Strike Force (video game)
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Strike Force (1991 arcade game) |
Strike Force is a side-scrolling shooter arcade title created and released by Midway in 1991. Marketed as a contemporary reinterpretation of Defender, it introduced simultaneous two-player action and shares design roots with the 1990 release Smash TV, itself a modern update of Robotron: 2084. The distribution of Strike Force was limited, and it never received a home console adaptation.
Gameplay
Players engage with a horizontally scrolling environment set above planetary landscapes, tasked with protecting humans from extraterrestrial attackers, echoing gameplay elements from Defender and Stargate. Rescuing humans rewards players with points and power-ups.
A notable feature is the two-player shared screen mode, alongside the option for either participant to transform into a "turret"—a slower-moving unit equipped with superior firepower. When combined, this turret attaches to the fighter craft, enabling independent firing directions without compromising movement control.
The gameplay unfolds on a two-dimensional planetary map where players choose among 50 planets to defend. Each planet offers unique weapons to collect, diverse alien adversaries, and humans awaiting rescue. Larger alien creatures can convert humans into aggressive mutants who may commandeer vehicles to attack players but still provide points upon capture.
While navigating the system view, enemy ships periodically assault planets; neglecting these threats leads to planetary destruction. Players must confront these mini-boss enemies during defense missions. Additionally, a weapons satellite appears in system view, allowing players to acquire upgrades comparable to those found on planets.
Upon successfully clearing a series of planets, players gain access to attack the enemy's base to confront the final boss and complete the game. Saving all 50 planets grants each player a free credit, enabling endless playthroughs through repeated achievements.
Reception
In 1991, British publication The One reviewed Strike Force, drawing comparisons to Midway’s previous arcade hit Defender. The critique described the game as a lackluster revision, advising that fans of the original might find this version disappointing.