They Came from Verminest ’83

They Came from Verminest ’83 is a retro-style arcade shoot-’em-up inspired by classics like Galaga and Centipede. Players battle waves of insectoid enemies from the planet Verminest, progressing from space combat to ground assaults while targeting enemy eggs to unlock power-ups like armor and enhanced firepower. The game features a single-screen mode and deliberately mimics early ’80s arcade aesthetics with a limited color palette and simplified backgrounds, culminating in a showdown against Queen Verminia to halt the alien invasion.

They Came from Verminest ’83: Review

Introduction

In the pantheon of classic shoot ’em up games, “They Came from Verminest ’83” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming. This title, developed by the Spanish studio Locomalito, is a loving homage to the golden age of arcade shooters, paying tribute to the likes of “Galaga” and “Centipede.” The game’s legacy is one of nostalgia and innovation, seamlessly blending the charm of 80s arcade aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics. As we delve into this review, we will explore the various facets of “They Came from Verminest ’83,” from its development history and thematic depth to its gameplay mechanics and artistic direction. By the end, we aim to provide a definitive verdict on its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Locomalito, the brainchild behind “They Came from Verminest ’83,” is a Spanish indie studio known for its passion for retro gaming. The studio’s founders, Juan Antonio Becerra Vilchez and Javier García, have a deep-rooted love for the classics, and this love is evident in every pixel of their games. “They Came from Verminest ’83” is not just a game; it is a labor of love, a tribute to the arcade shooters that defined a generation.

The game was released in February 2012, a time when the indie scene was burgeoning with creativity and innovation. Locomalito, however, chose a different path. Instead of pushing boundaries, they decided to revisit the past, to recreate the magic of the 80s arcade shooters. The result is a game that feels both familiar and fresh, a game that respects the past while embracing the present.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, “They Came from Verminest ’83” is a story of survival and resistance. The player takes on the role of a lone pilot, tasked with defending Earth from the insectoid horde that has emerged from the planet Verminest. The narrative is simple, almost archetypal, but it serves as a solid foundation for the game’s themes.

The game explores themes of isolation, perseverance, and the human spirit’s indomitable will. The player is the last line of defense, the sole protector of humanity against an overwhelming force. This theme of lone resistance against insurmountable odds is a common trope in science fiction, and “They Came from Verminest ’83” uses it to great effect.

The game’s dialogue, while sparse, is effective in conveying the gravity of the situation. The characters, though few, are well-developed, each bringing their unique perspective to the story. The queen of Verminest, the game’s primary antagonist, is a formidable foe, her actions driven by a primal, almost instinctual desire to conquer and destroy.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

“They Came from Verminest ’83” is a vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up, a genre that demands precision, reflexes, and strategy. The game’s core gameplay loop is simple: the player controls a ship that must fight through waves of enemies in space and, later, on the ground. The enemies come in various shapes and sizes, each requiring a different strategy to defeat.

The game features a variety of power-ups, each providing a unique advantage. These power-ups, collected by blasting alien space-eggs, include armor, power shot, extra bullets, and speed. The scoring system is designed to reward risk and sharp shooting; taking out an enemy at close range earns a medal, while blasting away the leader bugs in the back row of the standard enemy waves earns half of the remaining critters fleeing, with a medal awarded for each one.

The boss battles are the game’s highlight, each cleverly designed and perfectly executed, playing like separate minigames and offering variation to the standard wave-based shmup action. It’s these encounters that draw the player back to “They Came from Verminest ’83” time and time again, much like the studio’s other games, especially “Hydorah.”

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s setting is a sci-fi/futuristic universe, inspired by vintage movies like “Them!” and “The Deadly Mantis.” This inspiration is evident in the game’s art direction, which features a deliberately monochrome palette, with two alternative filters: “Old movie” or “3D mode.” The game’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, each frame a testament to the developers’ love for the classics.

The sound design is equally impressive, featuring FM synthesis and samples. The game’s soundtrack is a perfect blend of retro and modern, each track a nod to the classics while sounding fresh and new. The sound effects are equally well-done, each one adding to the game’s immersive experience.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, “They Came from Verminest ’83” was met with critical acclaim. Critics praised the game’s art direction, sound design, and gameplay mechanics. The game was hailed as a loving tribute to the classics, a game that respected the past while embracing the present.

The game’s legacy is one of influence. It has inspired a generation of indie developers to revisit the past, to recreate the magic of the 80s arcade shooters. The game’s influence can be seen in the work of studios like Vlambeer and Heartbeat, who have also paid tribute to the classics in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “They Came from Verminest ’83” is a game that stands the test of time. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming, a game that respects the past while embracing the present. The game’s narrative and thematic depth, gameplay mechanics, and artistic direction all come together to create a gaming experience that is both familiar and fresh. As such, it deserves its place in video game history, a shining example of how to pay tribute to the classics while pushing the genre forward.