Publisher: U.S. Gold

Crime Wave (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Crime Wave (1990): A Side-Scrolling Shooter with a Cop Attitude

Released in 1990, Crime Wave is a side-scrolling shooter arcade game developed and published by Data East. The game puts players in control of a police officer tasked with taking down a powerful criminal organization and rescuing the President’s daughter. Crime Wave is known for its digitized graphics, fast-paced action, and over-the-top humor.

Gameplay

Crime Wave is a side-scrolling shooter in the vein of games like Narc and RoboCop. Players control a police officer who must shoot their way through various levels, including slums, inner cities, and even a prison. The game features a variety of enemies, from street thugs to heavily armed criminals. Players must use their wits and reflexes to survive and complete each level.

One of the unique features of Crime Wave is its digitized graphics. The game uses digitized sprites for its characters and environments, which gives it a unique look and feel. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Crime Wave is also known for its fast-paced action. The game is constantly throwing enemies at the player, and there is never a dull moment. Players must be constantly on their toes if they want to survive.

In addition to its action, Crime Wave also features a healthy dose of humor. The game is full of over-the-top characters and situations, and it never takes itself too seriously. This humor helps to make Crime Wave a more enjoyable experience, and it keeps players coming back for more.

Story

The story of Crime Wave is simple but effective. The player takes on the role of a police officer who is tasked with taking down a powerful criminal organization known as the Red Dragons. The Red Dragons are led by a ruthless crime boss named Mr. Big, who has kidnapped the President’s daughter.

The player must fight their way through the Red Dragons’ territory, rescuing hostages and taking down Mr. Big’s henchmen. Along the way, the player will uncover a sinister plot that threatens the entire city.

Graphics and Sound

Crime Wave’s graphics are some of the best that the arcade had to offer in 1990. The game uses digitized sprites for its characters and environments, which gives it a unique and stylish look. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

The sound in Crime Wave is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is catchy and energetic, and it helps to set the mood for the action. The sound effects are also well done, and they add to the game’s overall atmosphere.

Gameplay

Crime Wave is a fast-paced and action-packed side-scrolling shooter. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great challenge for players of all skill levels. The game’s controls are responsive and the gameplay is smooth, making it a joy to play.

Crime Wave is also a very replayable game. The game features multiple difficulty levels, and there are a variety of different ways to approach each level. This makes the game highly replayable, and it ensures that players will always find something new to enjoy.

Conclusion

Crime Wave is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still a lot of fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced action, over-the-top humor, and digitized graphics make it a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are a fan of side-scrolling shooters, or if you are just looking for a great arcade game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Crime Wave.

Additional Information

  • Crime Wave was developed by Data East, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. Data East was known for its arcade games, including other classics like Bad Dudes, RoboCop, and Heavy Barrel.
  • Crime Wave was released in arcades in 1990. The game was later ported to the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
  • Crime Wave was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and humor. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
  • Crime Wave has been included in several retro video game compilations, including Data East Arcade Classics and Sega Genesis Classics.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Power Drive (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Power Drive (1994): The Ultimate Arcade Rally Racing Experience

Released in 1994, Power Drive is an arcade racing game that takes players on a thrilling journey through the world of rally racing. Developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega, Power Drive is known for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging tracks, and realistic car handling.

Gameplay

Power Drive offers a variety of gameplay modes, including individual time-trials, head-to-head races against the computer, and skill tests. The game features 8 rounds of gameplay, set across countries ranging from Sweden to Kenya. Each round consists of three stages, and players must complete each stage within a certain time limit.

The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, with players using the steering wheel to control the car’s direction, the gas pedal to accelerate, and the brake pedal to slow down. Power Drive also features a handbrake, which can be used to perform handbrake turns and lurid powerslides.

Tracks

Power Drive features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges. Some tracks are set in snowy environments, while others are set in deserts or forests. Each track is designed to test the player’s skills, with tight corners, jumps, and obstacles.

