Life Force
REDISCOVER RETRO GAMING - CLASSIC 8-BIT NINTENDO NES
NINTENDO NES
Game Title:Life Force
System:Nintendo NES
Players:1-2 Players
Genre:Shooter
Developer(s):Konami
Release Date(s):1987 - JAP
1988 - US 1989 - EU |
The story revolves around a giant alien fiend by the name of Zelos is up to no good consuming planets and even whole galaxies that cross its path. It’s up to the good ship Vic Viper, and if playing with a mate, Lord British, to penetrate this vile being and destroy it from the inside.
As a result of this many of the stages in Life Force have an organic feel to them. In addition to the usual small alien foes you will want to shoot to smithereens you also have to contend with dangers such as landscapes which rapidly grow around you threatening to crash your ship. For an NES game the graphics are quite impressive. There is lots of detail in every level and the animation of the enemy ships does not disappoint. Later in the game there are effects such as giant arcs of flames tearing across the screen and crumbling walls. The boss fights are quite innovative too, as you’ll take on formidable foes such as a flying brain with arms, a massive dragon’s head and a spooky grinning skull. Throughout the game you can gain power-ups by picking up capsules left behind by certain enemies, as opposed to the selection bar used in other Gradius titles. The six power-ups are:
These are the bosses you will face throughout the game:
And the Verdict is...
For shoot-em-up fans this game is truly worth a look. The game packs a good challenge without being stupidly hard, which is great for all-comers. The alternating horizontal and vertical levels are an innovative touch for the era and the 2 player mode is the icing on the cake. It comes well recommended for shoot-em-up fans!. |