Arachnophobia (video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | BlueSky Software |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Video games |
| Parent | Disney Software |
Arachnophobia is a video game adaptation inspired by the motion picture of the same title. Created by BlueSky Software and distributed by Disney Software, it debuted in mid-1991 on platforms including MS-DOS, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and Amiga.
Plot
A venomous spider species originating from the Amazon rainforest reaches California, where it mates with indigenous spider queens, producing lethal hybrid offspring capable of killing with a single bite. This rapid infestation compels pest control expert Delbert McClintock to eradicate spider populations across seven towns. Subsequently, Dr. Atherton hires him to address the menace within the jungle environment.
Gameplay
Players assume the role of Delbert as he combats spider infestations in the towns of Canaima, Webster, Dudley, Elias, Buggley, Infes Station, and Arachton. Beginning with a town overview map, players maneuver an exterminator van to targeted infestation sites before transitioning into a platform-style mode to fight spiders using a finite supply of bug spray and explosives. The spray can be directed in various orientations or converted into flame attacks at a higher ammunition expenditure. Explosives inflict damage over an area and are particularly potent against boss enemies. Running out of ammunition requires returning to the van and restarting any incomplete levels.
Beyond eliminating spiders, players must also destroy egg sacs that generate new spider threats. Contact with spiders causes health loss, which can be replenished by collecting first aid kits. Accumulating four bites results in game termination. As levels progress, difficulty escalates by introducing civilians to rescue, spiders that cling to ceilings or ambush players, jumping spiders, and formidable queen spiders. The final mission set in South America tasks players with destroying alpha spiders to achieve completion.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1991 video games
- Amiga games
- Amstrad CPC games
- BlueSky Software games
- Cancelled ZX Spectrum games
- Commodore 64 games
- DOS games
- Multiplayer and single-player video games
- Video games about spiders
- Video games based on films
- Video games developed in the United States
- Video games set in California