Hydorah

[Pater Alf]

"Hydorah" is an old school horizontal shoot em up game in the style of "Gradius" and "Nemesis". It was developed by Locomalito ("L'abbaye des Morts", "8bit Killer") and features music by Gryzor87.

There are 16 levels (with 27 sublevels), 30 bosses, 70 different kind of enemies, lots of power-ups, unlockables and different weapons. Don't expect this game to be easy. It was developed for old school gamers, which means it is hard and you have to train a lot to beat each level. But when you do so, you'll get a feeling of satisfaction that modern games don't offer anymore.

Developer: Locomalito
http://www.locomalito.com/juegos_hydorah.php

Download from CWF:
http://www.curlysworldoffreeware.com/games/view/983

Download size: 82 MB

Year: 2010

Status: Freeware

[Chroelle]

This game sure keeps its promises. It promises to be hard and uncompromising, and that you have to think tactically to win. I just got to the level 1 boss - in my 10th attempt or so.
And of course I didn't beat it.
This game surely has that retro-80's-feel that you have to take the month off to beat this game, and that it will reward you for doing so. There are secrets in this game, powerups, a great diversity in enemies, and loads of trouble awaiting.
I am sure I will come back to this at some point.

[Pater Alf]

Of course the game isn't very original as it just takes the best elements from true classics like "Nemesis" and "Gradius" and turns them into a new game. But I don't care as Locomalito succeeds in creating a fine retro atmosphere (regarding graphics, music atmosphere and gameplay). The game is hard and you won't win if you don't play several times and learn the level design and the best way to bring down your enemies (or the best way to avoid them). Being a nice guy, Locomalito offers a few savepoints, so you don't have to start from the beginning again every time you die (and you will die over and over again).

There are also some secrets and unlockables and I like the motivation phrases the game gives in the "Game Over" screen (stuff like "Every level you beat is a victory. Be proud of yourself.").

[Chroelle]

Hydorah can now be downloaded from CWF: http://www.curlysworldoffreeware.com/games/view/983
Yes the screenshots are all from the beginning of the game. But its so damn hard to not die when you want to both do screenshots and survive at the same time in this game...