429th played so far
Genre: Shoot Em Up
Platform: Arcade
Year of Release: 1981
Developer: Vid Kidz
Publisher: Williams Electronics
Sorry, this is not a game based on the now defunct science fiction series Stargate, its predecessor movie or its spin-offs – as our searches reminded us of when we looked the game up every once in a while. In fact, it predates the start of that franchise by thirteen years.
What we have instead is another shooter, with another ‘defend your world’ narrative. Nothing too notable at this point.
Our Thoughts
It’s sequel time again. Reading up on it further, Stargate was a sequel to Defender, another “kill the invading aliens” around the world flyer. Most of it stays the same, although there is clearly a greater and more interesting variety of enemies and options.
Probably the biggest change, however, comes from a new gameplay feature with greater strategic impact – although partially of the “would it help” variety. A few times per round you can, by pressing a button, warp to the other side of the planet (or at least somewhere on the loop). For a large part, it makes for an interesting decision especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed – when you escape it can set you free, but it can also land you in a worse position.
Beyond that, it’s a competent shooter of its type, with nothing jumping out as being done wrong, but the game often not offering as much of a change of pace. Call it us being jaded though – the arcade experience must have felt quite different at the time.
Final Thoughts
That said it all really. Stargate is a competently made shooter of its type. The few added mechanics work nicely and the changes in enemies make for a more interesting challenge. Mostly, though, it’s a game that just is there.