Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Developers: Artech
- Publishers: Accolade
Apollo 18: A Retro Space Shooter That Still Hits the Mark
Released in 1987, Apollo 18 is a side-scrolling space shooter that quickly became a classic among retro gamers. Developed by Atari Games and published by Williams Electronics, Apollo 18 puts players in the cockpit of a lone spaceship tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion.
The game is set in the year 2018, and Earth is under attack by a relentless horde of alien UFOs. The player takes control of the Apollo 18 spaceship, the last line of defense against the alien invaders. The Apollo 18 is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs, which the player can use to destroy the alien UFOs.
Apollo 18 is a fast-paced and challenging shooter that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player must constantly be on the move, dodging enemy fire and taking out UFOs before they can reach Earth. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help the player, such as shields, speed boosts, and extra lives.
One of the things that makes Apollo 18 so special is its graphics. The game’s visuals are incredibly detailed and colorful for its time, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The alien UFOs are particularly well-designed, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The gameplay in Apollo 18 is also top-notch. The game is fast-paced and challenging, but it’s also fair. The player always has a fighting chance, even against the most overwhelming odds. The game’s difficulty also scales well, so it can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
Another highlight of Apollo 18 is its soundtrack. The game’s music is composed by Tim Follin, and it’s one of the best soundtracks in the history of video games. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it perfectly captures the game’s fast-paced and exciting gameplay.
Overall, Apollo 18 is a classic side-scrolling shooter that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and it’s sure to provide hours of enjoyment for retro gamers of all ages.
Tips for Playing Apollo 18
Here are a few tips for playing Apollo 18:
- Use cover. The Apollo 18 spaceship is vulnerable to enemy fire, so it’s important to use cover whenever possible. This can be done by hiding behind asteroids, planets, and other objects.
- Don’t be afraid to use your weapons. The Apollo 18 spaceship is equipped with a variety of weapons, so don’t be afraid to use them. The lasers are good for taking out small enemies, while the missiles and bombs are more effective against larger enemies.
- Be careful of power-ups. The power-ups in Apollo 18 can be helpful, but they can also be dangerous. Some power-ups, such as the speed boost, can make the game more difficult to control. It’s important to be careful when using power-ups, and to only use them when you need them.
- Practice makes perfect. Apollo 18 is a challenging game, but it’s also a fair game. The more you practice, the better you will become at it. So don’t give up if you find yourself struggling at first. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Legacy of Apollo 18
Apollo 18 was a critical and commercial success, and it has gone on to become one of the most popular retro space shooters of all time. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. It has also been included in several retro game compilations.
Apollo 18 has also been praised for its influence on other video games. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and detailed graphics were ahead of their time, and they helped to set a new standard for space shooters. Many of the game’s features have been adopted by other space shooters, and Apollo 18 is still considered to be one of the most influential games in the genre.
Conclusion
Apollo 18 is a classic side-scrolling space shooter that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack are all top-notch, and it’s sure to provide hours of enjoyment for retro gamers of all ages. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding space shooter, then Apollo 18 is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
