Publisher: ECP

Aztex (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Aztex: A Journey Through Ancient Mesoamerica

Released in 1988, Aztex is a side-scrolling action game that takes players on an epic adventure through the ancient Aztec empire. Developed by Konami, the game follows the story of a lone warrior who must navigate treacherous jungles, explore mysterious ruins, and battle fierce enemies in order to recover a stolen artifact.

Gameplay

Aztex is a classic side-scroller with simple yet engaging gameplay. Players control the protagonist, a skilled warrior, as he runs, jumps, and shoots his way through a variety of levels. The game’s controls are responsive and precise, allowing for fluid movement and combat.

The game’s levels are diverse and challenging, ranging from lush jungles to crumbling temples. Each level is filled with enemies, traps, and obstacles that the player must overcome. Players must use their wits and reflexes to survive, as well as utilize a variety of weapons and power-ups to defeat their foes.

Story

Aztex’s story is simple but effective. The game follows the protagonist, an Aztec warrior named Axayacatl, on a quest to recover the stolen Codex Aztex, a sacred artifact that holds the secrets of the Aztec empire. Axayacatl must travel through dangerous lands and battle hordes of enemies in order to retrieve the codex and restore balance to his world.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Aztex’s graphics were impressive. The game’s vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds create a rich and immersive world for players to explore. The character sprites are well-animated and the enemies are varied and visually distinct.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive. The music is a mix of traditional Mexican melodies and electronic beats, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape. The sound effects are also well-crafted, adding to the game’s overall immersion.

Legacy

Aztex was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and memorable soundtrack. Aztex has been cited as an influence on many subsequent side-scrolling action games, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today.

Conclusion

Aztex is a timeless classic that offers an exciting and immersive adventure through the ancient Aztec empire. With its challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Aztex is a must-play for fans of side-scrolling action games and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Konami
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Platforms: Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Amiga
  • Release Date: 1988
  • Genre: Side-scrolling action
  • Number of Players: 1-2
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Tips for Playing Aztex

  • Use cover: The game’s levels are filled with obstacles and enemies. Use cover to avoid taking damage and to get the drop on your foes.
  • Switch weapons: Aztex features a variety of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Switch weapons frequently to adapt to different situations and enemies.
  • Utilize power-ups: Power-ups can give you a temporary advantage in battle. Grab power-ups whenever you can to increase your chances of survival.
  • Practice: Aztex is a challenging game. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Practice makes perfect!

Trivia

  • The game’s protagonist, Axayacatl, is named after a real Aztec emperor who ruled from 1469 to 1481.
  • Aztex was originally released in arcades, but it was later ported to a variety of home computers and consoles.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Konami’s in-house sound team, which also created the music for many other classic Konami games, such as Castlevania and Contra.
  • Aztex has been re-released on several retro gaming compilations, including the Konami Collector’s Series: Arcade Advanced and the Retro Classix Collection.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Alert (1988)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Alert (1988): A Retro Arcade Masterpiece

Released in 1988, Alert is a classic arcade game that combines the frantic gameplay of Space Invaders with the strategic elements of Missile Command. The result is a thrilling and challenging experience that has captivated gamers for decades.

Gameplay

In Alert, you control a lone spaceship at the bottom of the screen. Your mission is to defend Earth from waves of alien invaders that descend from the top of the screen. You can move your spaceship left and right, and fire missiles to destroy the aliens.

The aliens come in different shapes and sizes, each with their own unique behavior. Some aliens move slowly and fire single shots, while others move quickly and fire multiple shots. There are also special aliens that can drop bombs or create force fields.

As you progress through the game, the waves of aliens become increasingly difficult. You’ll need to use all of your skills and strategies to survive.

Graphics and Sound

Alert’s graphics are simple but effective. The aliens are colorful and distinct, and the backgrounds are varied and detailed. The game’s sound effects are also excellent, with realistic explosions and alien noises.

Controls

Alert is controlled with a joystick and two buttons. The joystick moves your spaceship left and right, and the buttons fire missiles. The controls are simple and responsive, making the game easy to pick up and play.

Difficulty

Alert is a challenging game, but it’s also fair. The difficulty ramps up gradually, giving you time to learn the ropes. However, even experienced gamers will find the later levels to be a real test of their skills.

Legacy

Alert was a commercial success, and it has been ported to numerous home platforms over the years. The game has also been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay and addictive qualities.

Alert is considered to be one of the greatest arcade games of all time. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that will appeal to gamers of all ages.

Tips for Playing Alert

  • Stay moving. The aliens are constantly moving, so you need to stay on the move to avoid getting hit.
  • Fire in bursts. Don’t hold down the fire button, as this will waste your missiles. Instead, fire in short bursts to conserve ammo.
  • Prioritize targets. Not all aliens are created equal. Some aliens are more dangerous than others, so prioritize targets accordingly.
  • Use the force fields. The force fields can protect you from alien fire. Use them wisely to stay alive.
  • Don’t be afraid to die. Dying is a part of the game. Don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get better.

Conclusion

Alert is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking. If you’re looking for a great retro game to play, then Alert is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Amazed (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Amazed: A Retrospective on a Hidden Gem

Released in 1989 for the Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum, Amazed is a platformer game that flew under the radar but has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. Developed by Rainbow Arts, the game stands out with its vibrant graphics, challenging levels, and catchy soundtrack.

Gameplay

Amazed follows the adventures of a young boy named Tommy, who finds himself trapped in a strange and wonderful world. Players control Tommy as he jumps, climbs, and shoots his way through a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles.

The game features a total of 20 levels, each of which is divided into several smaller sections. Tommy must navigate through these sections, collecting keys and avoiding enemies, in order to reach the exit and progress to the next level.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Amazed’s graphics were impressive. The game’s colorful and detailed backgrounds and character sprites bring the strange and wonderful world of Amazed to life. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of catchy melodies and sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience.

