Centipede (1998 video game)
| Centipede | |
|---|---|
 North American PC cover art | |
| Developer(s) | Leaping Lizard Software Additional work by:
|
| Publisher(s) | Hasbro Interactive (Under the Atari Interactive brand name) Tiger (Game.com) MacSoft (Macintosh Version) |
| Designer(s) | Richard Rouse III (Lead Designer) Mark Bullock (Lead Level Designer) |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game.com, Macintosh |
| Release | October 31, 1998 (PC), May 1999 (PS1), 1999 (Game.com) November 1999 (Dreamcast) 2001 (Macintosh) |
| Genre(s) | Shoot 'em up |
| Mode(s) | Single player and multiplayer over IPX, TCP/IP, Modem or two-player split screen. |
Centipede is an entry in the Centipede franchise, produced by Atari and designed by Ed Logg and Dona Bailey. The game has multiple innovations over the classic arcade Centipede, with improved game play and graphics.
Game play consists of a series of "rounds" that are completed once the player eliminates the centipede(s) that wind down the playing field. Obstacles such as spiders, fleas, and scorpions complicate the game. At the same time, a population of mushrooms grows between the player and each centipede. Optionally, the player is tasked with rescuing villagers and bystanders and preventing damage to key structures; although ignoring these tasks does not prevent the player from being able to complete the round regardless.
Game play
The game can be played in two game modes: "arcade" and "adventure" — the latter marking a departure from the original version. Arcade mode allows the player to experience a ported version of the original arcade Centipede, with some enhancements.
In the adventure campaign, one completes a series of levels linked by a storyline. Here, the player encounters both the original enemies (centipede, spider, flea, scorpion, poisonous mushroom) and a new array as well (dragonfly, butterfly, firebug, icebug, killer mushroom, etc.), some of which are capable of throwing projectiles to destroy the shooter, and others capable of altering mushrooms. If an enemy or projectile contacts the shooter, the player loses a life.
Campaign story
The story centers around a collective of villages known as "Weedom," and a prophecy that foretells their imminent destruction. Each century, an army of large insects invades Weedom at the hands of their leader, the Queen Pede. The player assumes the role of Wally Gudmunzsun, who is tasked with the destruction of the invading insect army, while piloting a craft known simply as "The Shooter."
Technical features
One of the most notable innovations of the game is full 3D rendering.[1] The game's campaign also includes first-person and third-person views, apart from the default "over-the-shoulder" perspective.
Reception
The game received mostly mixed reception. It received recognition for its graphics, which were described as "immensely more sophisticated" than the original version."[2] GameSpot gave it a rating of 6.9, equivalent to "fair".[3]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | (PC) 64.20% (10 reviews) (PS) 58.82% (14 reviews) (DC) 53.52% (10 reviews) |