Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 8-bit
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision, Polyvox
Megamania: A Retro Shoot-‘Em-Up Gem
Released in 1982 by Activision, Megamania is a fixed shooter arcade game that tasks players with defending the Earth from an invasion of everyday objects, such as hamburgers, bow ties, and steam irons. The game is known for its unique enemies, challenging gameplay, and its distinctive graphics and sound.
Gameplay
Megamania is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls a spaceship that moves left and right at the bottom of the screen. The player’s goal is to shoot down waves of enemies that march relentlessly downward. Each enemy has its own unique movement pattern, and some will even fire projectiles at the player.
The player’s ship is equipped with a single-shot laser that can be fired rapidly. The player can also collect power-ups that will temporarily increase their firepower or grant them special abilities, such as a shield or a spread shot.
One of the unique aspects of Megamania is its “energy” meter. This meter gradually depletes over time, and if it reaches zero, the player will lose a life. The player can replenish their energy by shooting enemies or collecting energy power-ups.
Enemies
Megamania features a wide variety of enemies, each with its own unique appearance and movement pattern. Some of the more common enemies include:
- Hamburgers: These enemies move in a straight line towards the player.
- Bow ties: These enemies move in a zigzag pattern.
- Steam irons: These enemies move in a slow, erratic pattern.
- Toasters: These enemies fire a spread shot at the player.
- Vacuum cleaners: These enemies suck up the player’s shots.
Graphics and Sound
Megamania’s graphics are simple but effective. The enemies are all well-drawn and animated, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and upbeat.
Legacy
Megamania was a popular arcade game in its day, and it has since been ported to a number of home platforms. The game has been praised for its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and its distinctive graphics and sound. Megamania is considered to be one of the classic shoot-’em-ups of the early 1980s, and it remains popular with retro gamers today.
Tips for Playing Megamania
- Prioritize shooting the enemies that are closest to the bottom of the screen. These enemies are the most dangerous, as they are about to reach the player.
- Use the power-ups wisely. The spread shot power-up can be especially helpful for taking out large groups of enemies.
- Don’t be afraid to lose a few lives. Megamania is a challenging game, and it takes some practice to master.
- If you’re struggling, try practicing on one of the lower difficulty levels.
Conclusion
Megamania is a fun and challenging shoot-’em-up that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s unique enemies, challenging gameplay, and distinctive graphics and sound make it a standout title in the genre. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Megamania is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
