Space Harrier
Encyclopedia
is a third-person
rail shooter game, released by Sega
in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki
, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D
(1988), Space Harrier II
(1988), and the spin-off Planet Harriers
(2001).
Space Harrier was originally made for the arcade
s, and later saw ports
to many home game systems. Space Harrier' s release on the Sega Master System
is notable, as there were two versions: one was just like the arcade, while the other, entitled Space Harrier 3-D
was actually a sequel.
It was the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics
and Sega's "Super Scaler" technology that allowed pseudo-3D
sprite-scaling at high frame rate
s, with the ability to scale as many as 32,000 sprites
and fill a moving landscape with them, along with over 32,000 colours displayed simultaneously on the screen. It also introduced a true analog
flight stick
for movement, with the ability to register movement in any direction as well as measure the degree of push, which could move the player character
at different speeds depending on how far the stick is pushed in a certain direction. The game was also an early example of a third-person shooter
; it was influenced by the earlier 1982 Sega game Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom, and Space Harrier in turn influenced later 3D shooters such as Nintendo
's Star Fox
in 1993.
", a surreal
world composed of bright colors and a checkerboard-styled ground. The enemies are also unique, featuring prehistoric animals, Chinese dragon
s, and alien pods. The player is forced along the level
s, running or flying around enemy fire, while shooting back with fireballs via the character's under-arm cannon (which doubles as a rocket-esque device allowing the character to fly). The character graphics
are sprite
-based, though the level backgrounds are pseudo-3D.
The arcade version of Space Harrier used digitized voices. When starting the first level, for example, you would be greeted with "Welcome to the fantasy zone!; Get ready!". After defeating a boss, the player is assured that "You're doing great!"
Like After Burner
, Space Harrier was among the first (perhaps the very first) arcade game to feature a console in which the player sits, and which moves according to the joystick movement. There is also a non-moving sit-down version and a standard upright version.
The arcade version has a total of 18 levels, each containing a boss at the end. Three exceptions are the bonus levels (5th and 12th), and the 18th level, which is a boss rush containing some of the bosses encountered up to that point.
The 3-D Battles of World Runner
by Square bears a slight resemblance to the game. Even more similar is Pony Canyon
's parody
, Animal Attack Academy in which a Japanese schoolgirl fights Australian animals in nearly identical gameplay.
systems and consoles. Among these, the ports for the Sega 32X
, the Sega Saturn
and the Sharp X68000
(the latter being a Japan-only) are considered to be the most faithful to the original arcade version.
The game is also playable on the Dreamcast (within Shenmue
, Shenmue II
and Yu Suzuki Game Works Vol. 1) and Xbox
(within Shenmue II
). It is included in Sega Arcade Gallery for the Game Boy Advance
and the Sega Classics Collection
(a compilation DVD including other games from the same era that were remade for modern audiences) for the PlayStation 2
.
Space Harrier II
for the Sega Genesis was released for Nintendo
's Virtual Console
on December 18, 2006 while the first Space Harrier for the Sega Master System was released in Europe on October 17, 2008 and in North America on November 3, 2008. The arcade version was released on the Virtual Console in Japan on March 26, 2009, in the PAL regions on May 29, 2009 and in North America on June 15, 2009.
The arcade version of Space Harrier is available as an unlockable game in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
, released for the Xbox 360
and PlayStation 3
consoles. While the port's emulation is accurate to the arcade original, there are off-pitch voices and music in the port's sound emulation.
Notable ports
Third-person shooter
Third-person shooter is a genre of 3D action games in which the player character is visible on-screen, and the gameplay consists primarily of shooting.-Definition:...
rail shooter game, released by Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki
Yu Suzuki
is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,...
, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D
Space Harrier 3-D
Space Harrier 3-D is a video game developed by Sega in 1988 for the Sega Master System. It is a sequel to the original Space Harrier.-Plot:...
