Satan's Hollow
Satan's Hollow is a shoot 'em up arcade game released by Bally Midway in 1982. The gameplay is similar to Galaga from Namco: the player must destroy the flying formations of gargoyles in order to pick up pieces of a bridge that must be built over a river of lava. As the game progresses, the gargoyles begin to throw exploding eggs, along with rocks that can destroy bridge sections; the player also occasionally faces disembodied devil heads that float around the screen and spit fire. In addition to firing rockets at the enemies, the player can use a shield that will destroy any enemy touching it. However, this shield can only be used for a short time before it must shut down to recharge. Gargoyles will sometimes attempt to steal a ship from the player's reserve lives, similar to Galaga. Once the bridge is completed, the player can immediately cross it to face Satan. Destroying him scores bonus points based on the number of waves completed to that point, and also upgrades the rocket launcher. The player then resumes the battle against the gargoyles and must start building a new, longer bridge in order to fight Satan again. The sky darkens on later waves, making it more difficult to see the enemies. It was created by Bill Adams who also was the lead programmer of Tron. Released 1982 Also For Browser, Commodore 64 Developed by Bally Midway Mfg Co. Published by Bally Midway Mfg Co. Gameplay Arcade, Shooter Perspective Side view Setting Fantasy Genre Action Visual Fixed / flip-screen Description Satan's Hollow is a fixed screen shoot 'em up that instead of the typical space setting of the genre involves fighting the devil and his minions. The gameplay is similar to Galaga or Moon Cresta with the enemies (most commonly gargoyles) moving around in specific patterns, often diving towards the player. The player moves left and right and uses his gun to destroy the enemies. A shield is also available and can be activated for a short moment's protection. The shield's power is limited and when used up the player has to wait for it to recharge. On the right side of the screen is a river of lava and it's the player's task to build a bridge over it. A piece of bridge appear on the left side when an enemy is killed and the player has to pick it up and transport it to the lava on the right. Once the bridge is completed the player can move over it and onto another screen where Satan will appear. Satan moves around at a quick pace while throwing pitchforks towards the player. When Satan is defeated the player's gun gets upgraded with greater fire power and he moves on to the next level with tougher enemies and a larger lava river to over bridge. The enemies attack in waves that alternate between the common gargoyles that move around in formations and the lone devil heads that breaths fire at the player. For each wave cleared the player gets a bonus flag which is worth 1000 extra points and these bonuses are then collected when the player manages to defeat Satan. In addition to the regular gargoyles there are also bridge bombers that can destroy parts of the bridge if it's hit by a stone and egg throwers that throw explosive eggs whose blast radius the player has to stay out of. Sometimes gargoyles attempt to steal one of the player's guns (lives) and they then have to be shot down before they reach the top. From Mobygames.com. Original Entry
