A bit of nostalgia: Space Harrier game is 40

15 hours ago

Copy Link

The author reminisces about playing arcade games during family holidays in the 1980s, with a particular fondness for Space Harrier.
Space Harrier, released by Sega in 1985, is a 3D space shooter featuring a jetpack super soldier named Harrier.
Originally conceived as a military flight shooter, designer Yu Suzuki shifted to a surreal, fantasy-inspired theme due to technical limitations.
The game's motion cabinet provided an immersive experience with eight-directional movement, syncing the player's seat with the on-screen action.
Space Harrier featured a synth pop score by Hiroshi Kawaguchi and groundbreaking speech synthesis for in-game instructions.
Yu Suzuki's 'taikan' (body sensation) games, including Space Harrier, emphasized immersive experiences through advanced cabinet designs.
Super Scaler technology was used to create the illusion of 3D worlds by manipulating 2D animation frames.
The author reflects on the timeless appeal of Space Harrier, comparing it to classics like Pac-Man and Tetris.
Despite its age, Space Harrier's unique experience remains captivating, though the original machines are becoming rare and difficult to maintain.
The author wonders how they would feel playing Space Harrier now, contrasting nostalgia with the game's enduring appeal.

Hasty Briefsbeta