(1988), Space Harrier II
Space Harrier II
is the sequel to Space Harrier. It was one of the original launch titles released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan and the United States and later released on the Virtual Console...
(1988), and the spin-off Planet Harriers
Planet Harriers
Planet Harriers is a 3D shooting video arcade game published by Sega and part of the Space Harrier series. It uses a twin cabinet, which allows for two players to play simultaneous single-player games, or a networked two-player game. The cabinet has a seated configuration...
(2001).
Space Harrier was originally made for the arcade
Video arcade
An amusement arcade or video arcade is a venue where people play arcade games such as video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, merchandisers , or coin-operated billiards or air hockey tables...
s, and later saw ports
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to many home game systems. Space Harrier
Sega Master System
The is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
is notable, as there were two versions: one was just like the arcade, while the other, entitled Space Harrier 3-D
Space Harrier 3-D
Space Harrier 3-D is a video game developed by Sega in 1988 for the Sega Master System. It is a sequel to the original Space Harrier.-Plot:...
was actually a sequel.
It was the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics
History of video game consoles (fourth generation)
In the history of computer and video games, the fourth generation began on October 30, 1987 with the Japanese release of Nippon Electric Company's PC Engine...
and Sega's "Super Scaler" technology that allowed pseudo-3D
2.5D
2.5D , 3/4 perspective and pseudo-3D are terms used to describe either:* 2D graphical projections and techniques which cause a series of images or scenes to fake or appear to be three-dimensional when in fact they are not, or* gameplay in an otherwise three-dimensional video game that is...
sprite-scaling at high frame rate
Frame rate
Frame rate is the frequency at which an imaging device produces unique consecutive images called frames. The term applies equally well to computer graphics, video cameras, film cameras, and motion capture systems...
s, with the ability to scale as many as 32,000 sprites
Sprite (computer graphics)
In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene...
and fill a moving landscape with them, along with over 32,000 colours displayed simultaneously on the screen. It also introduced a true analog
Analog stick
An analog stick, sometimes called a control stick or thumbstick, is an input device for a controller that is used for two-dimensional input. An analog stick is a variation of a joystick, consisting of a protrusion from the controller; input is based on the position of this protrusion in relation...
flight stick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
for movement, with the ability to register movement in any direction as well as measure the degree of push, which could move the player character
Player character
A player character or playable character is a character in a video game or role playing game who is controlled or controllable by a player, and is typically a protagonist of the story told in the course of the game. A player character is a persona of the player who controls it. Player characters...
at different speeds depending on how far the stick is pushed in a certain direction. The game was also an early example of a third-person shooter
Third-person shooter
Third-person shooter is a genre of 3D action games in which the player character is visible on-screen, and the gameplay consists primarily of shooting.-Definition:...
; it was influenced by the earlier 1982 Sega game Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom, and Space Harrier in turn influenced later 3D shooters such as Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
's Star Fox
Star Fox (video game)
, released as Starwing in Europe and Australia due to a game of the same name and subsequent trademark issues in those regions, is the first game in the Star Fox series of video games. It was released in the spring of 1993 for the SFC/SNES...
in 1993.
Gameplay
Space Harrier is set in the "Fantasy ZoneFantasy Zone
thumb|Fantasy Zone arcade PCB is a surreal arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was later ported to a wide variety of consoles, including the Sega Master System. The player controls a sentient spaceship named Opa-Opa who fights nonsensical invader enemies in the titular group of planets, full...
", a surreal
Surrealism
Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members....
world composed of bright colors and a checkerboard-styled ground. The enemies are also unique, featuring prehistoric animals, Chinese dragon
Chinese dragon
Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore, with mythic counterparts among Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Western and Turkic dragons. In Chinese art, dragons are typically portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs...
s, and alien pods. The player is forced along the level
Level (computer and video games)
A level, map, area, or world in a video game is the total space available to the player during the course of completing a discrete objective...
s, running or flying around enemy fire, while shooting back with fireballs via the character's under-arm cannon (which doubles as a rocket-esque device allowing the character to fly). The character graphics
Computer graphics
Computer graphics are graphics created using computers and, more generally, the representation and manipulation of image data by a computer with help from specialized software and hardware....
are sprite
Sprite (computer graphics)
In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene...
