Ludography
Sidewize cover

1987 · Odin Computer Graphics · Arcade · Shoot 'em up

Sidewize

1987 video game

Released
1987
Platforms
Commodore 64Commodore C64/128/MAXZX Spectrum
Genres
ArcadeShoot 'em upShooter
Developers
Odin Computer Graphics
Publishers
—
Modes
Single-player
Perspective
Side view
Themes
ActionScience fiction
Country
United Kingdom

About

Sidewize is a horizontally scrolling shooter released by Firebird in 1987 for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum home computers. It was followed by a sequel, Crosswize.

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Sidewize is a 2D horizontally scrolling shooter with similarities to the Capcom arcade game Side Arms. The player controls the warrior Dynar on his lone mission against waves of Mutants on the four worlds of the Xeolom Alliance. Dynar is equipped with an armored suit with a jetpack and an array of weapons. Power-ups may be collected for improved mobility, weapons and firepower.

The four Xeolom worlds may be played in any order, but must all be completed before the player moves on to the alien world of Zeta, where the final Mutant boss awaits.

Story

The four worlds of Omicron, Nu, Delta and Iota are under siege by the Dariard Mutants. The Warriors of the Xeolom Alliance are all that stand between the Mutants and victory.

Reception

Your Sinclair: "The game itself is a simple concept, but there's just so much to it, and the difficulty is so well judged, you just can't pull the plug. It's fast. The action is flicker-free. The monochrome graphics are great and the sound effects set it all off. It could take years of careful manoeuvre to beat this one, unless you're into hacking..."

Releases by platformdates and regions as published

PlatformReleasedRegions
Commodore C64/128/MAX31 December 1987Europe
ZX Spectrum31 December 1987Europe

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Platform libraries

Description adapted from its source, CC BY-SA 4.0.