Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Attention To Detail
- Publishers: Kixx, Lucasfilm Games, U.S. Gold
Night Shift (1990): A Unique Action Game Set in a Toy Factory
Released in 1990, Night Shift is a unique action game developed and published by LucasArts for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, and Macintosh. The game is set in a factory owned by Industrial Might and Logic (a parody of Industrial Light and Magic), and the player takes on the role of a worker who must ensure that the factory is running smoothly and producing Star Wars action figures.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Night Shift is simple but addictive. The player must move around the factory, using a variety of tools and gadgets to repair machines, clear obstacles, and collect items. The factory is divided into a number of different sections, each with its own unique challenges.
One of the most unique aspects of Night Shift is the fact that the player’s character is not a traditional hero. He is simply a worker trying to do his job. This gives the game a more realistic and grounded feel than many other action games of the era.
Setting
The factory in Night Shift is a parody of the real-world factories that produce Star Wars action figures. The game’s art style is bright and colorful, and the music is catchy and upbeat. The game’s humor is also top-notch, with plenty of funny dialogue and sight gags.
Characters
The player character in Night Shift is never given a name, but he is a likeable and relatable everyman. He is just trying to do his job and make a living, and he is constantly getting into trouble.
The other characters in the game are also well-developed and memorable. There’s the sarcastic foreman, the dim-witted security guard, and the beautiful but aloof factory manager.
Story
Night Shift does not have a traditional story in the sense that there is no overarching plot or goal. However, the game does have a number of humorous and heartwarming moments, and the player’s character does develop over the course of the game.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Night Shift are bright and colorful, and the art style is charming and unique. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are well-done.
Overall
Night Shift is a unique and enjoyable action game that is still worth playing today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, humorous setting, and memorable characters make it a classic of the genre.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- Night Shift was one of the first games to feature a fully destructible environment.
- The game was also one of the first to use a physics engine.
- Night Shift was a critical and commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
- The game was ported to a number of different platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy.
- Night Shift was followed by a sequel, Night Shift 2: The Harder They Fall, in 1992.
Conclusion
Night Shift is a unique and enjoyable action game that is still worth playing today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, humorous setting, and memorable characters make it a classic of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