Cars

Power Drive features a variety of cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. Players can choose from a variety of cars, including rally cars, sports cars, and muscle cars. Each car has its own strengths and weaknesses, so players must choose the right car for each track.

Graphics

Power Drive’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game uses 3D graphics to create realistic environments and cars. The game’s visuals are still impressive today, and they help to create a sense of immersion for the player.

Sound

Power Drive’s sound is also impressive. The game features a variety of sound effects, including the roar of engines, the squeal of tires, and the crash of metal. The game’s music is also catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a sense of excitement for the player.

Reception

Power Drive was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging tracks, and realistic car handling. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Power Drive is considered to be one of the greatest arcade racing games of all time. The game’s influence can be seen in many modern racing games, and it is still enjoyed by fans today.

Conclusion

Power Drive is a classic arcade racing game that offers a thrilling and challenging experience. With its fast-paced gameplay, challenging tracks, and realistic car handling, Power Drive is a must-play for any racing fan.

Review Score

8/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame (1989)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame (1989)

Introduction

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is a side-scrolling action RPG released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. It is the sequel to Heroes of the Lance, and the second game in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Krynn series. Dragons of Flame combines elements of traditional RPGs, such as character creation and inventory management, with the fast-paced action of side-scrolling brawlers.

Gameplay

Players begin by creating a party of up to four characters from a selection of six classes: fighter, thief, cleric, mage, ranger, and dwarf. Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider their party composition before embarking on their adventure.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, with players controlling their party of characters as they explore the world of Krynn. The world is divided into a series of interconnected maps, each of which contains a variety of enemies, obstacles, and treasures. Players must use their wits and combat skills to overcome these challenges and progress through the game.

Combat in Dragons of Flame is fast-paced and action-packed. Players control their characters directly, using a variety of attacks and spells to defeat their enemies. The game features a unique “chain attack” system, which allows players to string together multiple attacks for devastating combos.

In addition to the main story campaign, Dragons of Flame also features a number of side quests and minigames. These optional challenges can provide players with valuable experience and items, and help them to develop their characters.

Setting

Dragons of Flame is set in the world of Krynn, the same setting as the popular Dragonlance fantasy novels. The game takes place during the War of the Lance, a time of great upheaval and conflict. The evil dragonlord Verminaard has returned to Krynn, and is amassing an army of dragons and other creatures to conquer the world.

The player characters are tasked with stopping Verminaard and his forces. They must travel across Krynn, gathering allies and building up their strength. Along the way, they will face many challenges, but if they are successful, they will save Krynn from destruction.

Characters

The player characters in Dragons of Flame are a diverse group of heroes, each with their own unique motivations and abilities. The six character classes are:

  • Fighter: The fighter is a melee combat specialist, skilled in using swords, axes, and other weapons.
  • Thief: The thief is a nimble and agile character, skilled in stealth, lockpicking, and trap disarming.
  • Cleric: The cleric is a healer and spellcaster, able to heal the party’s wounds and cast powerful spells.
  • Mage: The mage is a powerful spellcaster, able to cast a variety of offensive and defensive spells.
  • Ranger: The ranger is a skilled archer and tracker, able to attack enemies from afar and navigate the wilderness with ease.
  • Dwarf: The dwarf is a tough and sturdy character, resistant to damage and able to wield heavy weapons.

Reception

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame received positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced combat, variety of character classes, and faithfulness to the Dragonlance setting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is considered to be one of the best RPGs released for the NES. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Switch.

Conclusion

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is a classic RPG that combines fast-paced action with deep character customization and a rich fantasy setting. The game is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and is considered to be one of the best RPGs released for the NES.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Shackled (1986)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Shackled (1986)

Shackled is a maze-like shoot-em-up arcade game developed and published by Namco in 1986. The player controls a spaceship that must navigate through a series of levels, shooting enemies and collecting keys and treasures. The game is notable for its unique gameplay, which combines elements of both maze games and shoot-em-ups.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that can move in four directions: up, down, left, and right. The spaceship is equipped with a laser cannon that can fire in eight directions. The player must use the laser cannon to defeat enemies and collect keys and treasures.

