The classic mix is back
We’re back today, waaaaaaay back with this week’s Arcade Repository release. Now available for download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, it’s Taito’s very early genre-blending shmup Space seeker.
Released into the arcade market in 1981, and developed several years after the founding of the company Space Invaders, Space seeker there are several experimental features and game modes, with Taito attempting to create a true space action epic. Space seeker includes two separate modes: Star Wars– gripping rail shooter in which players shoot enemies from the gunner seat of their train; and a side scrolling shmup, using different scroll speeds, a wide color palette, and enemies in the air and on the ground.
Watch in action in the video below, courtesy of Youtuber Old Classic Classic Game.
While Space seeker doesn’t quite continue to enjoy the pioneering legacy of Taito’s other arcade releases, it’s still a very enjoyable title – seen as an experimental attempt. With varied gameplay, technical achievements, and even small touches like interactive map screens, Space seeker tried to be something special, adding both gameplay variety and technical advancements in the space shooter genre. It’s obviously pretty dated these days – and undeniably too colorful – but it still holds its place as one of the shmup genre’s most powerful early attempts to rewrite the rules. .
Space seeker Now available to download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Chris Moyse
Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s. Former Saturday Night Slam Master. Graduated with honors from Galaxy High School. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse
