| Centipede | |
| Developer: | Leaping Lizard Software |
| Publisher: | Hasbro Interactive |
| Released: | Microsoft Windows PlayStation Dreamcast Macintosh May 2001 |
| Genre: | Shoot 'em up |
| Modes: | Single player, multiplayer |
| Platforms: | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Macintosh |
Centipede is a 1998 action game developed by Leaping Lizard Software and published by Hasbro Interactive. It is a remake of Atari's 1981 arcade game of the same name.
Gameplay consists of a series of rounds that are completed once the player eliminates the centipede(s) that wind down the playing field. Obstacles such as spiders, fleas, and scorpions complicate the game. At the same time, a population of mushrooms grows between the player and each centipede. Optionally, the player is tasked with rescuing villagers and bystanders and preventing damage to key structures; although ignoring these tasks does not prevent the player from being able to complete the round regardless.
The game can be played in two game modes: "Arcade" and "Adventure" — the latter marking a departure from the original version. Arcade mode allows the player to experience a ported version of the original arcade Centipede, with some enhancements.
In the adventure campaign, one completes a series of levels linked by a storyline. Here, the player encounters both the original enemies (centipede, spider, flea, scorpion, poisonous mushroom) and a new array as well (dragonfly, butterfly, firebug, icebug, killer mushroom, etc.), some of which are capable of throwing projectiles to destroy the shooter, and others capable of altering mushrooms. If an enemy or projectile contacts the shooter, the player loses a life.
The story centers around a collective of villages known as "Weedom" and a prophecy that foretells their imminent destruction. Each century, an army of large insects invades Weedom at the hands of their leader, the Queen Pede. The player assumes the role of Wally Gudmunzsun, who is tasked with the destruction of the invading insect army, while piloting a craft known simply as "The Shooter".
The game received mixed reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website GameRankings. Chris Charla of NextGen said of the PlayStation version in its September 1999 issue, "A solid 3D shooter with a nice, if young, story makes this a great game for your little brother, but don't be surprised if you find yourself playing a few games, too." Five issues later, Adam Pavlacka said that the Dreamcast version "may look good in 3D, but the classic version of the game is still more fun." GamePro said of the same Dreamcast version: "Who will dig on Centipede, and who will bag on it? Old schoolers will feel the pull of sentimentality, and may find themselves caught up in the newer, fiercer version of Centipede contained within. Twitch[y] gamers will also enjoy Centipede, but anyone not in those two classes may find the game tiresome and repetitive. Give Centipede a chance, you might just catch the bug."[1]
The PC version won Computer Games Strategy Plus 1998 "Classic Game of the Year" award. The staff praised the graphics, addictive gameplay and the game's enhancements.[2]