The game is played on a single screen, and the player’s spaceship is constantly moving forward. The player must navigate through the maze-like levels, avoiding enemies and obstacles. The levels are filled with a variety of enemies, including ground-based enemies, flying enemies, and bosses.

The player must collect keys to unlock doors that lead to new areas of the maze. The player must also collect treasures to increase their score. The game ends when the player loses all of their lives.

Development

Shackled was developed by Namco’s arcade division, which was led by Toru Iwatani, the creator of Pac-Man. The game was designed by Shigeru Yokoyama, who also worked on Pac-Man.

Shackled was released in arcades in Japan in 1986. The game was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988.

Reception

Shackled was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy soundtrack. Shackled was one of the most popular arcade games of 1986, and it remained popular on the NES for many years.

Legacy

Shackled is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s unique gameplay has been imitated by many other games, including the popular mobile game Crossy Road. Shackled is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Additional Information

  • Shackled was one of the first arcade games to use a trackball controller.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Junko Ozawa, who also composed the music for Pac-Man.
  • Shackled was ported to a number of home computer systems, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Atari ST.
  • The NES version of Shackled was released in North America as Maze Hunter 3-D.

Review

Shackled is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. The game’s unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro game to play, Shackled is definitely worth checking out.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Review Score

7.5/10

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Head-On Soccer (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Head-On Soccer (1995): A Nostalgic Look at a Classic Isometric Football Game

Released in 1995, Head-On Soccer is an isometric football game that quickly became a fan favorite. With its simple controls, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay, Head-On Soccer is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Gameplay

Head-On Soccer is played from an isometric perspective, which gives players a clear view of the pitch and the surrounding environment. Players can control one of 51 national teams and compete in two game modes: Exhibition and Tournament.

In Exhibition mode, players can select two teams to play against each other. The match can be customized with a variety of settings, including the time limit, difficulty level, and whether or not to allow fouls.

In Tournament mode, players compete in a series of seven games on four continents. The final game is against the World All-Stars. To win the tournament, players must win all seven games.

Controls

The controls in Head-On Soccer are simple and easy to learn. The D-pad is used to move the players around the pitch. The A button is used to pass the ball, and the B button is used to shoot. Players can also use the L and R buttons to perform special moves, such as tackles and headers.

Graphics

The graphics in Head-On Soccer are colorful and well-drawn. The isometric perspective gives players a clear view of the pitch and the surrounding environment. The players are animated smoothly, and the ball moves realistically.

Sound

The sound in Head-On Soccer is simple but effective. The crowd cheers and chants during the matches, and the sound of the ball being kicked and passed is realistic.

Replayability

Head-On Soccer is a game that can be played over and over again. The simple gameplay and variety of teams and game modes ensure that there is always something new to discover.

Overall

Head-On Soccer is a classic isometric football game that is still fun to play today. With its simple controls, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay, Head-On Soccer is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Tips for Playing Head-On Soccer

Here are a few tips for playing Head-On Soccer:

  • Use the L and R buttons to perform special moves, such as tackles and headers.
  • Pass the ball to your teammates to create scoring opportunities.
  • Shoot the ball when you have a clear shot on goal.
  • Don’t be afraid to foul your opponents if you need to stop them from scoring.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Head-On Soccer, the better you will become.

Head-On Soccer Legacy

Head-On Soccer was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple gameplay, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay. Head-On Soccer has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation.

Head-On Soccer has also been featured in several video game magazines and websites. In 1995, Head-On Soccer was named one of the best sports games of the year by Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Head-On Soccer is a classic isometric football game that is still enjoyed by players today. With its simple gameplay, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay, Head-On Soccer is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game (1989)

Introduction

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game is a 1989 action-adventure game developed by Tiertex Design Studios and published by Lucasfilm Games. The game is based on the 1989 film of the same name and follows Indiana Jones on his quest to find the Holy Grail.

