Astral Fighters Longplay (Commodore 64 Game)
2Astral Fighters Longplay (Commodore 64 Game) -
Astral Fighters is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, developed by TGSoftware. In this game, players control a spacecraft armed with a single weapon, referred to as a "bomb." Despite its name, the weapon behaves like a standard bullet and is used to shoot directly at enemies. Supplies of this weapon are limited, requiring players to manage their usage carefully.
The primary goal is to cover an increasingly long distance stage by stage, starting at 20 km in the first stage. Along the way, players can collect bonus items to replenish their bomb supply or gather letters spelling "EXTRA," which grants an extra life when completed. However, collecting these bonuses is often challenging, as they are sometimes placed out of reach or in areas swarming with enemies, forcing players to focus on survival over rewards.
The game emphasizes evasion and survival, as enemies frequently corner the player, making it nearly impossible to avoid collisions or bullets. While most enemies focus on blocking your path, one particularly irritating foe fires bullets, adding a layer of unpredictability to the chaos. The gameplay ramps up quickly, with the same stage repeating endlessly while increasing in difficulty.
Despite its simplicity, Astral Fighters is a punishing experience due to its stiff controls, which make the spacecraft feel sluggish and unresponsive. This, combined with its repetitive nature, makes the game more frustrating than enjoyable. While it presents a challenge for those seeking one, Astral Fighters is ultimately a straightforward, uninspired entry in the Commodore 64ās vast library of shooters.
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