258th played so far
Genre: Shoot ‘Em Up
Platform: Arcade
Year of Release:1983
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami, Gottlieb
Time for a bit more shoot ’em up action today. While I’m hesitant to call playing these games checkbox exercises, when starting out a game like this – a shooter with increased controls – is one we start because we have to. Sure, the experience tends to be worthwhile, but I won’t deny that our primary reason for playing Juno First is that we don’t want to be left with all of these at the end of the journey.
I can’t say much more for an introduction then, since even the book and Wikipedia have little to add. Probably best to judge it after the fact instead.
Our Thoughts
Gameplay improves in small steps sometimes, and Juno First‘s addition certainly seems to be one. While the basic game is of the familiar ‘aliens fly at you’ type, as seen from Space Invaders onwards, there’s one change here – you can fly backwards (and forwards). As the field effectively loops, this strategy has its risks, but it makes the game more interesting.
To help handle the scrolling field, aside from the rows you can see, you can also see the aliens’ icons approach on further rows, setting up some quite long term assaults. It rather excitingly speeds up the game and creates its own specific (and fun) challenge.
Beyond that, the game gets straightforward. Several levels, each with differing enemies starting in different formations. Enticing and addictive. Just… look at what we said about Space Invaders, Galaxian, or more recent Gorf for other examples like it. It’s fun and addictive and the moving back and forth adds its own dimension, with some additional planning necessary. But in this case, it’s just the small steps that count.
Final Thoughts
I hate these older games where is very little to say. We were able to scrounge up some opinions for these sorts of games 100 games ago or so but right now we are beginning to run out… hopefully we will have more for the next game.