Over Horizon
A customizable horizontal shooter with environmental stage gimmicks.
Over Horizon is a side-scrolling shooter for the NES, released in 1991 and jointly developed by Pixel and Hot-B. Hot-B handled the Japanese release, while Takara published it in Germany. Players pilot the fighter Michael, battling the Gamma organization and their alien weapon Kassandra to save the Alpharos star system. The project began as a customizable shoot 'em up using Pixel's Dungeon Kid engine, but was later turned into a standard shooter under the direction of Steel Empire co-director Yoshinori Satake. Critics praised its colorful visuals, stage gimmicks, ship customization, sound, and gameplay, though they noted its short length, low difficulty, and resemblance to Gradius and R-Type.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Pixel, Hot-B
- Publisher
- Hot-B (JP)
- GER
- Takara
- Director
- Yoshinori Satake
- Producer
- Yoshihiro Tonomura
- Designer
- Yoshiki Miyagi
- Programmer
- Hideki Kuwamura
- Jun Saitō
- Junichi Osajima
- Composer
- Masaharu Iwata
- Platforms
- Nintendo Entertainment System
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Over Horizon is a horizontal-scrolling shooter similar to Gradius and R-Type. Players control a space fighter through six stages, each with its own environmental gimmick and boss, culminating in a confrontation with the alien creature Kassandra. The ship can shoot forward or backward using the A or B buttons. Enemies drop items that increase firepower, including three weapons that each require three letter pickups to fully power up. Satellite pods fire projectiles and block enemy fire; their positions are changed by holding A and B. The unique Edit Mode allows players to spend up to five points on weapon modifications such as exploding lasers or homing bombs, and to adjust satellite pod formations before starting. Getting hit costs a life and reduces firepower.
Reception
Critics generally liked Over Horizon. Ingo Zaborowski of Video Games appreciated its atmospheric visuals and music but found it too short and easy. Richard Löwenstein at Megablast praised the creative boss fights, varied levels, colorful graphics, and audio. Total!'s Klaus-D. Hartwig favorably compared it to Gradius and R-Type, highlighting the gameplay, graphics, sound, and lasting appeal. HonestGamers' Rob Hamilton saw it as a Gradius and R-Type clone but liked the ship customization and stage gimmicks.
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