Abadox

Game Details:

Abadox is a NES side-scrolling and top-down scrolling science fiction shooter developed by Natsume and published by Milton Bradley in 1990. The game is set in the future year 5012, and tells the story of Second Lieutenant Nazal, who, in order to rescue Princess Maria, who has been devoured by the giant alien creature Parasitis, pilots a combat device deep into the creature's body to engage in a thrilling internal battle. The game features six major levels and uses the "alien creature's internal world" as its visual background, with a bloody and unique style, and scenes filled with visual elements such as tentacles, stomach walls, and decaying cells, making a deep impression. Players must control a fighter jet to navigate through complex organic matter and pick up various enhancement items, such as accelerators, lasers, missiles, and shields to increase firepower; however, the game uses a "one-hit-kill" setting, and if you're not careful, you'll have to start over from the checkpoint, making it extremely difficult. Especially in the second and sixth levels, the enemies are dense and barrages are frequent, coupled with strict judgments, which are daunting. Although challenging, with its unlimited continues, rich weapon system, ingeniously designed Boss battles and captivating biological organs, Abadox successfully brings the "internal battle" theme to the extreme, and is a shooting masterpiece that is highly individualistic and loved by hardcore players at the end of FC.

Editor's Recommendation:

Despite being influenced by Life Force, Abadox has a distinctive style, level design, and atmosphere control, even surpassing its predecessor in terms of detail, demonstrating Natsume's ambition. Its "body travel + internal scene" theme is highly recognizable, and if players choose to challenge it at the right time, they can experience the thrill of high-pressure, fast-paced gameplay. Highly recommended for players who pursue classic retro hardcore shooting experiences and like non-traditional visual expressions.

Game Guide:

I. Weapon System Usage

• Initially, use single-shot shells as the main weapon, and quickly grab the "speed + shield" combination. In the mid-to-late game, prioritize picking up "three-way" or "laser" to increase output.
• Ring weapons and auto-missiles are especially effective against Boss battles, and it is recommended to save them until the Boss appears before using them.
• If you lose your enhancements, be sure to accumulate "speed" items, otherwise you may get stuck.

II. Level Route and Memory Points

• Level 2 and Level 6 are the peak difficulty of the game, and the positioning needs to be precise:
• Use fixed paths to avoid bullets and break through;
• After switching between horizontal and vertical, pay attention to speed control to avoid hitting obstacles.
• The Boss in each level serves as a checkpoint, and you don't need to replay the entire level after death, use it reasonably.

III. Boss Countermeasures Skills

• Bosses usually have bullet barrages and touch damage:
• Use shields or ring weapons to output from the side;
• Charge the laser to cut off the Boss's attack rhythm. Pay attention to leaving gaps before and after the Boss spews blood, which is the best time to attack.
• In the final escape phase, you should control the extreme speed dash and use the path gap after the Boss flashes to run out.

IV. Suggestions for Improving Pass Rate

1. It is recommended to use "automatic fire" equipment to reduce hand fatigue and make it easier to deal with continuous enemy groups.
2. For teaching players, it is recommended to "maintain speed level 1" to avoid high-speed crashes.
3. It is recommended to use unlimited continues combined with emulator review exercises at the beginning of the game, and challenge the real hardware limit after familiarizing yourself with the level.