Space Harrier  (US version)
Platform: Commodore 64
Region: US
Controller: Joystick
Genre: Shoot 'em Up, 3D
Gametype: Undefined
Release Year: 1987
Players: 1
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US version. Graphical Differences.

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Run… fly… dodge those obstacles, but return fire on wave after wave of attacking aliens. Armed with a really big gun, you have to defend yourself against the alien hordes using your wits to navigate around the screen. But watch out for those end of level bosses!

Originating in the arcades, Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter with pseudo-3D graphics, set in the same world as Fantasy Zone. The lone titular hero fights aliens with a fireball-launching cannon, which can also be used to transform the hero into a flying rocket. The protagonist is constantly in motion, but the speed of his movement can be regulated by the player.

Alternate Titles
"Sega Ages: Space Harrier" -- Japanese Saturn title

Trivia

Space Harrier originally mentioned that it took place in the Fantasy Zone just as the game of the same name, (remember the "Welcome to the Fantasy Zone! Get Ready!" intro?) and many have claimed that the games take place in the same universe considering the similarity in graphic design. While SEGA never made any official statement they did try to capitalize on the similarities with Space Fantasy Zone. An unreleased Fantasy Zone sequel for the PC Engine CD was developed that used the pseudo 3D gameplay of the Space Harrier series but used Opa-Opa and his gang of cute characters and levels.

It is unsure why the game never got released, but several beta copies have been leaked and you can easily find them around the net and run them with an emulator.

First Sega game to come out that used "Super Scaler" technology.

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Description from the packaging:

The most fantastic space battle ever! Get ready.
Incredible creatures. Sensational scenery. Super-intense action.
It's all part of the home computer version of one of the most popular games ever to hit the arcades.
Blast invading aliens off the face of an endangered planet. And zoom through stage after stage of treacherous terrain. Until peace is restored to the Land of Dragons.
You better hold tight to your laser blaster. Because this game is 100% action. And there's no turning back.

Part human, part rock, and all evil. These guys are tough to beat.
Look out! This thing's so dangerous it splits in three.
It'll take over a dozen blasts to slay slithering serpents like these!
Sure, these guys look small. But they attack you in a big way.


http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/space-harrier
