Extermination (Arcade) Playthrough [4K]
"Extermination", developed by World Games and published by Taito in 1987, is a vertical scrolling shoot-'em-up where players play as a courageous soldier on a mission to purge the planet of menacing alien creatures. Gameplay is very straightforward: players navigate their character vertically and horizontally, unleashing gunfire upon a relentless horde of enemies descending upon them.
What sets Extermination apart is its innovative life system - players must dispatch monsters to replenish their health. As players sustain damage, their life score steadily declines. However, by eliminating foes, small orbs descend towards them, serving as life-restoring pickups. This dynamic encourages players to actively engage with adversaries to maintain their vitality.
Amidst the perilous terrain, players can also collect power-ups to bolster their offensive capabilities. Additionally, by demolishing obstacles like rocks and trees, players uncover hidden bunkers containing valuable power-ups. Each round ends with players confronting formidable bosses or mega-monsters, marking their progression to the next round.
While Extermination may not have revolutionized the gaming landscape and never saw a console release, it remains a captivating arcade experience.