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Story

BreakThru! is an arcade game originally released by Data East in 1986. Unlike many of its contemporaries that focused heavily on elaborate storylines, BreakThru! opts for a more straightforward approach. The narrative is simple yet engaging, serving as a backdrop to the intense action that unfolds throughout the game.

The story revolves around a high-stakes mission in which the player assumes the role of a skilled military driver tasked with retrieving a stolen jet fighter. This advanced aircraft, critical to national security, has been seized by a hostile enemy force. The mission is urgent, and the stakes are incredibly high, underscoring the importance of the player’s success.

The game’s setting spans across five distinct levels, each representing a different terrain that the player must conquer in their specially designed vehicle. From urban landscapes to desert terrains and mountainous regions, BreakThru! offers a variety of environments that challenge the player’s skills and strategy.

Gameplay

BreakThru! is renowned for its fast-paced, side-scrolling action. The core gameplay involves navigating a heavily armed military vehicle through enemy-laden territories. The player’s primary objective is to survive the relentless onslaught of enemy forces, which include infantry, tanks, helicopters, and various other obstacles determined to thwart the mission.

Vehicle Mechanics

The vehicle at the player’s disposal is not an ordinary one. It’s equipped with a formidable arsenal of weaponry, allowing for offensive maneuvers against enemy threats. The vehicle can fire bullets to eliminate enemies directly in its path and can also execute jumps, adding a layer of strategy to bypassing ground-based threats and obstacles.

Level Design

• Level 1 – The City: The journey begins in an urban environment filled with tight spaces and enemy roadblocks. Players must maneuver through this congested area, dodging enemy fire and strategically using their vehicle’s jump capability.
• Level 2 – The Bridge: This level introduces a precarious bridge setting, where players must maintain balance and timing to avoid falling off while engaging with enemy forces.
• Level 3 – The Desert: Vast and open, the desert level requires players to deal with aerial attacks from enemy helicopters and the relentless heat, affecting visibility and maneuverability.
• Level 4 – The Mountain: Rugged terrain challenges the player’s ability to navigate steep inclines and declines, with enemies strategically positioned to exploit the terrain’s difficulties.
• Level 5 – The Base: The final level is the enemy’s stronghold, heavily fortified and guarded. Players must use all their skills to penetrate the defenses and retrieve the stolen jet.

Difficulty and Strategy

BreakThru! is known for its challenging gameplay. Players must demonstrate quick reflexes and strategic thinking to overcome the diverse array of obstacles and enemies. Each level demands a different approach, and mastering the timing of jumps and weapon usage is crucial for success. The game requires players to memorize enemy patterns and level layouts, a hallmark of many arcade titles of the era.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released in the mid-1980s, BreakThru! showcases impressive graphical capabilities. The game features vibrant and colorful sprites that effectively convey the game’s intense action and varied environments. Each level is distinct in its visual presentation, offering a unique aesthetic that complements the gameplay.

The sound design in BreakThru! adds to the immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is composed of energetic and driving tunes that match the high-paced action, keeping players engaged and motivated. The sound effects, including the roar of the vehicle’s engine, the firing of weapons, and the explosions of defeated enemies, are well-crafted and contribute to the overall excitement of the game.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, BreakThru! was well-received in arcades worldwide for its engaging gameplay and challenging levels. It quickly became a favorite among players who enjoyed action-packed, skill-based games. The game’s demand led to ports on several home consoles and computers, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Commodore 64, allowing a wider audience to experience its thrills.

BreakThru!’s legacy is marked by its position as a quintessential example of 1980s arcade gaming. It encapsulates the era’s focus on simple yet addictive game mechanics, where players are encouraged to achieve high scores and master each level’s challenges. The game has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years, with many players revisiting it for a dose of nostalgia.

In terms of influence, BreakThru! contributed to the development of the vehicular combat genre, inspiring future titles that would expand on its concepts. It remains a reference point for game developers exploring similar themes and mechanics.

Conclusion

BreakThru! stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of arcade games from the 1980s. Its straightforward yet challenging gameplay, coupled with its vibrant graphics and engaging sound design, make it a classic worth revisiting. The game’s impact on the industry, particularly in the vehicular combat genre, underscores its significance. BreakThru! continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike, preserving its legacy as an arcade gem that defined an era.