Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Gang of Five
- Publishers: Virgin Games
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future (1986)
One of the most famous comic strip heroes ever comes vividly to life in this superb arcade adventure.
With your faithful companions, you must defeat the Mekon and save the Earth.
Gameplay
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future is a side-scrolling arcade game in which the player controls Dan Dare, a space pilot, as he fights against the evil Mekon and his army of aliens. The game is played in a series of levels, each with its own unique challenges.
In each level, Dan must use his spaceship to destroy enemy ships, avoid obstacles, and collect power-ups. He can also use his jetpack to fly around the level and reach new areas.
As Dan progresses through the game, he will gain new weapons and abilities. He will also recruit new companions, each with their own unique skills.
Characters
- Dan Dare: The protagonist of the game, Dan Dare is a space pilot and the leader of the Earth’s defenses against the Mekon. He is a skilled fighter and a brave leader.
- Digby: Dan’s faithful companion, Digby is a robot dog. He is strong and loyal, and he is always ready to help Dan in a fight.
- Peabody: Another of Dan’s companions, Peabody is a scientist. He is intelligent and resourceful, and he is always coming up with new ways to help Dan defeat the Mekon.
- Mekon: The main antagonist of the game, Mekon is an evil alien warlord. He is intelligent and ruthless, and he will stop at nothing to conquer Earth.
Development
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future was developed by Europress Software and published by Virgin Games. The game was released in 1986 for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC.
The game was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the original comic strip.
Legacy
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future is considered to be one of the best arcade games of the 1980s. It is still enjoyed by retro gamers today.
The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It has also been released as part of several retro game compilations.
Review
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future is a superb arcade adventure that brings the famous comic strip hero to life. With its challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and stunning graphics, the game is a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
Score: 8.5/10
Tips
- Use your jetpack to reach new areas and avoid obstacles.
- Collect power-ups to increase your firepower and speed.
- Recruit new companions to help you in your fight against the Mekon.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and abilities.
- Save your game often, especially before difficult levels.
Trivia
- The game was originally going to be called “Dan Dare: Space Pilot.”
- The game’s music was composed by David Whittaker, who also composed the music for the original comic strip.
- The game was featured on the cover of the ZX Spectrum magazine “Crash.”
- The game was one of the first to use parallax scrolling, which gives the illusion of depth.
- The game was banned in South Africa due to its violence.
Review Score
8.5/10
