Out Zone
Encyclopedia
is a 1990 arcade game
by Toaplan
and distributed in the US by Romstar
.
Out Zone is a run and gun, in which the player controls a soldier who must fight his way through seven increasingly difficult levels. At the end of each level a boss
must be defeated before the player can progress any further. Taking place in the year 2097, mankind is invaded by an alien race and it is up to cyborg soldiers controlled by the player to destroy the invasion force.
This game was followed up with Fixeight in 1992.
The two main weapon can be upgraded by picking up to two "P" icons.
Several special bonuses are available as different colored "SP" icons. Two special weapons can really change the face of the game:
The other special bonuses are:
In desperate situations, you have a supply of bombs, used by pressing the Bomb button. These destroy all minor enemies and bullets on the screen, and severely damage larger foes, but does not make you invincible for any period of time.
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
by Toaplan
Toaplan
, sometimes written as Toa Plan, was a video game developer from Japan. They were responsible for the creation of a wide array of relatively famous scrolling shooters and arcade games, yet the company declared bankruptcy in 1994.-Games developed :...
and distributed in the US by Romstar
Romstar
Romstar Inc. was a video game distribution company based in Torrance, CA that started operations in 1984. They originally started as the first American distribution arm for SNK . They were known for licensing arcade games from major makers for distribution. Among Romstar's clients include Taito,...
.
Out Zone is a run and gun, in which the player controls a soldier who must fight his way through seven increasingly difficult levels. At the end of each level a boss
Boss (video games)
A boss is an enemy-based challenge which is found in video games. A fight with a boss character is commonly referred to as a boss battle or boss fight...
must be defeated before the player can progress any further. Taking place in the year 2097, mankind is invaded by an alien race and it is up to cyborg soldiers controlled by the player to destroy the invasion force.
This game was followed up with Fixeight in 1992.
Gameplay
As a vertical-scrolling run and gun, the player fights enemies on foot, moving upward through the stage. Since forward movement is not automatic, the game imposes a time limit in the form of an energy bar that slowly drains as time goes on. If the bar empties completely, you lose a life. It is refilled when you pick up "E" icons or complete a level. The energy bar does not represent health, as touching one enemy or bullet will immediately cost you one life. After dying, you reappear at an earlier point in the level.Weapons
You can use one of two main weapons, and switch between them by picking up "C" icons. The semi-automatic forward gun shoots forward no matter which way you move, but shoots three bullets in a slight spread each time you press Fire. The all-direction laser fires in whatever direction you're moving, and creates a sweep of bullets as you change direction. It fires rapidly, so you only need to hold down the Fire button. Each weapon is useful in certain situations, and you will often have to switch based on the configuration of enemies.The two main weapon can be upgraded by picking up to two "P" icons.
Several special bonuses are available as different colored "SP" icons. Two special weapons can really change the face of the game:
- Super Burner (yellow SP icon) : a directional, limited range super power weapon. Very destructive, but forces the player to move close to the enemies. It is thus risky to use against end-of level bosses,
- Super Ball (pink SP icon) : a terrific weapon! A destructive energy ball circles around the player (and continues to circle around the player if the fire button is held down), then rushes up the top of the screen, unaffected by walls. Your best choice in any situation!
The other special bonuses are:
- 1UP (red SP icon)
- Speed UP (blue SP icon) : very interesting in the second half of the game, the increased speed can prove dangerous in some of the maze/platforms parts
- Shield (pale pink SP icon) : will protect the player against a direct enemy shot, won't prevent losing a life by falling down a hole or running out of energy
- Energy Extend (green SP icon) : extends the energy bar and re-fills it completely
In desperate situations, you have a supply of bombs, used by pressing the Bomb button. These destroy all minor enemies and bullets on the screen, and severely damage larger foes, but does not make you invincible for any period of time.