Challenge

Amazed is not an easy game. The levels are challenging and require patience and skill to complete. Enemies are plentiful and can be difficult to avoid, and the level design often requires players to think creatively in order to progress.

Legacy

Despite its initial lack of commercial success, Amazed has gained a cult following among retro gaming fans. The game’s challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite among those who appreciate classic platformers.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Amazed received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s graphics and gameplay, while others criticized its difficulty and lack of innovation. However, over time, the game’s reputation has grown, and it is now considered a classic by many retro gaming enthusiasts.

Personal Opinion

As a retro gaming enthusiast, I highly recommend Amazed to anyone who enjoys classic platformers. The game’s challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While it may not be the most well-known platformer out there, Amazed is definitely a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

Tips for Playing Amazed

  • Be patient. Amazed is a challenging game, so don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Take your time and learn the levels.
  • Explore every nook and cranny. There are often hidden secrets and items to be found in Amazed’s levels. Be sure to explore every area thoroughly.
  • Use your weapons wisely. Tommy has a variety of weapons at his disposal, including a gun, a boomerang, and a grappling hook. Use these weapons strategically to defeat enemies and overcome obstacles.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Amazed’s levels are often non-linear, and there are multiple ways to complete each level. Experiment with different paths and strategies to find the best way to progress.

Conclusion

Amazed is a classic platformer that deserves more recognition. With its challenging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Amazed is a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro platformer to challenge your skills and provide hours of entertainment, then Amazed is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Belial (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Belial (1989)

Belial is a horror video game developed and published by Psygnosis for the Amiga. It was released in 1989 and is considered to be one of the first true survival horror games.

The player takes control of a young woman named Sarah who is trapped in a dark and twisted castle. She must explore the castle, solve puzzles, and fight off monsters in order to escape. The game is known for its dark and atmospheric graphics, its challenging gameplay, and its disturbing story.

Gameplay

Belial is a top-down survival horror game. The player controls Sarah as she explores the castle, solving puzzles and fighting off monsters. The game’s combat is simple but effective, and Sarah can use a variety of weapons to defeat her enemies.

The game’s puzzles are also challenging and require the player to think outside the box. Many of the puzzles are based on the game’s environment, and the player must use their surroundings to their advantage.

Story

The story of Belial is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The player learns that Sarah is a young woman who has been kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Belial. Belial has taken Sarah to his castle and is using her as a sacrifice in his dark rituals.

Sarah must escape from the castle and defeat Belial in order to save herself. Along the way, she will learn more about Belial’s evil plans and the dark history of the castle.

Graphics

Belial’s graphics are dark and atmospheric, and they create a truly unsettling mood. The game’s environments are detailed and realistic, and they are filled with eerie sounds and effects. The character sprites are also well-animated, and they convey a sense of fear and vulnerability.

Sound

The sound design in Belial is excellent, and it helps to create the game’s eerie atmosphere. The game’s music is dark and brooding, and it perfectly captures the game’s sense of dread. The sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the game’s overall sense of realism.

Reception

Belial was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its dark and atmospheric graphics, its challenging gameplay, and its disturbing story. Belial is considered to be one of the first true survival horror games, and it has influenced many games in the genre.

Legacy

Belial is a classic horror game that still holds up today. Its dark and atmospheric gameplay is sure to send chills down your spine, and its disturbing story will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you are a fan of survival horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Belial.

Trivia

  • Belial was one of the first games to use a top-down perspective.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tim Wright, who also composed the music for the Amiga classic Shadow of the Beast.
  • Belial was ported to the Atari ST and MS-DOS in 1990.
  • A sequel to Belial, titled Belial II: Return to the Castle, was released in 1993.

Conclusion

Belial is a classic horror game that is still worth playing today. Its dark and atmospheric gameplay, challenging puzzles, and disturbing story make it a must-play for fans of the survival horror genre.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Alpha-1 (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Alpha-1 (1988)

Alpha-1 is a 2D side-scrolling shoot’em up game developed and published by SNK in 1988. It is the first game in the Alpha series, and was released in arcades and on the Neo Geo home console.

The player takes control of the Alpha-1 space fighter, and must battle their way through waves of robotic aliens in order to save Earth. The game is known for its fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics.

Gameplay

Alpha-1 is a side-scrolling shoot’em up game in which the player controls the Alpha-1 space fighter. The player’s ship can move left, right, and up, and can fire a variety of weapons to defeat enemies.

The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique set of enemies and challenges. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each stage in order to progress to the next one.

The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a Vulcan cannon, a homing missile launcher, and a laser beam. The player can also collect power-ups that will increase the power of their weapons or give them special abilities.

Graphics

Alpha-1 is known for its impressive graphics, which were some of the best available on the Neo Geo home console. The game’s backgrounds are detailed and colorful, and the enemy sprites are large and well-animated.

The game also features a number of impressive special effects, such as explosions, smoke, and laser beams. These effects help to create a sense of immersion and excitement.

Difficulty

Alpha-1 is a challenging game, even for experienced shoot’em up fans. The enemies are relentless, and the player must constantly be on their toes in order to avoid being hit.

The game also features a number of difficult bosses, each of which requires a different strategy to defeat.

Legacy

Alpha-1 was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best shoot’em up games ever made. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, and is still enjoyed by gamers today.

The Alpha series has continued to grow over the years, with several sequels and spin-offs being released. However, Alpha-1 remains the most popular and well-known game in the series.

Conclusion

Alpha-1 is a classic shoot’em up game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding shoot’em up game to play, then Alpha-1 is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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