Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Game Boy Color, MSX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Grandslam Entertainments, Pukka Games
- Publishers: Grandslam Entertainments, The Sales Curve
Thunderbirds: A Retro Shoot-‘Em-Up Gem
Released in 1989, Thunderbirds is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up that puts you in the cockpit of a futuristic fighter craft. Battle through explosive volcanic deserts, deadly ocean depths, and the stark terrors of space!
The game was developed by Sega and released for the Sega Genesis. It is based on the popular British TV series of the same name, which follows the adventures of the Thunderbirds, a team of international rescue operatives.
In the game, you play as one of five different fighter craft, each with its own unique weapons and abilities. You must battle your way through waves of enemies, including poisonous space scorpions, fire-spitting volcanoes, mutant sea worms, and more.
Thunderbirds is a challenging but rewarding game that will keep you coming back for more. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Thunderbirds.
Gameplay
Thunderbirds is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up in which you control a fighter craft and must battle your way through waves of enemies. The game features five different levels, each with its own unique setting and enemies.
The levels are:
- Volcanic Desert: A barren wasteland filled with volcanoes, lava pits, and poisonous space scorpions.
- Ocean Depths: A deep-sea environment filled with mutant sea worms, giant squid, and underwater mines.
- Earth’s Core: A subterranean level filled with crystals, lava, and rock monsters.
- Outer Space: A vast and empty expanse filled with asteroids, comets, and alien spaceships.
- Final Fortress: A heavily fortified space station that serves as the final boss battle.
Each level is filled with a variety of enemies, including ground units, air units, and bosses. You must use your fighter craft’s weapons and abilities to defeat the enemies and progress through the level.
Your fighter craft is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. You can also collect power-ups that will give you temporary boosts, such as increased firepower or invincibility.
Graphics
The graphics in Thunderbirds are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are lush and varied, and the sprites are large and well-animated. The game also features some impressive special effects, such as explosions and particle effects.
Sound
The sound in Thunderbirds is excellent. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.
Difficulty
Thunderbirds is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, and you will never feel like you are being overwhelmed. The game also features a variety of difficulty settings, so you can tailor the challenge to your own skill level.
Overall
Thunderbirds is a classic shoot-’em-up that is still fun to play today. The graphics are colorful and detailed, the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, and the sound is excellent. If you’re a fan of shoot-’em-ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Thunderbirds.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
