Centipede
Video of the Arcadeology Channel
TECHNICAL DATASHEET
Game name: Centipede
Manufacturer: Atari
Year of development: 1981
Category: Shooter
Hardware Platform Info:
- Main CPU: P6502 @ 1512 Mhz processor
- Sound chip: Pokey @ 1512 Mhz
- Video Resolution: 256x240 pixels
Main developers: Ed Logg / Dona Bailey
GAME STORY
History of development:
Dona Bailey was one of the first few women to work in video game development in the 1980s. The game was designed with a theme and aesthetic that tried to appeal to female audiences, and they succeeded.
General description of the game:
In this game we will direct our character, who according to the arts and history of game seems to be some kind of elf, although it is difficult to guess by the associated sprite.
We have a trackball and fire button to move around the bottom of screen. Our goal is to end the centipede that guards each screen. We must shoot him in a field full of fungi and with other enemies such as spiders, fleas or scorpions. Every time we shoot the centipede, it doubles, creating another specimen. We must continue shooting until we finish him completely and go to the next level. Scores can vary, depending on factors such as how far enemies are killed or where we hit enemies.
Curiosities:
This game is born based on the Japanese legend in which, the warrior Hidesato by order of the Dragon King, manages to finish with an arrow in head with a gigantic monster in the form of a centipede that ate people and terrified the population. The king, as a sign of gratitude, ended up giving the warrior an infinite bag of rice with which he fed his family for centuries. Gaming company MB also developed its own board game version.
HISTORY OF MACHINE IN ARCADE VINTAGE
Status: OPERATIONAL
Information about the location and purchase by Arcade Vintage:
It was one of the first machines purchased for Vintage Arcade room, by José Mª Litarte, in 2013. Purchased from his friend Kevin Pitt in Brighton, England, being a very special machine for him since it was the first he got thanks to his friend Dominic.
José Mª Litarte has a verbal agreement with Kevin by which, if he ever has to sell it, he will have the first purchase option, thus returning it to its former owner.
Information about the restoration process or repairs carried out:
The machine was operational, although Rafael Alonso had to carry out some repairs, such as a small defect in the power supply and carry out a review of board and connectors.
Pending repairs or restorations:
The cabinet has a part of the base damaged by moisture that should be restored, along with the t-molding.