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Indiana Jones. Indy can walk, run, jump, climb, and use his whip to attack enemies. The game is divided into four levels, each of which is based on a different location from the film.

In the first level, Indy must explore the catacombs of Venice. He must avoid traps and solve puzzles in order to find the Holy Grail. In the second level, Indy must escape from the Nazis in the Austrian Alps. He must use his whip to swing across chasms and climb up cliffs.

In the third level, Indy must infiltrate the Nazi castle in Austria. He must use stealth and cunning to avoid detection and reach the Holy Grail. In the fourth and final level, Indy must battle the Nazis in the Grail Temple. He must use all of his skills to defeat the Nazis and claim the Holy Grail.

Graphics and Sound

The game’s graphics are impressive for its time. The characters and environments are well-detailed and the animation is smooth. The game’s sound is also very good. The music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic.

Difficulty

The game is challenging, but fair. The levels are well-designed and the puzzles are not too difficult. However, the game can be difficult for younger players.

Reception

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game is considered to be one of the best action-adventure games of its time. The game has been praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. It is also a popular game among fans of the Indiana Jones franchise.

Review

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game is a classic action-adventure game. The game has great graphics, sound, and gameplay. It is also a challenging but fair game. If you are a fan of the Indiana Jones franchise or action-adventure games in general, then you should definitely check out Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game.

Score: 8/10

Pros:

  • Great graphics
  • Excellent sound
  • Fun and challenging gameplay
  • Faithful to the film

Cons:

  • Can be difficult for younger players
  • Some of the puzzles can be frustrating

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bruce Lee (1984)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Bruce Lee (1984): A Martial Arts Masterpiece

Bruce Lee is a 1984 platformer/beat ’em up hybrid video game developed by Ron J. Fortier and published by Datasoft. The game is based on the life and career of martial artist and film star Bruce Lee.

The player controls Bruce Lee as he fights his way through hordes of enemies, including ninjas, gangsters, and even supernatural creatures. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, which requires the player to master a variety of martial arts techniques in order to succeed.

Bruce Lee was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has since been ported to a variety of platforms. The game is considered to be one of the best examples of the beat ’em up genre, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Gameplay

Bruce Lee is a side-scrolling platformer/beat ’em up hybrid. The player controls Bruce Lee as he fights his way through hordes of enemies. The game features a variety of martial arts techniques, including punches, kicks, throws, and grapples. The player can also use environmental objects to their advantage, such as throwing rocks or using poles to vault over obstacles.

The game is divided into five stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The first stage takes place in a dojo, where Bruce Lee must defeat a group of ninjas. The second stage takes place in a warehouse, where Bruce Lee must fight his way through a group of gangsters. The third stage takes place in a forest, where Bruce Lee must battle a variety of supernatural creatures, including ghosts and demons. The fourth stage takes place in a castle, where Bruce Lee must defeat a group of samurai. The fifth and final stage takes place on a rooftop, where Bruce Lee must face off against his arch-nemesis, Han.

Bruce Lee is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s controls are simple to learn, but difficult to master. The player must be able to quickly and accurately execute a variety of martial arts techniques in order to succeed. The game also requires the player to be strategic in their use of environmental objects.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Bruce Lee are simple but effective. The characters are well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a variety of catchy tunes that help to set the mood for the action.

Reception

Bruce Lee was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Bruce Lee has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, and NES. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital download services.

Bruce Lee is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is considered to be one of the best examples of the beat ’em up genre, and is a must-play for fans of martial arts games.

Legacy

Bruce Lee has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s challenging gameplay and innovative use of martial arts techniques have influenced a number of other games, including the Street Fighter series and the Mortal Kombat series.

Bruce Lee is also credited with helping to popularize martial arts in the West. The game’s release coincided with the rise of kung fu movies in the United States, and helped to introduce a new generation of fans to the martial arts.

