Tac/Scan Longplay (Arcade Version)
5Tac/Scan Longplay (Arcade Version) -
Tac/Scan, released by Sega in 1982, is a unique arcade space shooter where you control a squadron of up to seven ships that move and fire together, a departure from single-ship shoot-'em-ups.
Using vibrant color vector graphics on Sega’s G80 Vector hardware, the game cycles through three stages: a top-down vertical shooter against enemy waves like the laser-firing Ahmins, a third-person 3D view where enemies grow larger as they approach, and a tunnel stage where you guide your formation to avoid walls.
You manage reserves by deploying ships with a button and catching replacements during stages, with extra reserves earned every 10,000 points. The arcade’s rotary controller and fire/add-ship buttons demand precision, especially as the tunnel speeds up in later waves.
Losing all active ships ends the game, so balancing formation size and reserves is key. Back in the day, I was deeply impressed by Tac/Scan’s striking visuals, its clever squadron mechanic, and that captivating tunnel stage, which felt unlike anything else at the time.
I still think it’s a remarkable gem for retro gaming enthusiasts, especially arcade lovers who cherish its singular design. On a side note, it's a shame the Atari 2600 port was limited to a five-ship, top-down stage with one enemy type, losing the arcade’s depth. Honestly, it pales next to the arcade original.
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