Tag Archives: 2D graphics

Flat, two-dimensional graphics, usually constructed of pixels. Not three-dimensional.

Double Dragon, Arcade

Released into arcades in 1987 by Technos Japan, Double Dragon is a legendary one or two-player scrolling beat ’em up, starring twin brothers – Billy Lee and Jimmy – who are on a rescue mission for Marian – Billy’s girlfriend who has been kidnapped by a gang of thugs called The Black Warriors.

Continue reading Double Dragon, Arcade

Phantasy Star II, Megadrive/Genesis

Released in 1989 for the Sega Megadrive/Genesis, Phantasy Star II is a pioneering RPG for its time. It’s a sequel, obviously; to the classic Sega Master System release of 1987, Phantasy Star.

Continue reading Phantasy Star II, Megadrive/Genesis

Firefly, ZX Spectrum

Of all his Spectrum games, Firefly was the one that programmer Jonathan Smith said really “came together” during development.

Firefly is an eight-way scrolling shooter with light puzzle elements that was first released by Ocean Software in 1988.

Continue reading Firefly, ZX Spectrum

Batman: The Caped Crusader, ZX Spectrum

First released in 1988, Ocean Software‘s Batman: The Caped Crusader is not to be confused with Ocean‘s other Batman game, programmed by Jon Ritman. No, this one is the 2D, comic panel animated adventure programmed by Jonathan Smith.

Continue reading Batman: The Caped Crusader, ZX Spectrum

Hysteria, ZX Spectrum

Published by Software Projects in 1987, Hysteria – at first glance – seems to owe quite a bit to Cobra, the infamous scrolling shooter from Ocean. At least graphically (the main character is a spitting image of the sprite in that game).

Continue reading Hysteria, ZX Spectrum

Terra Cresta, ZX Spectrum

A conversion of the superb Nichibutsu arcade game, programmed by the late Jonathan Smith and published by Imagine Software in 1986.

Continue reading Terra Cresta, ZX Spectrum

Green Beret, ZX Spectrum

A conversion of the infamous Konami arcade game Rush’n Attack (name changed later in the West to Green Beret), by the inimitable Jonathan Smith. Published by Imagine Software in 1986.

Continue reading Green Beret, ZX Spectrum

Cobra, ZX Spectrum

Loosely-based on the Sylvester Stallone film of the same name, Cobra is a legendary run-and-gun platform game programmed by the late Jonathan Smith for Ocean Software and first released in 1986.

Continue reading Cobra, ZX Spectrum