Out Zone
From Free net encyclopedia
Out Zone is a 1990 arcade game by Toaplan and distributed in the US by Romstar.
It is a run and gun, in which the player controls a soldier who must fight his way through seven increasingly difficult levels. At the end of each level a boss must be defeated before the player can progress any further.
Contents |
Series
Gameplay
Unlike most shoot-em-ups, in Out Zone you do not pilot a space ship or plane, but instead fight enemies on foot. As such, the screen does not scroll automatically, only when you move upwards. Since forward movement is not automatic, the game imposes a time limit, in the form of an energy bar that slowly drains as time goes on. If the bar empties completely, you lose a life. It is refilled when you pick up "E" icons or complete a level. The energy bar does not represent health, as touching one enemy or bullet will immediately cost you one life. After dying, you reappear at an earlier point in the level.
Weapons
You can use one of two main weapons, and switch between them by picking up "C" icons. The semi-automatic forward gun shoots forward no matter which way you move, but shoots three bullets in a slight spread each time you press Fire. The all-direction laser fires in whatever direction you're moving, and creates a sweep of bullets as you change direction. It fires rapidly, so you only need to hold down the Fire button. Each weapon is useful in certain situations, and you will often have to switch based on the configuration of enemies.
In desperate situations, you have a supply of bombs, used by pressing the Bomb button. These destroy all minor enemies and bullets on the screen, and severely damage larger foes, but do not make you invincible for any period of time.
Power-Ups
E: Restores energy. C: Switches between forward and all-direction weapons. P: Makes your weapon more powerful. Only two of these can be used. Bomb icon: Gives you an extra bomb. SP: Gives you a special weapon.
Special Weapons/Items
Super Burner: A powerful flamethrower with somewhat limited range. It fires in whatever direction you are moving. Speed Up: Increases your movement speed. Energy Extend: Increases your maximum energy, allowing you to go longer without picking up an "E" icon. Super Ball: If the button is held down, this ball rotates around the player, destroying all enemies it hits. If the button is pressed and released, the ball circles the player once and then shoots forward.