If you haven’t previously played these earlier arcade shooting games, and you’re so inclined and able to play them, I highly recommendBareKnuckleRoo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:55 pm Samildanach wrote:I'm in the same boat, I haven't found too many early 80s arcade games that have gripped me, but there are some that I find are really cool and have some unique mechanics such as Super Locomotive, or King and Balloon. Much as I love late 90s era stuff I always gotta remember to keep an open mind about any early 80s era games. ^^Despite my rather limited interest in the pre-'85 games, I really enjoy this thread and the open minded joyful enthusiasm that many of you show here.
Star Castle by Cinematronics (1980)
https://youtu.be/htWIZRBb_Bs?si=nbfNDmkwgGFLkzqH
Omega Race by Midway (1980)
https://youtu.be/DqQ_VEZIxwo?si=DlgarEM6RdtW0aKb
Blaster by Eugene Jarvis @ Williams (1983)
https://youtu.be/dWuCN-quVAE?si=3iHDM5I5t0pz--J_
Space Dungeon by Taito (1981)
https://youtu.be/Pe4xaBSKiLI?si=HyNCVStUaLhzEau_
The first three all have interesting physics somewhat similar to the sense of gravity/acceleration physics conveyed by Lunar Lander; I’m aware of some folks here bringing up a strong dislike of floaty physics in STGs (with which I usually agree) so be advised. However vs STGs that are essentially “typical” hori, vertical or vertizontal these games implementation and use of physics/gravity is essential to the gameplay — again like Lunar Lander.
The third game is a) by Eugene Jarvis and b) a very unique game by any standards for 1983 in terms of POV and 2.5 3D…and it has those awesome bright colors that are a hallmark of Eugene Jarvis’s work.
Last one’s a mix of multidirectional, maze and twin stick shooter parts. Inspired by D&D and similar to another arcade game Venture.
All of these games take the preexisting Space Invaders/Galaxian and Asteroids model that existed in 1980 quite a bit further from what had come previously — all for the better for the early progression/development of arcade shooters.
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