Better Dead Than Alien! (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Better Dead Than Alien! (1988)

Overview

Better Dead Than Alien! is a side-scrolling beat ’em up arcade game released by Sega in 1988. The player takes control of Brad Zoom, a galactic hero who must fight his way through waves of aliens to save the universe. The game is known for its over-the-top violence and gore, as well as its catchy music and sound effects.

Gameplay

Better Dead Than Alien! is a side-scrolling beat ’em up in which the player controls Brad Zoom, a galactic hero who must fight his way through waves of aliens. Brad can punch, kick, and jump, and he can also pick up weapons such as guns, knives, and grenades. The game features a variety of different aliens, each with their own unique attacks. Brad must defeat all of the aliens in each wave in order to progress to the next level.

The game is divided into five levels, each with its own unique setting. The first level takes place on a spaceship, the second level takes place on a planet, the third level takes place in a cave, the fourth level takes place in a factory, and the fifth and final level takes place on the alien homeworld.

Development

Better Dead Than Alien! was developed by Sega’s AM2 division, which was also responsible for developing other classic arcade games such as Out Run and Space Harrier. The game was directed by Hiroyuki Sanada, who would later go on to direct Virtua Fighter and Shenmue.

The game’s development was inspired by the popularity of other beat ’em up games such as Double Dragon and Final Fight. However, Sega wanted to create a game that was more violent and over-the-top than its competitors.

Release

Better Dead Than Alien! was released in arcades in 1988. The game was a commercial success, and it was ported to a number of home consoles, including the Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and PC Engine.

Reception

Better Dead Than Alien! was met with positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its over-the-top violence and gore, as well as its catchy music and sound effects. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.

Legacy

Better Dead Than Alien! is considered to be one of the classic beat ’em up games of the 1980s. The game’s over-the-top violence and gore helped to set it apart from its competitors, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.

Brad Zoom

Brad Zoom is the protagonist of Better Dead Than Alien!. He is a galactic hero who must fight his way through waves of aliens to save the universe. Brad is a skilled fighter, and he is proficient in a variety of martial arts. He is also equipped with a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and grenades.

Brad is a brave and determined hero, but he is also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He often cracks jokes in the face of danger, and he is always ready to help those in need.

Aliens

The aliens in Better Dead Than Alien! are a diverse and deadly bunch. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they each have their own unique attacks. Some of the most common aliens include:

  • Grunts: These are the most basic type of alien. They are slow and weak, but they come in large numbers.
  • Hoppers: These aliens can jump high and far, and they often attack from above.
  • Spiders: These aliens are fast and agile, and they can shoot webs to trap their prey.
  • Tanks: These aliens are heavily armored, and they can fire powerful lasers.
  • Bosses: Each level of Better Dead Than Alien! ends with a boss fight. These bosses are the most powerful aliens in the game, and they require all of Brad’s skills to defeat.

Weapons

Brad Zoom can use a variety of weapons to defeat the aliens in Better Dead Than Alien!. These weapons include:

  • Fists: Brad’s fists are his most basic weapon. They are not very powerful, but they are always available.
  • Guns: Brad can pick up guns from fallen aliens. Guns are more powerful than fists, but they have limited ammunition.
  • Knives: Brad can pick up knives from fallen aliens. Knives are more powerful than guns, but they have a shorter range.
  • Grenades: Brad can pick up grenades from fallen aliens. Grenades are very powerful, but they can also damage Brad if he is too close to the explosion.

Levels

Better Dead Than Alien! is divided into five levels, each with its own unique setting. The levels are:

  • Level 1: Spaceship
  • Level 2: Planet
  • Level 3: Cave
  • Level 4: Factory
  • Level 5: Alien homeworld

Each level is filled with aliens and obstacles. Brad must fight his way through each level in order to reach the final boss.

Bosses

Each level of Better Dead Than Alien! ends with a boss fight. The bosses are the most powerful aliens in the game, and they require all of Brad’s skills to defeat. The bosses include:

  • Level 1: Alien queen
  • Level 2: Giant spider
  • Level 3: Cave troll
  • Level 4: Factory boss
  • Level 5: Final boss

The final boss is the most powerful alien in the game. Brad must use all of his skills and weapons to defeat the final boss and save the universe.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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