Viper Phase 1 Explained

Viper Phase 1
Developer:SEIBU KAIHATSU INC.
Publisher:Fabtek (US)
Tuning Electronic (DE)
Series:Raiden
Release:May 1995 (Old Version)
August 1995 (New Version)
Genre:Vertically scrolling shooter
Modes:1-2 player simultaneous
Arcade System:Seibu SPI System

is a 1995 scrolling shooter arcade game by Seibu Kaihatsu. It is a spin-off in the Raiden series set in space.[1]

Gameplay

The game is set in outer space. Players pilot their space fighter through eight stages of enemy space fleets and bosses. Enemies include small space fighters, space cruisers, space frigates, and entire space installations.

A bonus is assessed at the end of each stage taking into account the number of medals collected, the number of enemies destroyed, the number of bombs in stock, and the total kill percentage. At the end of the game, a grand tally is assessed. Factors taken into account are the number of continues used and the number of lives lost.

Plot

By the year 2050, mankind begins the colonization of multiple planetary systems in the search for habitable planets. While the colonists establish original cultures and scientific studies, many of them begin feuding with each other. Armed conflict breaks out among them and the Earth. One rebel faction rises to great power and makes Earth their primary target. Earth's response is Operation Viper Phase 1: to combat the rebels using advanced space fighters built from downed enemy ships.

Differences in the new version

A new version of Viper Phase 1 was released with gameplay changes. The new version is known as Viper Phase 1: USA in the United States. The known differences between the versions:

Powerups

There are six types of powerups in Viper Phase 1. Players start with a primary vulcan cannon on each new life.

Music

The soundtrack of Viper Phase 1 was composed by Go Sato. Its style is vastly different from the original Raiden series, incorporating many synthesized instruments. The soundtrack was released in 2005 as part of a superplay DVD set showing expert players playing through the game.

The official track listing:

The soundtrack is available as an unlockable in the Japanese-only release of Raiden DX for the PlayStation. When unlocked, players have the option of changing the default Raiden DX soundtrack to implement music from Viper Phase 1.

Hardware

Viper Phase 1 runs on the Seibu SPI System hardware. The later Raiden Fighters series uses the same hardware. The game software is stored on ROM daughterboards that are interchangeable on one SPI board. ROM daughterboards and Seibu SPI main boards are region-specific. For example, the Japanese daughterboards are not compatible with the European motherboard and vice versa.

Reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed Viper Phase 1 on their July 1, 1995 issue as being the ninth most-successful arcade game of the month.[2] In North America, RePlay reported Viper Phase 1 was the sixth most-popular arcade game at the time.[3] A critic for Next Generation praised the game's beautiful visuals and increasing level of difficulty, but added that "like all shooters, unless your hand-eye coordination is really solid, the fun will pass you right by". He gave it three out of five stars.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Desmond. Mike. Arcade Action - Viper Phase 1 by Fabtek. Electronic Gaming Monthly. 75. Sendai Publishing. October 1995. 72.
  2. Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software). Game Machine. 498. Amusement Press, Inc.. 1 July 1995. 25. ja.
  3. Player's Choice - Top Games Now in Operation, Based on Earnings-Opinion Poll of Operators: Best Video Software. RePlay. 21. 1. RePlay Publishing, Inc.. October 1995. 6.
  4. Viper Phase 1. Next Generation. 11. Imagine Media. November 1995. 191.