Years ago when windows as we know it today was young, DOS gaming was still going strong producing games I still remember to this day. One of these I happened to find whilst searching a database of games and lucky for me there was a shareware version (requires DOS Box on newer Windows versions) so I got the chance to enjoy it again. You might not have heard it but Tyrian is one of the early games for Epic Games (Epic Megagames as it was know back then) created by a small group of 11 people.
The Tyrian story mode follows the classic scrolling space shooter game with waves of enemies heading your way which you have to shoot and destroy for points. This continues for several levels with different enemies and scenery; however the main reason you’ll play this is the ship customisation and upgrading. There are several weapons for both front and rear guns to choose from at the start of each level, along with sidekicks (additional weapons or mini ships) shields, and ship types. The weapons can also be upgraded through 11 power levels and the rear weapon usually has a different fire mode allow you to adopt a different style each level. Score links directly to points in this game mode so buying upgrades will reduce your score for the chapter, yet may help you survive the next assault.
Ship Upgrade Screen
The amount of firepower you have also depends on your generator as every shot will take part of your energy which will be generated back quickly or slowly depending on the generator you have. For optimal fighting the generator has to be able to cope with constant firing otherwise you may get attacked by a wave of ships you were unprepared for. The generator is also useful as it regenerates your shields if spare energy is available. Shields are your primary line of defence and as they regenerate allow an aggressive strategy. Armour is you second line of defence and can be considered as your health; once your shields are down, the armour takes the damage. This does not regenerate and requires you to kill a certain ship to recover it, or complete the level. No armour means game over and you go back to the ship upgrade screen.
Gameplay Video
Combat as said earlier is simple; both weapons on your ship are controlled with one button and the sidekicks with 2 other buttons if they aren’t simple firing ones. A joystick, mouse or keyboard is used to control the ship’s movement and that’s about it. To complete each level you need to kill the boss or survive to the end.
All this fighting and upgrading is wrapped around a loose storyline of you being some hero who is double crossed, and double crossed again. This comes in the form of data cubes which are provided at the start of each mission with some also being obtained during the levels, you do not have to read these but some contain useful hints or jokes; at one point they even advertise other games.
Random news report:
This is Rob Neither with the daily news. Zinglon’s Ale has been stolen! The Grand Moolah Yimbo revealed today that all of their god, Zinglon’s, holy ale has been abducted. Millions of thirsty worshippers fled in panic when the news hit. A panic-stricken Savaran citizen said “I nearly fainted when I heard the news. How can we continue to believe in a just universe and freedom to eat crackers if we have no ale? I don’t know yet what I’m going to do.” This is certainly a crisis of grand proportions. All other work has stopped. The Grand Moolah has told us that someone must retrieve the ale from the clutches of Dai-Zan, the god of deceit and bad form. Who will save us from this torment? My Zinglon, I need a drink!
Hint of where a good ship is:
Beppo. Top o’ the morning, wee laddie. I be the clone of that nasty old pirate. The scourge of Torm, I be called. I found it, Trent! Be it that I did, and did it at that. The wondrous Prototype Stalker. If you can make it past Savara, I might consider giving it up to you. For a price… This baby has it all. Someday you may even learn to use the top-secret post-it mine sprayer. Well, I be off now. Arrrrr!
Tyrian Gameplay
After completion of a playthrough the game grants you a codeword for new ships, levels or game modes. This adds replayability to the game. Along with the story mode, an arcade (single or multiplayer) and time attack modes are available. In these modes weapons are granted as power-ups and unique weapons and ships are available. Music is good, but not memorable. None of the themes get stuck in you head and as such don’t draw you into the game, however the addictiveness nature and “just one more level” feel will.
So overall, a fond memory I got to play again… and might have drawn me in into spending hours completing it.
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Ooh, *Downloads*
The full version can be found online but that’s illegal of course; not sure if you can still buy it though. And yes I know the video has no sound, it was just a quick screen record of me playing (also as it’s the second playthrough those weapons are much better than what you’ll start with)