Phalanx (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Phalanx (1991)

Phalanx is a futuristic shooter arcade game developed and released by Namco in 1991. The player takes control of a prototype starfighter called the Phalanx, piloted by Wink Baufield, a genetically enhanced pilot. The game’s objective is to protect and reclaim Delia IV, a planet in the Andromeda galaxy that has been colonized by humans for interstellar research purposes, from an unknown and powerful alien force.

The game is played from a third-person perspective, with the player’s ship flying through eight levels, first through various locations on Delia IV, and then invading the aliens themselves. The player’s ship can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and power-ups, and the game features a branching level structure, with the player’s choices affecting which levels they play.

Phalanx was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of all time. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music, and has been ported to a variety of home platforms.

Gameplay

Phalanx is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which the player controls the Phalanx starfighter. The player’s ship can move in eight directions and can fire lasers in four directions. The player can also collect power-ups that can upgrade the ship’s weapons and abilities.

The game is divided into eight levels, each with a different setting and敌人类型。前四关发生在Delia IV上，后四关发生在外星飞船内。每个级别都有一个老板，玩家必须击败才能继续。

The game features a branching level structure, with the player’s choices affecting which levels they play. For example, in the first level, the player can choose to go to the left or right. If the player goes to the left, they will play the second level. If the player goes to the right, they will play the third level.

Weapons and power-ups

The Phalanx starfighter can be upgraded with a variety of weapons and power-ups. These include:

  • Laser: The Phalanx’s default weapon, the laser is a straight-firing weapon that can be upgraded to fire more lasers at once.
  • Spread shot: The spread shot fires a wide spread of lasers that can cover a large area.
  • Homing missile: The homing missile is a guided missile that can track and destroy enemies.
  • Bomb: The bomb is a powerful explosive weapon that can destroy multiple enemies at once.
  • Shield: The shield protects the Phalanx from enemy fire.
  • Speed boost: The speed boost increases the Phalanx’s speed.
  • Invincibility: The invincibility power-up makes the Phalanx invincible for a short period of time.

Bosses

Each level of Phalanx features a boss that the player must defeat in order to progress. The bosses are all large and powerful, and each one has its own unique攻擊模式。

The bosses in Phalanx include:

  • Level 1: The Slime Monster
  • Level 2: The Crab Monster
  • Level 3: The Spider Monster
  • Level 4: The Dragon Monster
  • Level 5: The Alien Mothership
  • Level 6: The Alien Queen
  • Level 7: The Alien Emperor
  • Level 8: The Final Boss

Reception

Phalanx was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music, and was a top-selling arcade game in 1991. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation.

Phalanx is still considered to be one of the best shoot-’em-ups of all time. The game is challenging but fair, and the graphics and music are top-notch. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Phalanx.

Legacy

Phalanx has had a lasting impact on the shoot-’em-up genre. The game’s branching level structure and upgradeable weapons system have been influential in many other shoot-’em-ups, and the game’s graphics and music are still considered to be some of the best in the genre.

Phalanx has also been featured in several other video games. The game is included in the Namco Museum compilation series, and it has also been released as a downloadable game on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Phalanx is a classic shoot-’em-up that still holds up today. The game is challenging but fair, and the graphics and music are top-notch. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Phalanx.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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