005
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | 005 (arcade video game) |
005 (articulated as "double-o five") is a 1981 arcade video game created by Sega R&D Japan and released by Sega in Japan, with Sega/Gremlin handling its distribution in North America. Marketed as the inaugural title in Sega's RasterScan Convert-a-Game lineup, it was engineered for swift transformation into different games, providing arcade operators with significant cost efficiencies.
As one of the pioneering stealth games, 005 introduced the innovative "vision cone" feature, allowing players to observe enemies' exact sight ranges. The game is also credited with establishing the "hub world" concept in video gaming, which went on to shape future game development.
Gameplay
Drawing inspiration from James Bond, players assume the role of a secret agent charged with delivering confidential documents to a waiting helicopter. The gameplay requires maneuvering through various buildings and warehouses while evading detection by enemy flashlights and utilizing boxes as protective cover.
Reception
At launch, 005 garnered favorable critiques, with Cash Box magazine emphasizing its demanding gameplay, diverse escape options, and engaging challenges such as enemy patrols and slippery ice surfaces. Reviewers applauded the title for merging the excitement of four distinct games into one, complemented by attractive cartoon-style visuals and suspenseful sound effects.
High score
The highest recorded score for 005, as verified by Guinness World Records, belongs to Dwayne Richard, who reached the maximum 1,500,000 points in May 2002.