Centipede is one of those classic arcade games from the golden age of gaming that has influenced so many other games. It was critically acclaimed and holds up surprisingly well today. The game was a shoot ‘em up that required players to shoot bugs in high-speed action, through a series of obstacles.
While there were games inspired by Centipede like Bad Caterpillar, gamers can now play a new version of the classic with Centipede: Recharged, a modern revitalization of the classic. Using a fast-paced soundtrack and new HD take on Vector graphics, Centipede: Recharged is very much a call back to the original game, but with some new tweaks. The same pick-up and play feeling is there, but the game changes things up by having one screen, with a smaller field of play to make things more hectic.
The enemies will come from all sides, creating a frenetic feel, while the techno soundtrack and particle effects make the play session more intense, with a feeling of desperation by the player. The throwback artwork really helps bring players into the experience, and it is good that the developers took time to make sure that the game will not be so intense as to cause seizures (as best as they could anyway, since those with conditions who take precautions). Everything feels easy to understand and tell apart, and that helps Centipede: Recharged stand out among remakes.
One aspect where this new version stands out is the use of power-ups which changes the gameplay immensely. The spiders that were a menace in the original game due to their speed, are now slower and carry the powerups such as dual fire, spread shot and more. There are a number of other abilities as well, such as forcing enemies away and slowing dine time, which creates a very different game than what came before.
When combined with the challenge mode of the game, Centipede: Recharged becomes a game with instant replay value that will extend to multiple sessions. There are a variety of challenges and goals to beat, and there is real meat to this mode, perhaps even more than the main arcade mode. Players should take the time to explore the challenges and try to bear the online leaderboards, as doing so has a very addictive quality.
If there is one downside to the game, it is that the local co-op feels a bit too hectic when compared to the single-player experience. A lot of the time players may just get in each other’s way and only bring the experience down. It’s better in some of the challenges, but for the most part, feels un-needed.
To expand on the high point of the game, challenges include surviving waves of enemies, reaching scores, attacking specific enemies using certain powerups and so on, and while it may seem basic, the challenges really help flesh out the overall mechanics. Given the fast-paced nature of the game and the enemies, players should find interest in the challenges involving dodging enemies and not firing. These challenges completely flip the overall game experience on its head and create a fun alternative to the standard game.
Overall: Centipede: Recharged is an excellent experience, and while the co-op may not work, most else of what was done to modernize the game feels amazing. Gamers still have that classic arcade shoot ‘em up feel, but with modern touches that end up enhancing the experience. Centipede: Recharged ends up feeling like the game sequel that was needed, but never realized till now.
Centipede: Recharged is highly recommended on any platform and will be an excellent experience for new and veteran gamers alike.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
Reviewed on Nintendo Switch
Images were taken from Nintendo.com
Also available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PS4 and PS5