Summary
Centipod: A Classic Arcade Shooter
Released in 1981 by Atari, Inc., Centipod is a classic arcade shooter that has remained popular for decades. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and its addictive gameplay has kept players coming back for more for over 40 years.
Gameplay
The player controls a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen. A centipede, composed of colorful segments, crawls across the screen from the top. The player must shoot the centipede to destroy it before it reaches the bottom of the screen. If the centipede reaches the bottom, the player loses a life.
The centipede is constantly moving and changing direction, making it difficult to hit. The player must also avoid shooting the mushrooms that the centipede leaves behind, as these will slow down the player’s cannon.
As the player progresses through the game, the centipede gets faster and longer, and more mushrooms appear on the screen. The player must also contend with other enemies, such as spiders and scorpions, which can make the game even more challenging.
Scoring
The player scores points for destroying the centipede and other enemies. The player also receives bonus points for destroying the centipede in certain ways, such as by shooting it in the head or by destroying it before it reaches the bottom of the screen.
Legacy
Centipod was a huge success upon its release, and it has remained popular for decades. The game has been ported to numerous home platforms, and it is still available to play on modern consoles and mobile devices.
Centipod has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its challenging difficulty. The game has been credited with popularizing the trackball controller, and it is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time.
Cultural Impact
Centipod has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been referenced in numerous popular culture works, including movies, TV shows, and music. The game has also been the subject of several documentaries and retrospectives.
Centipod is a true classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and challenging difficulty have kept players coming back for more for over 40 years.
Tips for Playing Centipod
- Use the trackball to move your cannon quickly and accurately.
- Shoot the centipede in the head for bonus points.
- Destroy the centipede before it reaches the bottom of the screen for bonus points.
- Avoid shooting the mushrooms that the centipede leaves behind.
- Use the mushrooms to slow down the centipede if you need to.
- Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you lose a few lives.
Centipod Variants
Over the years, several variants of Centipod have been released, including:
- Millipede (1982): A sequel to Centipod with updated graphics and gameplay.
- Centipede: Deluxe (1982): A home version of Centipod with enhanced graphics and sound.
- Centipede: The Harder They Fall (1983): A more difficult version of Centipod with faster gameplay and more enemies.
- Centipede: Recharged (2021): A modern remake of Centipod with updated graphics, gameplay, and music.
Conclusion
Centipod is a classic arcade shooter that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and challenging difficulty have kept players coming back for more for over 40 years. If you’re looking for a classic arcade experience, Centipod is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
