Platform: MSX

Elite (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Elite (1984): The Game That Changed Space Sims Forever

Elite is a space trading and combat simulator video game developed and released by Acornsoft in 1984 for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron home computers. It was one of the first home computer games to use 3D graphics, and its open-ended gameplay and revolutionary graphics led to it being ported to virtually every contemporary home computer system. Elite is considered a classic and a genre maker in gaming history.

Gameplay

Elite is set in a procedurally generated galaxy of 256 star systems, each with its own unique planets, moons, and space stations. The player takes on the role of a freelance spaceship pilot and trader, and must navigate the galaxy, trade goods, fight pirates, and complete missions in order to earn money and upgrade their ship.

The game’s most innovative feature was its use of wire-frame 3D graphics with hidden line removal. This allowed Elite to create a realistic and immersive sense of space, and it was a major breakthrough in home computer graphics at the time.

Elite’s gameplay is open-ended, and players are free to explore the galaxy and pursue their own goals. They can trade goods between star systems, take on missions from space stations, or simply explore the galaxy and discover new planets and moons.

Development

Elite was developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, two Cambridge University students who were fascinated by space and science fiction. They began working on the game in 1982, and it took them two years to complete.

Braben and Bell were inspired by the 1974 game Star Trader, but they wanted to create a game that was more visually immersive and had more depth and complexity. They also wanted to create a game that was open-ended and allowed players to explore and trade at their own pace.

Release and Reception

Elite was released in September 1984 and was an instant success. It was praised for its groundbreaking graphics, open-ended gameplay, and addictive action. Elite was ported to virtually every contemporary home computer system, and it sold over a million copies worldwide.

Elite was also a critical success, winning numerous awards and accolades. It was named the “Game of the Year” by several publications, and it is still considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

Legacy

Elite has had a profound impact on the video game industry. It is considered one of the first true space sims, and it helped to popularize the genre. Elite also helped to advance the state of home computer graphics, and it paved the way for future 3D games.

Elite has been followed by several sequels and spin-offs, including Frontier: Elite II (1993), Elite Dangerous (2014), and Elite Dangerous: Odyssey (2021). The Elite series is still going strong today, and it remains one of the most popular and influential space sims of all time.

Conclusion

Elite (1984) is a classic video game that revolutionized the space sim genre. Its open-ended gameplay, groundbreaking graphics, and addictive action made it an instant success, and it remains one of the most popular and influential video games of all time. If you’re a fan of space sims or gaming history, then you owe it to yourself to check out Elite (1984).

Review Score

9/10

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Beamrider (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Beamrider (1983): A Classic Arcade Shoot-‘Em-Up

Beamrider is a 1983 arcade game developed and published by Konami. It is a shoot-’em-up game in which the player controls a spaceship that flies through a web of iridescent blue beams. The player must shoot enemy spaceships and weapons while avoiding obstacles.

Beamrider was one of the first arcade games to use 3D graphics. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they create a sense of depth and immersion that was unlike anything else at the time. The game’s sound effects are also excellent, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.

Beamrider is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s difficulty is perfectly balanced, and it provides a sense of accomplishment when the player finally completes it. Beamrider is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its innovative 3D graphics and intense action make it a must-play for fans of shoot-’em-ups.

Gameplay

The player controls a spaceship that flies through a web of iridescent blue beams. The player must shoot enemy spaceships and weapons while avoiding obstacles. The player’s spaceship can move left, right, up, and down, and it can also fire in any direction.

The game is divided into four stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and obstacles. The first stage is a relatively simple introduction to the game’s mechanics. The second stage is more challenging, and it introduces new enemy types and obstacles. The third stage is even more challenging, and it features a boss battle at the end. The fourth and final stage is the most challenging of all, and it features a final boss battle.