Bruce Lee is a true classic of the video game industry. The game’s challenging gameplay, excellent graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. The game is a must-play for fans of martial arts games and a must-have for any retro gaming collection.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Forgotten Worlds (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Forgotten Worlds (1988)

Forgotten Worlds is a run-and-gun arcade game released by Capcom in 1988. It is notable for its unique gameplay mechanics, which allow the player to control a flying character in any direction while aiming their weapon independently. The game was developed by a team led by Yoshiki Okamoto, who would later go on to create the Street Fighter series.

Forgotten Worlds is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been ravaged by war. The player takes control of one of two soldiers, each equipped with a unique weapon. The first player controls a long-range automatic rifle, while the second player has a short-range wide shot.

The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective. The player character can move in any direction while flying, and can aim their weapon in one of sixteen directions. This allows for a great deal of freedom and flexibility in combat.

In addition to their main weapon, the player character is also equipped with a satellite module that provides backup firepower. The satellite module can be rotated independently of the player character, allowing the player to attack enemies from multiple angles.

The player can collect blue-colored coins known as “zennies” from defeating enemies. The zennies can be used to purchase power-up items from shops located at certain points in each stage. These items include new weapons for the satellite module, health kits, armor, and even tips on how to defeat the boss awaiting at the end of the current stage.

Forgotten Worlds consists of five stages with a total of eight bosses. The player will lose if their vitality gauge runs out, but will be given a chance to continue.

Gameplay

Forgotten Worlds is a fast-paced and action-packed run-and-gun game. The player character is constantly moving and shooting, and must be able to quickly adapt to the changing environment. The game’s unique control scheme allows for a great deal of precision and flexibility in combat.

The player character can move in any direction while flying, and can aim their weapon independently. This allows the player to attack enemies from any angle, and to quickly dodge incoming fire. The satellite module provides additional firepower, and can be used to attack enemies from multiple angles.

The game’s power-up system adds an element of strategy to the gameplay. The player can choose to purchase new weapons for the satellite module, health kits, armor, or tips on how to defeat the boss. The player must carefully consider which items to purchase, as they will need to use them wisely in order to survive.

Graphics

Forgotten Worlds’ graphics are colorful and detailed. The game’s backgrounds are lush and varied, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s bosses are particularly impressive, and each one has its own unique attack patterns.

Sound

Forgotten Worlds’ sound is excellent. The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The game’s voice acting is also top-notch, and the characters are all voiced by talented actors.

Overall

Forgotten Worlds is a classic run-and-gun arcade game that is still a blast to play today. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, beautiful graphics, and excellent sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Tips

  • Use the roll switch to quickly change your aim and to perform megacrush attacks.
  • Rotate the satellite module to attack enemies from multiple angles.
  • Purchase power-up items from shops to increase your firepower and survivability.
  • Be careful not to let your vitality gauge run out.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you play Forgotten Worlds, the better you will become at it.

Trivia

  • Forgotten Worlds was originally released in Japan as Tatakai no Banka.
  • The game was ported to the Sega Genesis in 1990.
  • Forgotten Worlds was one of the first arcade games to feature a rotatable button.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Manami Matsumae, who also composed the music for Mega Man and Street Fighter II.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Beach-Head (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Beach-Head (1983): A Timeless Arcade Classic

Released in 1983, Beach-Head is an arcade classic that defined the shoot-’em-up genre. Developed by Access Software and published by Atari, Inc., Beach-Head puts players in the role of a lone soldier fighting against an overwhelming enemy force on a beachhead. With its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics, Beach-Head has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved arcade games of all time.

