-provoking game. It forced players to think about the dangers of nuclear war and the consequences of their own actions. The game also raised awareness of the importance of nuclear disarmament.

Defcom is still enjoyed by many today for its challenging gameplay and realistic graphics. The game is also a valuable historical document, as it provides a glimpse into the fears and anxieties of the Cold War era.

Legacy

Defcom has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game is credited with popularizing the real-time strategy genre. Defcom also inspired a number of other games, including Command & Conquer and StarCraft.

Defcom has also been used as a teaching tool. The game has been used to teach students about the dangers of nuclear war and the importance of nuclear disarmament.

Defcom is a classic video game that still has a lot to offer today. The game is a challenging and thought-provoking experience that can teach players about the dangers of nuclear war. Defcom is also a valuable historical document that provides a glimpse into the fears and anxieties of the Cold War era.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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Gridrunner (1982)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Gridrunner (1982)

Gridrunner is a classic arcade game that was released by Atari in 1982. It is a single-player game in which the player controls a spaceship that must navigate through a grid of obstacles and enemies while shooting at them. The game is similar to Atari’s earlier arcade hit, Centipede, but with a few key differences.

Gameplay

The player controls their spaceship with a joystick and a single button. The joystick moves the ship up, down, left, and right, and the button fires the ship’s laser. The ship can move in any direction, but it cannot stop moving.

The goal of the game is to navigate the ship through the grid of obstacles and enemies while shooting at them. The obstacles include walls, mines, and other objects that can damage the ship. The enemies include spiders, scorpions, and other creatures that will attack the ship on sight.

The player must use their skill and strategy to avoid the obstacles and enemies while shooting at them. The ship can only take a few hits before it is destroyed, so the player must be careful not to get hit too many times.

Levels

The game consists of 100 levels, each of which is more difficult than the last. The levels are procedurally generated, so they are different every time the player plays the game.

As the player progresses through the levels, the obstacles and enemies become more difficult to avoid. The player must also contend with increasingly difficult bosses at the end of each level.

Power-ups

The player can collect power-ups throughout the game that will give them special abilities. These power-ups include:

  • Speed: Makes the ship move faster.
  • Shield: Protects the ship from damage.
  • Laser: Makes the ship’s laser more powerful.
  • Bomb: Destroys all enemies on the screen.

Reception

Gridrunner was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Gridrunner is still considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of classic arcade games.

Legacy

Gridrunner has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is one of the first games to use procedurally generated levels, and it is also one of the first games to feature a boss at the end of each level. These innovations have been adopted by many other games since then.

Gridrunner has also been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the PC. It is still available to purchase and play today, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.

Conclusion

Gridrunner is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to please fans of classic arcade games. If you have never played Gridrunner before, I highly recommend checking it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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