In the pantheon of arcade games, SEGA's "Alien Storm" certainly holds its own. Released in 1990 during the golden age of arcade gaming, this game combined frantic beat 'em up action with a sci-fi twist. It's time to teleport back three decades to explore the history, origins, and enduring appeal of "Alien Storm".
A Sci-Fi Revolution: The Origins
SEGA, a Japanese multinational video game developer, was already well-known in the 1990s for creating lasting classics like "Sonic the Hedgehog". However, they aimed to bring something new to the table, a game that would stand out amid a sea of street-fighting and fantasy-themed titles. Thus, "Alien Storm" was born, developed by the same team responsible for "Golden Axe", another iconic SEGA title.
Battling Extraterrestrial Invaders: The Gameplay
"Alien Storm" is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game, but with a unique science fiction theme. Players take on the roles of a team of "Alien Busters" – Karen, Garth, and Scooter – each equipped with unique weapons and abilities to fight off an alien invasion.
The game stands out for its variety in gameplay. In addition to the usual beat 'em up action, there are also first-person shooting segments and stages where players have to run and gun down hordes of aliens. These stages added variety and broke up the monotony that was often found in other beat 'em up games of the time.
Alien Encounter: Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Alien Storm" was lauded for its fast-paced gameplay, detailed graphics, and innovative stages. The game was also appreciated for its cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing up to two players to team up and battle the alien hordes together.
After its arcade release, "Alien Storm" was ported to several home consoles, including the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis, where it gained even more fans. Today, the game is often remembered as a cult classic, appreciated for its unique take on the beat 'em up genre and its engaging cooperative gameplay.
Why You Should Play "Alien Storm"
A Twist on Beat 'Em Ups: "Alien Storm" takes the traditional beat 'em up gameplay and adds a sci-fi twist, making it a unique entry in the genre.
Diverse Gameplay: Thanks to its mix of side-scrolling action, first-person shooting, and run-and-gun stages, the game offers diverse gameplay that keeps players engaged.
Cooperative Multiplayer: The game's cooperative multiplayer mode means you can share the alien-busting action with a friend.
A Slice of Gaming History: As one of SEGA's classic arcade games, playing "Alien Storm" offers a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of arcade gaming.
Conclusion
"Alien Storm" is a blast from the past that still holds up today. Its fusion of beat 'em up action and sci-fi themes, combined with its diverse gameplay and cooperative multiplayer, make it a game that's worth revisiting or discovering for the first time. Whether you're a fan of arcade games, a sci-fi enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a good multiplayer experience, "Alien Storm" is one title that's worth beaming up for a playthrough. So, why not join the Alien Busters and save the world from an extraterrestrial invasion?