Enemies

Beamrider features a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique攻擊模式. Some of the most common enemy types include:

  • Grunts: These are the most basic enemy type in the game. They are small and weak, and they can be easily destroyed with a few shots.
  • Fighters: These enemies are slightly larger and stronger than grunts. They can fire lasers, and they can also move more quickly.
  • Bombers: These enemies are large and slow, but they can drop bombs that can damage the player’s spaceship.
  • Turrets: These enemies are stationary, but they can fire lasers in all directions.
  • Bosses: Each stage of the game features a boss battle. Bosses are large and powerful, and they require the player to use all of their skills to defeat them.

Weapons

The player’s spaceship can be equipped with a variety of different weapons. Some of the most common weapons include:

  • Laser: This is the basic weapon in the game. It is a single shot that can be fired in any direction.
  • Spread shot: This weapon fires three shots at once, in a spread formation. It is more powerful than the laser, but it has a shorter range.
  • Homing missiles: These missiles lock onto enemy targets and automatically follow them. They are very powerful, but they are also slow and can be easily dodged.
  • Power-ups: The player can collect power-ups that give them temporary abilities, such as increased speed,火力, or invincibility.

Legacy

Beamrider was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative 3D graphics, intense action, and catchy music. Beamrider has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the NES, the Commodore 64, and the Atari 2600. It is still considered to be one of the best arcade shoot-’em-ups of all time.

Beamrider has been cited as an influence on a number of later shoot-’em-ups, including Gradius, R-Type, and Thunder Force. The game’s innovative 3D graphics and intense action have helped to make it a classic of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Rambo III (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Rambo III (1988): A Classic Action-Adventure Game

Released in 1988, Rambo III is a side-scrolling action-adventure game based on the film of the same name. The game was developed by Sega and Ocean Software and published by Sega, Taito, and Ocean, depending on the platform.

The game follows John Rambo, a former Green Beret, as he is recalled to duty to rescue his former commander, Colonel Sam Trautman, who has been captured by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Rambo must fight his way through hordes of enemy soldiers, using a variety of weapons and explosives, to reach Trautman and bring him back to safety.

Rambo III is a challenging and rewarding game that captures the intensity and excitement of the film. The game features fast-paced action, challenging敌人 AI, and a variety of weapons and explosives to use. Players must use all of their skills and resources to survive and complete the mission.

Gameplay

Rambo III is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls Rambo as he fights his way through hordes of enemy soldiers. Rambo can use a variety of weapons and explosives to defeat his enemies, including a machine gun, a knife, grenades, and rockets.

The game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique challenges. Rambo must fight his way through jungles, mountains, and caves, all while avoiding enemy fire and traps. The levels are filled with a variety of enemies, including regular soldiers, snipers, and even tanks.

Rambo can also collect power-ups throughout the game that give him temporary abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility. These power-ups can be very helpful in overcoming challenging sections of the game.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Rambo III had impressive graphics and sound. The game’s visuals are detailed and colorful, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The game’s sound effects are also top-notch, and the music is catchy and memorable.

Reception

Rambo III was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics and sound. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Rambo III is still considered one of the best action-adventure games of its era. The game’s challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and exciting action sequences have made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years.

Legacy

Rambo III has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to popularize the action-adventure genre, and its influence can be seen in many games that came after it. Rambo III is also credited with helping to establish Sega as a major player in the video game industry.

The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, MSX, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and PC DOS. The game has also been released on several compilation discs and digital storefronts.

Conclusion

Rambo III is a classic action-adventure game that has stood the test of time. The game’s challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and exciting action sequences have made it a favorite among gamers for over 30 years. If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Rambo III.

Additional Information

  • Rambo III was the first video game to be based on a Rambo film.
  • The game was originally going to be released in 1987, but it was delayed due to development issues.
  • The game was banned in several countries, including Germany and Italy, due to its violent content.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, who is also known for his work on the Streets of Rage series.
  • Rambo III was one of the first games to feature digitized speech.

Review Score

8/10

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