A.E. (sometimes shown unpunctuated as AE) is a fixed shooter written by Jun Wada and Makoto Horai for the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers and published by Broderbund in 1982. Versions for the VIC-20 (1983) and MSX (1984) followed. Unlike most earlier shooters which have a solid color or starfield as a background, the action in A.E. takes place in front of science fiction scenes. Attacking creatures emerge from points in the image, often appearing to come from behind objects. Combined with a slight scaling as they advance, there is the impression of depth.
| A.E. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Programmers-3 |
| Publisher(s) | Broderbund |
| Designer(s) | Jun Wada Makoto Horai[1] |
| Platform(s) | Apple II, Atari 8-bit, VIC-20, MSX |
| Release | 1982: Apple, Atari 1983: VIC-20 1984: MSX |
| Genre(s) | Fixed shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
According to the back of the box, "A.E. is the Japanese word for 'ray' as in Manta Ray or Sting Ray",[2] robotic versions of which are enemies in the game.
Gameplay edit
The player's ship can be moved left and right along the bottom of the screen. The fire button launches a missile upward which detonates when the button is released.[3]
Development edit
Broderbund partnered with Japanese developer Programmers-3 for several games, and A.E. was the first of these. According to Broderbund co-founder Doug Carlston, the Atari 8-bit version of A.E. was the first Atari computer game written in Japan.[4]
Reception edit
Arnie Katz wrote for Arcade Express: "The swirling flightpaths of the attackers as they zoom hither and yon around the eight playscreens is the principal feature that distinguishes 'A.E.' from the usual run of invasion games."[5] He pointed out that the images the game is played over have little bearing on gameplay. Citing a satisfying difficulty balance, Katz concluded with a score of 8/10.
Computer Games magazine gave the Atari and Apple versions an "A" in its "1985 Software Buyers Guide."[3] Writing for Videogaming and Computer Gaming Illustrated, Susan Levitan concluded: "A.E. is a highly recommended, very challenging and rewarding game. The 3-D graphics are stunning and the serpentine movement of the A.E. is mesmerizing."[6]
References edit
- ^ Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
- ^ "A.E. back of box". Atari Mania.
- ^ a b "1985 Software Buyers Guide". Computer Games. 3 (5). US: Carnegie Publications: 12. February 1985.
- ^ Barry, David (October 1983). "Profiles: The Carlston Trio". Antic. 2 (7).
- ^ Katz, Arnie (April 10, 1983). "The Hotseat: A.E." Arcade Express. 1 (18): 7.
- ^ Levitan, Susan (July 1983). "RAMblings: A.E." Videogaming and Computer Gaming Illustrated: 59.
