Summary

• Release Year: 1985
• Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Shooter
• Platforms: Amstrad CPC, MSX, ZX Spectrum
• Developers: Ultimate Play the Game
• Publishers: Ultimate Play the Game

Gunfright (1985): A Western Shootout Classic

Introduction

Gunfright is a classic arcade game released in 1985 by Rare, a British video game developer. The game is a Western-themed lightgun shooter where the player takes on the role of a sheriff tasked with eliminating outlaws in the town of Black Rock. Gunfright was a critical and commercial success, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Gameplay

The player controls the sheriff, who is positioned in the center of the screen. The sheriff can move left and right, and he can shoot in eight directions. The goal of the game is to shoot all of the outlaws while avoiding being shot himself.

The outlaws appear in waves, and they become increasingly difficult to defeat as the game progresses. The first wave of outlaws consists of slow-moving bandits, but later waves include faster-moving outlaws, outlaws who shoot back, and outlaws who hide behind cover.

The sheriff has a limited number of lives, and he loses a life every time he is shot by an outlaw. The game ends when the sheriff loses all of his lives.

Graphics and Sound

Gunfright’s graphics are simple but effective. The characters are small and blocky, but they are well-animated and easy to see. The backgrounds are also simple, but they create a convincing Western atmosphere.

The game’s sound effects are also well done. The gunshots are loud and satisfying, and the music is catchy and appropriate for the setting.

Legacy

Gunfright was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of its time, and it helped to establish Rare as a major force in the video game industry.

Gunfright has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, the Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum. It was also included in Rare Replay, Rare’s 2015 Xbox One retrospective compilation.

Gunfright is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple but challenging game that offers a lot of fun. If you are a fan of Western-themed shooters, then you should definitely check out Gunfright.

Critical Reception

Gunfright received critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its charming graphics, and its catchy music.

• “Gunfright is a classic arcade game that is still fun to play today. It’s a simple but challenging game that offers a lot of replay value.” – IGN

• “Gunfright is a great example of a simple game done right. It’s easy to learn, but difficult to master. The graphics and sound are also top-notch.” – GameSpot

• “Gunfright is a must-play for fans of Western-themed shooters. It’s a classic game that still holds up today.” – Eurogamer

Awards

Gunfright won the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year in 1985. It was also nominated for an Arcade Award for Best Action Game.

Cultural Impact

Gunfright has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been referenced in numerous other video games, movies, and TV shows. For example, the game is featured in the movie “The Last Starfighter” (1984).

Gunfright has also been parodied in numerous other video games. For example, the game “Sunset Riders” (1991) features a parody of Gunfright called “Gunfight”.

Conclusion

Gunfright is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a simple but challenging game that offers a lot of fun. If you are a fan of Western-themed shooters, then you should definitely check out Gunfright.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots