Walker Longplay (Amiga) [QHD]

Developed by DMA Design and published by Psygnosis in 1993

Ambitious shooter from the team at DMA that is ultimately let down by a severe difficulty curve.

Players pilot a bipedal mech, engaged in battles against the Endalion Time Force, spanning multiple timezones. Each zone features enemy units based on suitably futuristic or historic weaponry, and it's up to the player to formulate strategies as to how best to deal with the oncoming onslaught.

The Walker unit is equipped with a pair of 30mm cannons with unlimited ammunition, although excessive heat is generated through constant firing, so you should only use controlled bursts to ensure things don't overheat.

The Walker is protected by a shield which is depleted by impacts from enemy projectiles and explosives. Once the shield is down, the Walker itself will begin to take damage; sustain too much, and the mech will be destroyed.

On a technical and artistic level, Walker is a genuinely impressive title. The level of detail in the animations - both Walker and enemy units - is superb, and the use of sound, radio chatter and explosions really add to the atmosphere.

The main criticism, however, is the difficulty. There are many attack waves in later levels almost impossible to deal with, without sustaining crippling levels of damage. Some weapon upgrades or power-ups might have helped even the odds, but the constant overheating cannons and vast swathes of enemy reinforcements make the game a rather frustrating experience.

Time Codes
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:51 - Level 01 (Berlin 1944)
00:16:18 - Level 02 (Los Angeles 2019)
00:34:03 - Level 03 (Middle East - Present Day)
00:54:20 - (The Great War 2420)
01:08:49 - Ending

Bonus Content
01:19:09 - Menu Music (full loop)

Credits
Design: Ian Dunlop, Neill Glancy
Coding: Ian Dunlop, Scott Johnston, Teijo Kinnunen, Jon Dye
Graphics: Mark Ireland, Stacey Jamieson, David Hally, Neill Glancy, Scott Johnston
Music: Raymond Usher

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#amiga
#retrogaming