Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Domark Ltd.
Codename MAT II: A Retro Sci-Fi Shoot-Em-Up Classic
Released in 1985, Codename MAT II is a side-scrolling shoot-em-up arcade game developed and published by Konami. The game is the sequel to the 1983 game Codename MAT, and it features improved graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Codename MAT II is set on the planet Vesta, which contains the most precious life-giving substance in the universe: Karillium. For many years, the inhabitants of Vesta have peacefully mined and dispatched Karillium to the free colonies of the Solar System. However, the evil Myons have returned to destroy Vesta and its Karillium mines.
The player takes control of MAT, a skilled pilot in a sophisticated fighting machine. MAT’s mission is to defend Vesta and its satellites from attack and restore law and order in space.
Codename MAT II is a classic shoot-em-up game that features fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and beautiful graphics. The game is known for its large and varied levels, which are filled with enemies and obstacles. MAT’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs, which can be upgraded throughout the game.
One of the things that makes Codename MAT II so unique is its use of 3D graphics. The game’s levels are rendered in a pseudo-3D style, which gives them a sense of depth and realism. This was a groundbreaking technique at the time, and it helped to set Codename MAT II apart from other shoot-em-ups.
Codename MAT II was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. It was also one of the first shoot-em-ups to feature a two-player cooperative mode, which allowed two players to team up to take on the Myons.
Codename MAT II has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The game has also been released on several compilation discs and digital storefronts.
Today, Codename MAT II is considered to be one of the best shoot-em-ups ever made. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and innovative use of 3D graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Codename MAT II is a side-scrolling shoot-em-up game in which the player controls MAT, a skilled pilot in a sophisticated fighting machine. MAT’s mission is to defend Vesta and its satellites from attack and restore law and order in space.
The game is played in a series of levels, each of which is filled with enemies and obstacles. MAT’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs, which can be upgraded throughout the game.
MAT can also collect power-ups that give him temporary abilities, such as increased firepower or invincibility. The game also features a two-player cooperative mode, which allows two players to team up to take on the Myons.
Weapons and Power-Ups
MAT’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and MAT must use them strategically to defeat the Myons.
In addition to weapons, MAT can also collect power-ups that give him temporary abilities. These power-ups include:
- Speed Up: Increases MAT’s ship speed.
- Power Up: Increases the power of MAT’s weapons.
- Shield: Protects MAT’s ship from enemy fire.
- Bomb: Drops a powerful bomb that destroys all enemies on the screen.
- Invincibility: Makes MAT’s ship invincible for a short period of time.
Enemies and Bosses
Codename MAT II features a variety of enemies and bosses. The Myons are the main enemies in the game, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some Myons are small and weak, while others are large and powerful.
In addition to the Myons, MAT must also contend with a variety of obstacles, such as asteroids, mines, and lasers. These obstacles can damage MAT’s ship, so he must be careful to avoid them.
The game also features a number of boss battles. The bosses are large and powerful enemies that require MAT to use all of his skills and abilities to defeat.
Conclusion
Codename MAT II is a classic shoot-em-up game that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and innovative use of 3D graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
If you’re looking for a classic shoot-em-up game to play, then I highly recommend Codename MAT II. The game is available on a variety of platforms, so you can play it on your favorite console or computer.
I hope you enjoy playing Codename MAT II as much as I did!
Review Score
8.5/10
