Summary

• Release Year: 1989
• Genres: Arcade, Fighting, Racing, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Shooter, Simulator, Strategy
• Platforms: Amiga, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS

Heavy Metal (1989)

Heavy Metal is a 1989 arcade game developed by Rare and published by Konami. It is a side-scrolling action game based on the 1981 animated film of the same name. The player controls a spaceship that must fly through various levels, destroying enemies and obstacles.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and was ported to several home computers and consoles. It is considered to be one of the best arcade games of the 1980s.

Gameplay

Heavy Metal is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls a spaceship that must fly through various levels, destroying enemies and obstacles. The player’s ship can fire lasers and bombs, and can also use a special attack that destroys all enemies on the screen.

The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. Some levels are set in space, while others are set on planets or inside buildings. The player must use their skills and strategy to navigate through each level and defeat the boss at the end.

Development

Heavy Metal was developed by Rare, a British video game developer that was founded in 1985. The game was designed by Tim Stamper and Mark Betteridge, and was programmed by David Wise and Chris Allcock.

The game was inspired by the 1981 animated film of the same name. The developers wanted to create a game that captured the film’s unique visuals and atmosphere. They also wanted to create a game that was challenging and fun to play.

Release

Heavy Metal was released in arcades in 1989. The game was a critical and commercial success, and was ported to several home computers and consoles. The home versions of the game were not as well-received as the arcade version, but they still sold well.

Legacy

Heavy Metal is considered to be one of the best arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and heavy metal soundtrack made it a hit with gamers of all ages.

The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay and its faithful adaptation of the film. It is also considered to be one of the first games to successfully use digitized speech.

Heavy Metal has been ported to several different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today. The game is available on the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Steam.

Impact

Heavy Metal had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to establish Rare as one of the leading video game developers in the world. The game also helped to popularize the side-scrolling action genre.

Heavy Metal has been cited as an inspiration for many other video games, including Contra, Super Metroid, and Halo. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and stunning graphics continue to influence video games today.

Conclusion

Heavy Metal is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and heavy metal soundtrack, it’s a must-play for fans of 80s video games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots