Garnering a solid reputation from the arcade world, the 'Centipede' series crawls back into the limelight with its 1998 remake. This title, under the watchful eye of Hasbro Interactive, transforms the classic bug-blasting mayhem into a 3D experience—because who wouldn't want their insects in a third dimension? But does it deliver the thrill or just additional grumbling from the arcade die-hards? Let's unearth this adventure and find out.
Gameplay in 'Centipede' consists of a delightful buffet styled with a dose of chaos. You hop into the shoes of Wally Gudmunzsun, who apparently has an unquenchable thirst for destruction. Your mission? Defend the quaint villages of Weedom from an onslaught of insects led by the inevitably dramatic Queen Pede. Gamers are greeted with two modes: Arcade and Adventure. The Arcade mode serves as the nostalgic tribute to the original, while the Adventure campaign dives deeper into the lore, introducing new pesky critters like the dragonfly and killer mushroom—because scoring high is clearly not enough without them throwing projectiles at you! How charming! As you navigate your way through waves of smaller bugs, players will also deal with obstacles such as mushrooms blocking their shots—yes, you still need to worry about those pesky flora when taking down a centipede. Don’t forget to rescue your furry friend villagers, even if they seem to just want to get in your way. The stakes are high, and so is the potential for hilarity!
The graphics package on display is an entertaining mix of the early late 90s aesthetic. 3D models, while nothing to write home about, beam with an earnest glow of simplicity. Obstacles are fun, vibrant, and full of personality—just don’t rope them into a game of ‘Who’s the Cutest Bug?’ At times, the nostalgic charm manages to muster a smile, even if it’s not cutting-edge by today’s standards. Picture it: a clunky scorpion navigating the screen like it’s one failed audition away from being a star on a bug-themed talent show. Ah, memories!
As 'Centipede' makes its way back into the gaming realm, the reception has been hit-or-miss, much like trying to catch a crawling bug with a flimsy trap. While it delivers a commendable reimagining of a beloved classic and may ignite a spark of nostalgia for some, the new audience may find themselves swatting away potential boredom faster than they can say ‘oi, another centipede?’. Veteran players might reminisce and grasp at the nostalgic threads, but the flashy worms of today are crawling away to the latest battle royale game. Overall, it's a solid 5 out of 10 for its genuine charm amidst a comically chaotic adventure.