Summary
- Release Year: 1980
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600
- Developers: Tehkan
- Publishers: Amstar Electronics, Atari, Centuri, Taito, Zaccaria
Phoenix (1980) is a classic shoot ’em up arcade game developed and published by Centuri. The player controls a spaceship that must fight off waves of enemy ships and UFOs. The game is known for its simple but addictive gameplay, and its charmingly retro graphics.
Gameplay
The player controls a spaceship that can move left, right, up, and down. The ship is armed with a single cannon that can fire in eight directions. The player must use the cannon to destroy enemy ships and UFOs.
There are four different types of enemy ships in Phoenix:
- Grunts: These are the most common type of enemy ship. They are slow and easy to destroy.
- Fighters: These ships are faster and more maneuverable than grunts. They can also fire back at the player.
- Bombers: These ships are large and slow, but they can drop bombs that can damage the player’s ship.
- UFOs: These are the bosses of Phoenix. They are large and powerful, and they can fire a variety of weapons.
The player must destroy all of the enemy ships and UFOs in a wave in order to advance to the next wave. The game gets progressively more difficult as the player advances through the waves.
Graphics
The graphics in Phoenix are simple but effective. The game uses a top-down perspective, and the sprites are small and colorful. The backgrounds are also simple, but they do a good job of creating a sense of atmosphere.
Sound
The sound in Phoenix is simple but effective. The game uses a variety of sound effects to create a sense of excitement and tension. The music is also catchy and memorable.
Legacy
Phoenix was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s, and it has been ported to a variety of home platforms. The game has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its charming graphics.
Phoenix is considered to be one of the most influential shoot ’em up games of all time. It has inspired many other games in the genre, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Critical reception
Phoenix received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its charming graphics, and its innovative use of sound. Phoenix was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.
Awards
Phoenix won the following awards:
- Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year (1981)
- Arcade Award for Best Shoot ‘Em Up (1981)
Legacy
Phoenix is considered to be one of the most influential shoot ’em up games of all time. It has inspired many other games in the genre, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. Phoenix has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Cultural impact
Phoenix has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in music and literature. Phoenix has also been used as a teaching tool in schools, and it has been credited with helping to popularize the shoot ’em up genre.
Conclusion
Phoenix is a classic shoot ’em up game that still holds up today. The gameplay is simple but addictive, the graphics are charmingly retro, and the sound is catchy and memorable. If you’re a fan of arcade classics, this is one game you don’t want to miss.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
