Whirligig (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Whirligig (1988): A Top-Down Scrolling Multi-Directional Shooter

Released in 1988, Whirligig is a top-down scrolling multi-directional shooter arcade game developed by Namco. It is known for its colorful graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and innovative use of the trackball controller.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that can move in any direction and shoot in eight directions. The goal of the game is to destroy all of the enemies on each level while avoiding their fire and obstacles. There are a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique attack patterns.

The game is played on a scrolling playfield that wraps around on all sides. This allows the player to move seamlessly from one side of the screen to the other. The player’s ship is constantly moving forward, and the speed of the scrolling increases as the player progresses through the game.

Controls

Whirligig is controlled using a trackball and two buttons. The trackball is used to move the player’s ship in any direction. The left button is used to shoot, and the right button is used to activate a special weapon.

The special weapon is a powerful attack that can destroy multiple enemies at once. However, it can only be used a limited number of times per level.

Graphics

Whirligig’s graphics are colorful and vibrant. The characters and enemies are all well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and varied. The game’s use of color is particularly impressive, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Sound

The music in Whirligig is fast-paced and energetic. It helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement, and it perfectly complements the gameplay. The sound effects are also well-done, and they help to bring the game world to life.

Reception

Whirligig was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and fast-paced action. The game was also a hit in arcades, and it helped to popularize the use of trackball controllers.

Legacy

Whirligig is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it has been ported to a variety of home platforms. The game’s innovative gameplay and colorful graphics have also influenced many other games, including the popular Geometry Wars series.

Overall

Whirligig is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. Its innovative gameplay, colorful graphics, and fast-paced action make it a must-play for fans of classic arcade shooters.

Additional Information

  • Whirligig was developed by Namco, the same company that developed Pac-Man and Galaga.
  • The game was originally released in arcades in 1988.
  • Whirligig was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
  • The game was also ported to the PlayStation Network in 2010.
  • Whirligig is considered to be one of the first games to use a trackball controller.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Shinji Hosoe.
  • Whirligig was a critical and commercial success.
  • The game is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Review Score

8.5/10

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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