Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Namco
- Publishers: Gradiente, Namco, Namco Bandai Games, Tengen, U.S. Gold
Rolling Thunder (1986): A Classic Run-and-Gun Arcade Masterpiece
Released in 1986 by Namco, Rolling Thunder is a groundbreaking run-and-gun arcade game that captivated players with its intense action, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable protagonist, Albatross. Set in a gritty urban environment, Rolling Thunder tasks players with rescuing a kidnapped female agent from the clutches of a nefarious terrorist organization known as Geldra.
Gameplay
Rolling Thunder is a side-scrolling run-and-gun game where players take control of Albatross, a member of the elite “Rolling Thunder” espionage unit. Albatross’s mission is to infiltrate Geldra’s headquarters, located in a skyscraper in New York City, and rescue the kidnapped agent, Leila Blitz.
The game is divided into two segments, each consisting of five stages. Each stage is filled with hordes of敌人s, including armed guards, robotic sentries, and even helicopters. Albatross must shoot his way through these enemies, using a variety of weapons, including a pistol, a machine gun, and grenades.
In addition to shooting enemies, Albatross can also enter doors to take cover from enemy fire or to find power-ups. Power-ups include extra ammunition, health回復s, and new weapons.
Controls
Rolling Thunder’s controls are simple and intuitive. The player uses a joystick to move Albatross left and right, and two buttons to shoot and jump. Albatross can also enter doors by pressing the up button.
Graphics and Sound
Rolling Thunder’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game features detailed character sprites and backgrounds, and the animation is fluid and lifelike. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the game’s atmosphere.
Legacy
Rolling Thunder was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its intense action, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable protagonist. Rolling Thunder has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The game has also been included in several Namco arcade game compilations.
Rolling Thunder has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s run-and-gun gameplay has been imitated by countless other games, and Albatross has become one of Namco’s most iconic characters. Rolling Thunder is a true classic of the arcade era, and it remains a must-play for fans of run-and-gun games.
Conclusion
Rolling Thunder is a timeless classic that deserves its place among the greatest arcade games of all time. With its intense action, immersive gameplay, and unforgettable protagonist, Rolling Thunder is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you’re a fan of run-and-gun games, or if you’re just looking for a great arcade experience, then Rolling Thunder is a must-play.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
