Machine Guides

Game History

Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter arcade game developed by Sega AM2 and released in December 1985. It was one of the first games to utilize Sega's advanced System 16 arcade hardware.

The game's premise was innovative for its time: players controlled a jet-propelled human protagonist flying through surreal, colorful landscapes filled with bizarre enemies and obstacles. What set Space Harrier apart was its use of pseudo-3D graphics, which created an immersive sense of speed and depth that was unprecedented in arcade games of its era.

Space Harrier was an immediate commercial success, with Sega shipping over 5,000 units worldwide and the game becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade titles of 1986. Its fast-paced gameplay and distinctive visual style making it a beloved title among players of all ages. Space Harrier established conventions for third-person shooters and 3D graphics that would influence countless games in the years to come.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Space Harrier is to survive through each level by destroying all enemies and obstacles in your path while avoiding their attacks. You control a jet-propelled human flying through surreal, colorful landscapes. The ultimate objective is to progress through all levels and defeat the boss at the end of each stage to achieve the highest score possible.

Controls

• Joystick: Use the joystick to move your character in any direction (up, down, left, and right)
• Fire Button: Press to shoot your laser cannon at enemies and obstacles

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your flight through fantasy lands.

• Level Progression: Navigate through multiple levels, each with different surreal environments and enemy types.

• Combat Mechanics: Shoot at enemies and obstacles while dodging their projectiles and attacks.

• Enemy Defeat: Destroy various enemies, including stationary turrets, flying creatures, and ground-based hazards.

• Boss Battles: At the end of each level, face a powerful boss enemy that requires multiple hits to defeat.

• Collision Avoidance: Avoid colliding with enemies, obstacles, and the environment, as collisions result in loss of a life.

• Score System: Earn points for destroying enemies and collecting power-ups.

• Lives System: You have limited lives that are lost when hit by enemy fire or colliding with obstacles.

• Game Over: The game ends when you lose all your lives. Your final score is displayed based on your performance.