Silkworm (video game)

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This article is about the video game Silk Worm. For the silk producing caterpillar, see Bombyx mori.

Silkworm
Silkworm on the Amiga
Developer(s)	Tecmo
Publisher(s)	Tecmo
Platform(s)	Arcade, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, NES, ZX Spectrum
Release date	1988
Genre(s)	Horizontal scrolling shooter
Mode(s)	Single player, 2 player
Media	Cartridge, Cassette, Floppy disk
Input methods	Keyboard, Joystick

Silkworm is a classic side scrolling shooter devloped by Tecmo first released for arcade in 1988. In 1989 it was ported to the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and NES (1990) systems by The Sales Curve and released by Virgin Mastertronic.

[edit] Gameplay

Silk Worm had interesting graphics and relatively fast-paced gameplay. The player can take control of a Jeep mounted with a machine gun or a Helicopter mounted with guns and a cannon, two players can work simultaneously and cooperatively against enemies, with one playing as the Jeep and one as the Helicopter.

It was easier to play with the Helicopter than with the Jeep, the game offers more fun with the Jeep but the player needs to destroy everything coming in front on terrain or be prepared to jump in order to avoid collisions.

The players collect shields, power cells and an additional bonus on a specified score achieved. The game gets harder on every level completion. The game employed some destructible environmental elements, such as buildings and ancient ruins. Silkworm featured memorable background music theme and beautiful sound effects.

An interesting element of the game was the ability to rescue your comrades and carry them in the Jeep with you. When your vehicle took a hit, the rescued hostages would be ejected from the vehicle and scatter, requiring you to drive around and gather them back up.