Introduction
Released in 1981 by SNK and distributed in North America by Centuri, Vanguard was an early multidirectional scrolling shooter that stood out for its ambitious stage design, unique weapon system, and thumping sci-fi soundtrack. Combining side-scrolling, vertical-scrolling, and forced forward motion, Vanguard offered players a varied and challenging shooting experience across alien caverns and tunnels.
Development and History
- Developer: SNK
- Publisher: Centuri (North America)
- Release Date: 1981
Vanguard was part of SNK’s early effort to break into the competitive shooter genre while differentiating from single-direction titles like Defender or Scramble. With its combination of smooth multidirectional scrolling and voice synthesis for in-game prompts, Vanguard demonstrated technical ambition.
The game was among the first to use a four-directional firing system via buttons rather than aiming tied to movement, laying groundwork for later multidirectional shooters.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
Players guide a spaceship through enemy-infested tunnels, collecting power-ups and surviving wave after wave of alien attacks.
- Four Firing Buttons: Fire independently in up, down, left, or right directions.
- Scrolling Zones: Each level consists of multiple segments, scrolling horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.
- Energy Pod Power-Up: Grants temporary invincibility, encouraging aggressive play.
- Checkpoint Progression: Levels progress in segments (e.g., Rainbow Zone, Styx Zone), culminating in boss fights.
Challenges
- Navigating Tight Spaces: Players must control their ship carefully through narrow tunnels.
- Enemy Variety: Multiple enemy types with differing attack patterns appear across zones.
- Resource Management: Players must use their temporary invincibility wisely to maximize damage output and survival.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Vanguard was a commercial success and a technical milestone in early arcade shooter design:
- Voice Synthesis: One of the earliest arcade games to use synthesized speech (“Be careful!” “Energy!”).
- Multidirectional Gameplay: Preceded and influenced twin-stick shooters like Robotron: 2084.
- Ports and Clones: Official ports appeared on Atari 2600 and Atari 5200, helping grow its fanbase.
- SNK’s Growth: The game helped establish SNK’s arcade reputation before later successes like Ikari Warriors and Metal Slug.
Fun Facts
- Licensed by Centuri: SNK partnered with U.S. distributor Centuri, a common practice in the early arcade market.
- Zone Names: Each level is named after mythological or space-themed references (e.g., “Rainbow Zone,” “Gond Zone”).
- Two Joystick Prototypes: Early concepts involved two joysticks for firing and movement but were dropped for simpler button inputs.
- Musical Score: The game uses music based on Jerry Goldsmith’s theme from Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Conclusion
Vanguard pushed the boundaries of arcade shooter design with its four-way firing, multidirectional scrolling, and immersive soundtrack. Though later overshadowed by flashier titles, it remains a formative influence in the genre and a gem of early '80s arcade experimentation.