-based, though the level backgrounds are pseudo-3D.
The arcade version of Space Harrier used digitized voices. When starting the first level, for example, you would be greeted with "Welcome to the fantasy zone!; Get ready!". After defeating a boss, the player is assured that "You're doing great!"
Like After Burner
After Burner
is a 1987 Japanese flight simulator arcade game by Sega. It is one of the first games designed by Yu Suzuki. The player flew an F-14 using a specialized joystick , and the game spawned several sequels.-Gameplay:...
, Space Harrier was among the first (perhaps the very first) arcade game to feature a console in which the player sits, and which moves according to the joystick movement. There is also a non-moving sit-down version and a standard upright version.
The arcade version has a total of 18 levels, each containing a boss at the end. Three exceptions are the bonus levels (5th and 12th), and the 18th level, which is a boss rush containing some of the bosses encountered up to that point.
The 3-D Battles of World Runner
3-D WorldRunner
is a third-person rail shooter platform video game developed by Square in . In Japan, the game was released on the Famicom Disk System as Tobidase Daisakusen, and was published by DOG, a now-defunct label of Square...
by Square bears a slight resemblance to the game. Even more similar is Pony Canyon
Pony Canyon
is a Japanese company, established on October 1, 1966 , which publishes music, DVD and VHS videos, movies and video games. It is a subsidiary of Japanese Media Group, Fujisankei Communications Group.-History:...
's parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
, Animal Attack Academy in which a Japanese schoolgirl fights Australian animals in nearly identical gameplay.
Ports
The game was translated to various home computerHome computer
Home computers were a class of microcomputers entering the market in 1977, and becoming increasingly common during the 1980s. They were marketed to consumers as affordable and accessible computers that, for the first time, were intended for the use of a single nontechnical user...
systems and consoles. Among these, the ports for the Sega 32X
Sega 32X
The Sega 32X, codenamed Project Mars, is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis video game console by Sega. Its aim was to increase the lifespan of the aging Mega Drive/Genesis system, which was facing stiff competition from the SNES...
, the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
and the Sharp X68000
Sharp X68000
The Sharp X68000, often referred to as the X68k, is a home computer released only in Japan by the Sharp Corporation. The first model was released in 1987, with a 10 MHz Motorola 68000 CPU, 1 MB of RAM and no hard drive; the last model was released in 1993 with a 25 MHz Motorola 68030...
(the latter being a Japan-only) are considered to be the most faithful to the original arcade version.
The game is also playable on the Dreamcast (within Shenmue
Shenmue
is a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player...
, Shenmue II
Shenmue II
is a adventure game for the Dreamcast and Xbox. It is the sequel to Shenmue, and was produced and directed by Yu Suzuki of Sega AM2.Due to exclusivity rights obtained by Microsoft, the North American Dreamcast version was cancelled. Because of this, no English dub was recorded for the Dreamcast...
and Yu Suzuki Game Works Vol. 1) and Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
(within Shenmue II
Shenmue II
is a adventure game for the Dreamcast and Xbox. It is the sequel to Shenmue, and was produced and directed by Yu Suzuki of Sega AM2.Due to exclusivity rights obtained by Microsoft, the North American Dreamcast version was cancelled. Because of this, no English dub was recorded for the Dreamcast...
). It is included in Sega Arcade Gallery for the Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
and the Sega Classics Collection
Sega Classics Collection
Sega Classics Collection is a PlayStation 2 compilation that contains new 3D versions of classic Sega titles. The original games were released separately as part of the Sega Ages games in Japan. This game is not to be confused with the similarly titled Sega Genesis Collection, which contains 28...
(a compilation DVD including other games from the same era that were remade for modern audiences) for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
.
