Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari Jaguar, Atari Jaguar CD, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Attention To Detail
- Publishers: Atari Corporation
Blue Lightning: The Definitive Guide to the Atari Jaguar CD Combat Flight Simulator
Introduction
Released in 1995 exclusively for the Atari Jaguar CD, Blue Lightning is a combat flight simulation game developed by Attention to Detail and published by Atari Corporation. A remake of the 1989 Atari Lynx title of the same name, Blue Lightning was one of the pack-in games for the Jaguar CD when it launched alongside Vid Grid.
Gameplay
Blue Lightning puts players in the role of a rookie aircraft pilot from the titular squadron. Players take control of multiple military aircraft on various missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attacks, and escort missions. The game features a variety of aircraft, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The game’s missions are set in a variety of locations around the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Players must use their skills and knowledge of the aircraft to complete each mission and stop General Drako, a rogue general who has betrayed the United Nations and is using his control of armed forces to expand his organized crime empire.
Development
Blue Lightning’s development was a troubled one. The game was originally advertised as a sequel to the Atari Lynx original, but it went through various changes before release. The game’s original developer, Epyx, was acquired by Atari Corporation in 1990, and the project was handed over to Attention to Detail.
Attention to Detail made a number of changes to the game, including adding new aircraft, missions, and graphics. The game’s engine was also overhauled, and the game was re-written in assembly language to improve performance.
Release and Reception
Blue Lightning was released on September 21, 1995, alongside the Atari Jaguar CD. The game received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s soundtrack and graphics, while others criticized the gameplay and difficulty.
Many reviewers also compared the game to both the original Lynx game and After Burner, which received a conversion for the Sega 32X months prior. Some felt that Blue Lightning did not live up to the legacy of the original game, while others felt that it was a solid combat flight simulator in its own right.
Legacy
Despite the mixed reviews, Blue Lightning has become a cult classic among Atari Jaguar fans. The game’s unique gameplay and graphics have made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Blue Lightning is a solid combat flight simulator with a troubled development history. Despite mixed reviews, it’s a unique and enjoyable experience for retro gaming enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of combat flight simulators or Atari Jaguar games, then Blue Lightning is definitely worth checking out.
Additional Information
- Developer: Attention to Detail
- Publisher: Atari Corporation
- Platform: Atari Jaguar CD
- Release Date: September 21, 1995
- Genre: Combat Flight Simulation
Review Scores
- GameSpot: 7/10
- IGN: 6/10
- Electronic Gaming Monthly: 6.5/10
Trivia
- Blue Lightning was originally planned to be released as a launch title for the Atari Jaguar, but it was delayed due to development issues.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tim Follin, who is known for his work on other classic video games such as Ghouls ‘n Ghosts and Shadow of the Beast.
- Blue Lightning was one of the first games to use the Jaguar’s CD-ROM drive to store its data. This allowed the game to feature higher-quality graphics and sound than previous Jaguar games.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
