Lightforce

Programmed by ?
Software house FTL (1986)

Reviewed by Robert Caporetto

Well, here's what I would consider, the best vertically scrolling [space] blaster on the C64 [and also the first one I played]. Like many other blasters the plot is simple and clear. As the only member of the GEM space force in the Regulus Sector, you're the only one, in your 'Lightforce' fighter to save the colonies of that sector from a vast, unknown force [Sounds typical doesn't it?]. Well, from there you launch and must simply just blast your way through.

After being launched from what looks like a carrier, you then fight your way through the waves, which consist of enemies like asteroids, fighters and some very weird stuff. Although there aren't power-ups like in many blasters, the style of action which Lightforce portrays is made all the better for it because of this omission. Unlike many other examples of this genre, Lightforce has a sub-objective in each level... target and obliterate the control centres, which appear through out the level [luckily, you are notified if one appears], and watch out because they're huge! Consisting of many shootable areas, you'll be sweeping your way through, whilst avoiding the enemies, and if you've hit all of them you'll score an extra life [something that's needed in the later stages].

The graphics and sound are top-notch, with a brilliant Rob Hubbard piece complementing the action as you obliterate nicely defined sprites, flying over well-drawn, and animated scenery, with the planet stages having a nice water effect, and the space stages possessing little animated planets and such. The only area in which this disappoints is the number of stages, with the Lightforce taking on the enemy in four stages [which, in its defence are quite large], and the fact that there's no complete sequence [just the level complete and then a restart]. Interestingly enough, Lightforce also has the most inventive high-score input method with the player controlling the Lightforce fighter and targetting each of the letters in their name.

As you can see, Lightforce is a game which I wholeheartedly enjoyed, with excellent presentation and gameplay, and IMO is one that many others will enjoy as well.

Overall: 9.2/10 A fast blast with excellent gameplay, only slightly damaged by the low number of levels.