Badlands Pete (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Badlands Pete: A Frontier Adventure in the Wild West

Introduction

Released in 1990, Badlands Pete is an arcade classic that takes players on a thrilling adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. With its innovative gameplay, stunning 3D graphics, and memorable characters, Badlands Pete remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of Badlands Pete Coyote, a legendary gunslinger with a reputation for quick-draw duels and unwavering bravery. The game’s objective is to rescue the Governor’s daughters, who have been kidnapped by a ruthless band of outlaws.

Badlands Pete is a side-scrolling shooter with unique “Strip-A-Mation” graphics that combine smooth scrolling with 3D sprite graphics. This creates a sense of depth and realism that was groundbreaking for its time.

The game features a variety of enemies, each with their own unique attacks and behaviors. Players must use their quick reflexes and strategic thinking to outmaneuver and defeat their foes. Badlands Pete can shoot in eight directions, and he can also perform a variety of special moves, such as a rapid-fire attack and a powerful shotgun blast.

Characters

In addition to Badlands Pete, the game features a cast of memorable characters, including:

  • The Governor’s Daughters: The three kidnapped daughters are the damsels in distress who Badlands Pete must rescue.
  • Bat Masterson: A legendary lawman who aids Badlands Pete on his quest.
  • Buffalo Bill Cody: A famous frontiersman and showman who provides Badlands Pete with supplies and information.
  • Crazy Horse: A Lakota warrior who fights alongside Badlands Pete against the outlaws.
  • Billy the Kid: A notorious outlaw who is one of the main antagonists of the game.

Weapons and Items

Badlands Pete has access to a variety of weapons and items to help him on his quest, including:

  • Colt Peacemaker: Badlands Pete’s trusty six-shooter.
  • Shotgun: A powerful close-range weapon.
  • Dynamite: Explosives that can be used to clear out large groups of enemies.
  • Health Power-Ups: Items that restore Badlands Pete’s health.
  • Extra Lives: Items that give Badlands Pete an extra life.

Levels

The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique setting and challenges. The levels include:

  • Saloon: A raucous saloon filled with outlaws and treacherous barmaids.
  • Canyon: A treacherous canyon filled with mountain men and renegade Indians.
  • Fort: A heavily fortified outpost defended by Mexican banditos.
  • Town: A bustling town where Badlands Pete must face off against Billy the Kid.
  • Stagecoach: A stagecoach race through a dangerous canyon.
  • Showdown: A final showdown with the outlaws who kidnapped the Governor’s daughters.

Graphics and Sound

Badlands Pete’s graphics were groundbreaking for its time. The game’s “Strip-A-Mation” technology created a sense of depth and realism that was unmatched by other arcade games of the era. The game’s character sprites are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are lush and atmospheric.

The game’s sound is equally impressive. The soundtrack features a variety of catchy Western-themed tunes, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.

Legacy

Badlands Pete was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters made it a favorite among arcade-goers. Badlands Pete has been ported to a variety of home consoles, and it remains a popular title among retro gaming enthusiasts.

The game’s legacy is also evident in its influence on other video games. Badlands Pete’s unique “Strip-A-Mation” graphics inspired the development of similar techniques in later games, such as the “Mode 7” graphics used in the Super Nintendo game F-Zero.

Conclusion

Badlands Pete is a classic arcade game that offers a thrilling adventure through the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. With its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters, Badlands Pete remains a beloved title among fans of retro gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Badlands Pete is a game that is sure to provide hours of wild West fun.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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