Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Access Software, Inc.
- Publishers: U.S. Gold
Beach-Head II: The Dictator Strikes Back: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
Beach-Head II: The Dictator Strikes Back is a legendary arcade game released in 1985 by Access Software. It is the sequel to the highly successful Beach-Head, and it quickly gained popularity among gamers for its intense gameplay, challenging levels, and innovative use of strategy.
Gameplay
Beach-Head II is a side-scrolling shooter game where the player takes control of a lone soldier on a mission to defeat the evil dictator. The game features four distinct levels, each with its own unique objectives and challenges.
-
Attack: In the first level, the player must deploy soldiers along a path with walls to cover them from the dictator’s gun. The objective is to destroy the gun by shooting it with grenades.
-
Rescue: In the second level, the player must rescue prisoners from deadly obstacles by clearing them with a gun. The player must be careful not to shoot the prisoners, or they will lose a life.
-
Escape: In the third level, the player must escape from the area by flying a helicopter with the prisoners out of the dictator’s fortress. The player must avoid enemy fire and obstacles while flying the helicopter.
-
Confrontation: In the final level, the player and the dictator face off, on opposite cliffs, separated by water. To defeat the dictator, the player must make him fall in the water by throwing knives at him. The dictator tries to do the same to the player.
Legacy
Beach-Head II was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and exciting graphics. The game was also a pioneer in the use of strategy elements in arcade shooters.
Beach-Head II has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and MS-DOS. It has also been released on modern platforms, such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Cultural Impact
Beach-Head II has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The game’s iconic music and sound effects have been featured in numerous other games and media. The game has also been referenced in movies and TV shows.
Personal Retrospective
As a child of the 1980s, I have fond memories of playing Beach-Head II in arcades. I would spend hours trying to beat the game, and I always felt a sense of accomplishment when I finally defeated the dictator.
I recently had the opportunity to revisit Beach-Head II on a modern platform. I was surprised at how well the game still holds up today. The gameplay is still challenging and exciting, and the graphics are still impressive.
Beach-Head II is a true classic that deserves its place in the pantheon of great arcade games. It is a game that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come.
Tips for Playing Beach-Head II
- Use cover to protect your soldiers from the dictator’s gun.
- Be careful not to shoot the prisoners in the rescue level.
- Use the helicopter’s machine gun to destroy enemy aircraft in the escape level.
- Throw knives at the dictator’s head to make him fall in the water in the confrontation level.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you play Beach-Head II, the better you will become at it.
Conclusion
Beach-Head II: The Dictator Strikes Back is a timeless arcade classic that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Its innovative gameplay, challenging levels, and exciting graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, I encourage you to give Beach-Head II a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
