Centipede Review by: GuardianZack - 4.5/10

What can I say about Centipede? Well, for starters, it is an arcade classic. But how does it stand up to the other arcade classics of its time? Let's take a look.

Graphics: 5/10

Nothing special here. This is about what I would expect from a game of this era. It mostly consists of neon-colored pixels that make up mushrooms and other various obstacles. As the levels advance, the centipede changes color, as well as most of the other features on the board. The tint of psychedelic atmosphere makes this game a bit more attention-grabbing as opposed to most.

Sound: 4/10

Just your basic shooting sound-effects; again, nothing you wouldn't expect from an arcade game. Some of the enemies make thumping and buzzing noises as they advance toward you, but that's about all there is to be expected.

Addictiveness: 6/10

Surprisingly addictive. I prefer games that are much more in depth, but the gameplay is surprisingly entrancing. The vibrant neon colors draw you in, but it's the nostalgia of trying to get that nothing short of legendary high-score which keeps you playing. The game keeps moving forward, forcing even the most talented of arcade gamers to be on their toes.

Story: 2/10

As most arcade games go, there isn't much here. You are a ship that has a destiny to clear out funky mushrooms from his garden, all the while destroying centipedes and avoiding spiders (and in some versions, other occasional insects). Who knows who he is, or why he feels the need to save the world from hippie arthropods, but one thing is for certain; he makes for a strange hero.

Depth: 3/10

The only thing that gives Centipede any real depth, is the game progression. The stages change from one to the other, and enemies tend to get faster. Often times, the mushrooms may change position or grow back in unwanted places. It beats repeating the same scenery over and over until you die.

Difficulty: 7/10

I think this is what gives the game most of its appeal. The game gets progressively harder in all aforementioned aspects very quickly. The intensity can be frustrating, but it seems to draw seasoned gamers in for 'just one more game', also adding to the level of addiction. There is a thin line between challenging and infuriating, and I think Centipede rests firmly on it.

Overall: 4.5/10

I was never really able to get into the game, because it just wasn't my style. Sure, there is a decent amount of action, but it just doesn't feel as though it plays right to me. I think most of my distaste comes from the fact that maneuverability is rather cumbersome, and the odds seem to be entirely out of your favor. Still, Centipede remains a popular favorite for a variety of players from all ages and genres. If you feel the need to concentrate way harder than what you should have to, or maybe if you just have a fondness for creepy-crawlies and fluorescent shrooms, then you may want to pick this up.

4.5