Slider (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Slider (1989)

Slider is a vertically scrolling shoot’em up arcade game developed and published by Kaneko in 1989. The player controls Slider, a lone spaceship pilot, on a mission to stop the Scum lords from poisoning his homeland, Rozen.

Slider is a fast-paced and challenging shoot’em up that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player must use these weapons to defeat waves of enemy spaceships and bosses.

One of the unique features of Slider is its “slider” mechanic. The player can slide Slider up and down the screen, allowing them to dodge enemy fire and position themselves for attacks. This mechanic adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.

The game is set across six stages, each with its own uniqueボス. The stages are varied and visually impressive, ranging from alien planets to space stations. Theボス are also well-designed and challenging, providing a stern test for even the most experienced shoot’em up players.

Slider was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game has since been ported to a number of home computers and consoles, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Gameplay

Slider is a vertically scrolling shoot’em up in which the player controls Slider, a lone spaceship pilot, on a mission to stop the Scum lords from poisoning his homeland, Rozen. The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player must use these weapons to defeat waves of enemy spaceships and bosses.

One of the unique features of Slider is its “slider” mechanic. The player can slide Slider up and down the screen, allowing them to dodge enemy fire and position themselves for attacks. This mechanic adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.

The game is set across six stages, each with its own uniqueボス. The stages are varied and visually impressive, ranging from alien planets to space stations. Theボス are also well-designed and challenging, providing a stern test for even the most experienced shoot’em up players.

Development

Slider was developed by Kaneko, a Japanese video game company founded in 1981. The game was directed by Toshiaki Suzuki, who had previously worked on a number of other shoot’em ups, including the popular 1987 game Galaga ’88.

Slider was developed using Kaneko’s own arcade system board, the Kaneko 16. The Kaneko 16 was a powerful hardware platform that allowed Kaneko to create games with impressive graphics and sound.

Release

Slider was released in arcades in Japan in 1989. The game was later ported to a number of home computers and consoles, including the NEC PC Engine, the Sega Genesis, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Slider was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack. The game has since been ported to a number of home computers and consoles, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Legacy

Slider is considered to be one of the best shoot’em ups of its era. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. Slider has also been praised for its innovative “slider” mechanic, which adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.

Slider has had a lasting impact on the shoot’em up genre. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and visual style have been imitated by a number of subsequent shoot’em ups. Slider is also credited with helping to popularize the “shmup” subgenre of shoot’em ups, which is characterized by its fast-paced gameplay and emphasis on scoring.

Conclusion

Slider is a classic shoot’em up that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. Slider is also a significant historical artifact, as it is one of the first shoot’em ups to feature a “slider” mechanic. This mechanic has since become a staple of the shoot’em up genre, and it is a testament to Slider’s enduring legacy.

Review Score

8/10

Profile photo of Christopher

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.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More