Final Countdown (video game)
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | Final Countdown |
Final Countdown is a side-scrolling action-adventure game created and released by Demonware Softwarehaus for the Amiga platform in 1990. The storyline is set in the 25th century, where players take on the role of a female commander stationed on a space facility, tasked with investigating an alien vessel resembling an asteroid that is on a collision path with Earth. The gameplay involves overcoming various dangers and hostile robotic enemies.
Gameplay
The game involves navigating through different sections of the alien spacecraft, with each level consisting of three floors featuring diverse challenges, robotic adversaries, and environmental hazards. Player movement includes walking, utilizing a jetpack to move between floors or across gaps, and operating lifts when accessible. The jetpack consumes fuel that can be restored by collecting energy cells scattered throughout the levels. Robots encountered range from non-aggressive to aggressive; players can handle threats by manipulating energy doors, hiding in alcoves to avoid detection, or strategically placing mines that remain inactive until triggered and can be retrieved if needed.
Interaction with computer terminals enables text-based commands such as "SHOW IMAGE" or "TYPE FILE," granting access to documents, images, or control over ship mechanisms like lifts and doors. Certain operations require security codes to prevent alarm activation. When players come into contact with hazards or enemies, they respawn but at the cost of mission time. The game concludes if the ship’s alarm system is triggered or the allotted time expires.
Synopsis
In the year 2437 AD, an object initially identified as an asteroid near Pluto is detected entering the Solar System. Tercom I, an orbital communication outpost, determines through remote scanning—despite interference—that it is actually an alien spacecraft. Commander Laira Tyrik is teleported aboard to conduct an investigation, discovering that the ship’s weaponry threatens Earth and the entire Solar System.
Laira explores the interior of the alien vessel, navigating past dangers and hostile robots while interfacing with its computer systems to disable defensive measures and alter its trajectory away from Earth.
Reception
Final Countdown received a range of reviews from mixed to generally favorable. It earned ratings such as 75% and 76% from Amiga Action, 70% from Amiga Format, 81% in Amiga Joker, 6/10 in Datormagazin, and 32% from PowerPlay.