Gameplay

Beach-Head is a fixed shooter game, meaning that the player’s movement is restricted to a specific area of the screen. The player controls a lone soldier armed with a machine gun and grenades, and must fend off waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and helicopters. The player’s objective is to survive as long as possible and rack up a high score.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive. The player must constantly move and shoot to avoid being hit by enemy fire. The player can also use grenades to take out multiple enemies at once. As the player progresses through the game, the waves of enemies become increasingly difficult, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of grenades.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Beach-Head’s graphics were cutting-edge. The game’s use of sprite scaling and parallax scrolling created a sense of depth and immersion that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere.

Legacy

Beach-Head was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several sequels and ports to home computers. The game is still fondly remembered by gamers today for its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics. Beach-Head is considered to be one of the most important arcade games of all time, and its influence can still be seen in modern shoot-’em-up games.

Critical Reception

Beach-Head was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 20,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.

Accolades

  • Arcade Game of the Year (1983) – RePlay magazine
  • Best Action Arcade Game (1983) – Arcade Express magazine

  • 2 Top Arcade Game (1983) – Cash Box magazine

Cultural Impact

Beach-Head has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and music. The game’s iconic graphics and gameplay have also been parodied and imitated in numerous other games.

Conclusion

Beach-Head is a timeless arcade classic that still holds up today. Its intense gameplay, challenging difficulty, and iconic graphics make it a must-play for any fan of shoot-’em-up games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Beach-Head is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Vigilante (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Vigilante (1988): A Classic Beat ‘Em Up That Still Packs a Punch

Released in 1988, Vigilante is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game developed and published by Irem. The game follows the story of a vigilante who sets out to rescue his girlfriend from a ruthless gang known as the Rogues.

Gameplay

Vigilante is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up in the same vein as Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. The player controls the vigilante, who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to reach his girlfriend. The vigilante has a variety of attacks at his disposal, including punches, kicks, and throws. He can also pick up weapons such as knives, pipes, and baseball bats.

One of the unique features of Vigilante is its “rescue” system. Throughout the game, the player will come across hostages being held by the Rogues. If the player can defeat all of the enemies in the area and reach the hostage before they are killed, they will be rescued. Rescuing hostages earns the player extra points and health.

Characters

The player character in Vigilante is simply known as the Vigilante. He is a muscular man with a red bandana and black gi. The Vigilante is a skilled fighter and is determined to rescue his girlfriend no matter what.

The Rogues are a ruthless gang who have taken over the city. They are led by a man named Mr. X, who is a powerful fighter and master of martial arts. The Rogues are well-armed and will stop at nothing to prevent the Vigilante from rescuing his girlfriend.

Setting

Vigilante is set in a dark and gritty city that is overrun by crime. The streets are filled with thugs and gangs, and the police are powerless to stop them. The Vigilante is the only hope for the city, and he must use all of his skills to defeat the Rogues and restore order.

Development

Vigilante was developed by Irem, a Japanese video game developer known for its arcade games. The game was designed by Kazunori Kumagai, who also worked on the classic beat ’em up Double Dragon. Vigilante was released in arcades in 1988 and was later ported to home computers and consoles.

Reception

Vigilante was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense action, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack. Vigilante is considered to be one of the best beat ’em up games of all time, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Legacy

Vigilante has had a lasting impact on the beat ’em up genre. The game’s unique “rescue” system has been copied by many other games, and its characters and setting have been referenced in other works of popular culture. Vigilante is a true classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great video games.

Tips for Playing Vigilante

  • Use your environment to your advantage. The game is filled with objects that you can use to attack your enemies, such as barrels, crates, and even the scenery itself.
  • Don’t be afraid to use weapons. Weapons can give you a significant advantage in battle, so don’t hesitate to pick them up whenever you can.
  • Rescue as many hostages as possible. Rescuing hostages earns you extra points and health, so it’s always worth taking the time to do so.
  • Be careful of Mr. X. Mr. X is the final boss of the game, and he is a powerful fighter. Be sure to use all of your skills to defeat him.

Conclusion

Vigilante is a classic beat ’em up that still packs a punch today. With its intense action, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. So grab your joystick and get ready to clean up the streets!

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More