Space Harrier II
Space Harrier II
is the sequel to Space Harrier. It was one of the original launch titles released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan and the United States and later released on the Virtual Console...
for the Sega Genesis was released for Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
's Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
on December 18, 2006 while the first Space Harrier for the Sega Master System was released in Europe on October 17, 2008 and in North America on November 3, 2008. The arcade version was released on the Virtual Console in Japan on March 26, 2009, in the PAL regions on May 29, 2009 and in North America on June 15, 2009.
The arcade version of Space Harrier is available as an unlockable game in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, known as the Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection in PAL regions, is a compilation of video games developed by Backbone Entertainment for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles...
, released for the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
consoles. While the port's emulation is accurate to the arcade original, there are off-pitch voices and music in the port's sound emulation.
Notable ports
- Space Harrier Complete Collection. This collection offers the arcade version of Space Harrier, Space Harrier II, the Sega Master System version of Space Harrier and Space Harrier 3D. Also included as an easter eggEaster eggEaster eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime.The oldest tradition is to use dyed or painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans...
was the Game Gear version of the game. It was released for the PlayStation 2 as the 20th volume of Sega AgesSega AgesSega Ages refers to a number of compilations or re-releases of classic video games from developer and publisher Sega.-Saturn version:Sega-AM2 released several Sega Ages games for the Sega Saturn in Japan:...
.
Complete series
- Space Harrier - SEGA Master SystemSega Master SystemThe is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe....
, SEGA Game GearSega Game GearThe was Sega's first handheld game console. It was the third commercially available color handheld console, after the Atari Lynx and the TurboExpress....
, SEGA 32XSega 32XThe Sega 32X, codenamed Project Mars, is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis video game console by Sega. Its aim was to increase the lifespan of the aging Mega Drive/Genesis system, which was facing stiff competition from the SNES...
, SEGA SaturnSega SaturnThe is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
, SEGA DreamcastSega DreamcastThe is a 128-bit video game console which was released by Sega in late 1998 in Japan and from September 1999 in other territories. It was the first entry in the sixth generation of video game consoles, preceding Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and the Nintendo GameCube.Dreamcast sales were...
, various other non-SEGA systems - Space Harrier 3-DSpace Harrier 3-DSpace Harrier 3-D is a video game developed by Sega in 1988 for the Sega Master System. It is a sequel to the original Space Harrier.-Plot:...
- Sega Master SystemSega Master SystemThe is a third-generation video game console that was manufactured and released by Sega in 1985 in Japan , 1986 in North America and 1987 in Europe.... - Space Harrier IISpace Harrier IIis the sequel to Space Harrier. It was one of the original launch titles released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan and the United States and later released on the Virtual Console...
- Sega Mega Drive/GenesisSega Mega DriveThe Sega Genesis is a fourth-generation video game console developed and produced by Sega. It was originally released in Japan in 1988 as , then in North America in 1989 as Sega Genesis, and in Europe, Australia and other PAL regions in 1990 as Mega Drive. The reason for the two names is that...
, Virtual ConsoleVirtual consoleA virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between... - Space Harrier Sega Ages Edition - PlayStation 2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
- Planet HarriersPlanet HarriersPlanet Harriers is a 3D shooting video arcade game published by Sega and part of the Space Harrier series. It uses a twin cabinet, which allows for two players to play simultaneous single-player games, or a networked two-player game. The cabinet has a seated configuration...
- ArcadeArcade gameAn arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers... - Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 20: Space Harrier Complete Collection - PlayStation 2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
- Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) Ultimate Collection http://www.sega.com/games/sonics-ultimate-genesis-collection/ - PlayStation 3PlayStation 3The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
- Unlockable version of the Arcade version of Space Harrier
External links
- Space Harrier page at arcade-history
- Arcade hardware
- Sega-16's retrospective on the series
- The Space Harrier Absymbel - dead fan site viewable through archive.org
- IGN Space Harrier Retrospective
- The Space Harrier Page