Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Dinamic Software
- Publishers: Dinamic Software
Navy Moves: A Deep Dive into the Side-Scrolling Shooter Classic
Released in 1988, Navy Moves is a side-scrolling shooter game developed and published by Dinamic Software for the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum home computers. It is the sequel to the 1986 game Army Moves, and features similar gameplay with some notable improvements.
Gameplay
Navy Moves is a one-dimensional side-scrolling shooter in which the player controls a lone soldier swimming through the ocean depths. The goal of the game is to destroy a nuclear submarine that has unbalanced the forces between the two most powerful Earth armies.
The player’s soldier is armed with a variety of weapons, including a machine gun, grenades, and a harpoon gun. He can also use his knife to stab enemies at close range. The player must use all of his weapons and skills to defeat the submarine’s defenses and reach the core of the vessel.
Navy Moves features a variety of enemy types, including divers, sharks, jellyfish, and mines. The player must also contend with the submarine’s own defenses, which include turrets, missiles, and torpedoes.
The game is divided into six levels, each with its own unique challenges. The first level is a relatively easy introduction to the game’s mechanics. However, the difficulty ramps up quickly in subsequent levels, and the player will need to use all of their skills to survive.
Graphics and Sound
Navy Moves features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The game’s backgrounds are well-drawn and varied, and the enemy sprites are large and expressive. The game’s music is also well-composed and catchy, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.
Reception
Navy Moves was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, and they complained that the player’s character was too slow and vulnerable.
Despite these criticisms, Navy Moves remains a popular side-scrolling shooter among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game’s challenging gameplay and impressive graphics make it a rewarding experience for those who are willing to put in the time to master it.
Legacy
Navy Moves is one of the most popular side-scrolling shooters of the 8-bit era. The game’s challenging gameplay and impressive graphics have made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Navy Moves has also been cited as an influence on later side-scrolling shooters, such as Contra and Metal Slug.
Tips for Playing Navy Moves
Here are a few tips for playing Navy Moves:
- Use your machine gun to take out enemies from a distance.
- Use your grenades to destroy groups of enemies or to take out heavily armored enemies.
- Use your harpoon gun to grab onto enemies and pull them towards you. This can be useful for getting close to enemies that are out of reach of your other weapons.
- Use your knife to stab enemies at close range. This is the most powerful weapon in the game, but it can only be used at close range.
- Be careful not to get hit by enemy fire. Your soldier is very vulnerable, and even a few hits can kill him.
- Use the environment to your advantage. You can hide behind rocks and other objects to avoid enemy fire.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons and strategies. There is no one right way to play Navy Moves.
Conclusion
Navy Moves is a challenging and rewarding side-scrolling shooter that will test your skills and reflexes. The game’s impressive graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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