Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Texas Instruments TI-99
- Developers: Texas Instruments Incorporated
- Publishers: Texas Instruments Incorporated
Parsec: A Journey Through the Stars
Released in 1982 for the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, Parsec is a side-scrolling shooter that quickly became one of the most popular games for the platform. Developed by Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus, Parsec tasks players with piloting a spaceship through sixteen levels of increasingly difficult terrain, battling enemy ships and avoiding obstacles along the way.
Gameplay
The objective of Parsec is to guide your spaceship through each level without being shot down or colliding with any objects. You must also destroy all enemy ships in each level before you can progress to the next one.
The game is played from a side-scrolling perspective, and your ship can move left, right, up, and down. You can fire your laser cannon in any direction, but it will overheat if you fire too rapidly.
There are three types of enemy ships in Parsec: fighters, cruisers, and satellites. Fighters are the most common enemy type, and they will fly towards your ship in a straight line. Cruisers are larger and more powerful than fighters, and they will fire projectiles at your ship. Satellites are small, fast-moving enemies that can appear anywhere on the screen.
In addition to enemy ships, you must also avoid colliding with asteroids, meteors, and other obstacles. These obstacles can damage your ship or slow you down.
Levels
Parsec features sixteen levels, each with a unique color scheme and terrain. The levels become increasingly difficult as you progress, with more enemy ships and obstacles to contend with.
The first few levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty ramps up quickly. By the time you reach the later levels, you will need to be a skilled pilot to survive.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Parsec’s graphics were impressive. The game’s colorful levels and detailed sprites were a step above many other TI-99/4A games. The game’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with its catchy tunes that help to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
Legacy
Parsec was a critical and commercial success for the TI-99/4A. It was one of the most popular games for the platform, and it helped to cement the TI-99/4A’s reputation as a capable gaming machine.
Parsec has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its influence on future side-scrolling shooters. The game’s unique blend of action and strategy has made it a favorite among retro gamers for decades.
Conclusion
Parsec is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of retro gaming, then you owe it to yourself to check out Parsec.
Tips for Playing Parsec
- Use your laser cannon sparingly to avoid overheating.
- Destroy enemy ships quickly to prevent them from overwhelming you.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid colliding with obstacles.
- Use the terrain to your advantage to block enemy fire.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you play Parsec, the better you will become at it.
Additional Information
- Parsec was released in 1982 for the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A.
- The game was developed by Jim Dramis and Paul Urbanus.
- Parsec is a side-scrolling shooter with sixteen levels.
- The game features colorful graphics, detailed sprites, and a catchy soundtrack.
- Parsec is considered to be one of the best games for the TI-99/4A.
Review Score
8.5/10