Forgotten Worlds: A Classic Arcade Shooter Experience

Story

Forgotten Worlds, developed by Capcom and released in 1988, takes players into a dystopian future ravaged by evil gods known as the Eight Evil Gods. The narrative unfolds in a world where these malevolent deities have ravaged Earth, leaving humanity on the brink of extinction. The story follows two nameless heroes, often referred to as “The Nameless Ones,” equipped with advanced weaponry and jetpacks, tasked with the mission of defeating the gods and restoring peace to the planet. Despite the straightforward plot, the game’s storyline captivates players with its epic battle between good and evil, a classic trope in arcade gaming.

Gameplay

Forgotten Worlds is renowned for its unique gameplay mechanics that distinguish it from other side-scrolling shooters of its time. Players control a character equipped with a jetpack, allowing them to move freely across the screen in all directions. This freedom of movement adds an exciting layer of strategy and agility required to dodge incoming attacks while targeting enemies.

The game features a two-player cooperative mode, which was a significant draw for arcade enthusiasts. This mode allowed players to team up and tackle the hordes of enemies together, enhancing the game’s replayability and social aspect. The combat system is intuitive, with players using a rotary button or dial to aim their weapons independently of their movement direction—a feature that was innovative at the time and added depth to the gameplay.

Throughout the game, players collect “Zenny,” the in-game currency, which can be used to purchase upgrades and new weapons from shops scattered throughout the levels. This mechanic introduces a layer of strategic decision-making as players must decide how to allocate their resources effectively to enhance their combat abilities.

Graphics and Sound

Graphics

For its time, Forgotten Worlds boasted impressive graphics that stood out in the crowded arcade market. The game’s art style is characterized by detailed sprite work and vibrant colors that bring its apocalyptic setting to life. The character designs, particularly the grotesque bosses, are memorable and contribute to the game’s distinct aesthetic. The backgrounds are richly detailed, providing a sense of depth and immersion as players traverse through a variety of environments, from futuristic cities to desolate wastelands.

Sound

The sound design in Forgotten Worlds complements its visual presentation with a soundtrack that enhances the game’s intense atmosphere. The music, composed by Tamayo Kawamoto, features a mix of upbeat and dramatic tunes that keep players engaged during the action-packed sequences. The sound effects, including the distinct noise of gunfire and explosions, are well-crafted and add to the overall experience, making each encounter feel impactful and satisfying.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Forgotten Worlds was met with positive reception from both players and critics. It was praised for its innovative control scheme, engaging cooperative gameplay, and impressive graphics. As one of the early adopters of the rotary control system, the game set a precedent for future shooters, influencing the design of similar games in the genre.

The game’s success in arcades led to numerous ports across various platforms, including the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, TurboGrafx-16, and home computers like the Commodore Amiga and ZX Spectrum. Each version attempted to capture the essence of the arcade original, with varying degrees of success. The Sega Genesis version, in particular, is noted for being a faithful recreation, maintaining much of the arcade experience.

Despite being over three decades old, Forgotten Worlds continues to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts. Its influence is evident in modern twin-stick shooters that have adopted and refined its core gameplay mechanics. The game’s unique blend of action, strategy, and cooperative play remains a benchmark for quality in the genre.

Conclusion

Forgotten Worlds stands as a testament to the innovation and creativity of late 1980s arcade gaming. Its impact on the shooter genre is undeniable, with its unique control scheme and cooperative gameplay leaving a lasting legacy. The game’s ability to combine engaging mechanics with an immersive audiovisual experience has ensured its place in the annals of video game history. As players continue to revisit this classic title, Forgotten Worlds reminds us of the golden age of arcades and the timeless appeal of a well-crafted action game.