🐛 Centipede
The classic 1981 Atari arcade shooter - Defend against the descending centipede!
🎮 How to Play
- Arrow Keys / WASD: Move your shooter
- Space / Click: Fire bullets
- Goal: Destroy the centipede before it reaches you
- Mushrooms: Block movement, shoot to destroy
- Tip: When you hit a centipede segment, it splits into two!
About Centipede
Centipede is a legendary arcade game released by Atari in 1981. Designed by Dona Bailey and Ed Logg, it became one of the most successful arcade games of the golden age. The game was notable for attracting a significant female player base, partly due to its pastel color scheme and non-violent theme compared to other shooters of the era.
Gameplay Mechanics
Players control a small shooter at the bottom of the screen, defending against a centipede that winds its way down through a field of mushrooms. When hit, the centipede splits into multiple segments, each becoming an independent threat. The game also features spiders, scorpions, and fleas that add to the challenge.
Historical Significance
Centipede was one of the first arcade games to have a significant female player demographic. Dona Bailey was one of the few female game designers in the industry at the time, and her influence helped create a game that appealed to a broader audience. The game has been ported to numerous platforms and remains a beloved classic.
Game Mechanics
Understanding Centipede's mechanics is key to achieving high scores:
- Centipede Movement: The centipede moves horizontally until it hits a mushroom or screen edge, then drops down one row and reverses direction
- Segment Splitting: Shooting any segment creates a mushroom and splits the centipede into two independent creatures
- Mushroom Field: Mushrooms slow the centipede but also create obstacles for your shots
- Player Zone: You can only move in the bottom portion of the screen
Scoring System
- Centipede Head: 100 points
- Centipede Body Segment: 10 points
- Spider: 300-900 points (depends on distance when shot)
- Flea: 200 points
- Scorpion: 1000 points
- Mushroom: 1 point (5 points if poisoned)
Tips for High Scores
- Target the head: Destroying the centipede head gives 100 points vs 10 for body segments
- Create shooting lanes: Clear mushrooms strategically to have clear shots at the centipede
- Spider hunting: Spiders are worth up to 900 points when shot at close range - risky but rewarding
- Stay mobile: Don't get cornered by mushrooms or trapped by the spider
- Prioritize threats: Focus on enemies closest to your position first
- Watch for scorpions: They poison mushrooms, making the centipede drop faster - shoot them quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was Centipede released?
Centipede was released in 1981 by Atari, Inc. It was designed by Dona Bailey and Ed Logg.
How do you beat Centipede?
Centipede is an endless game - the goal is to achieve the highest score possible. Each level increases in difficulty with faster enemies and more obstacles.
What happens when you shoot the centipede?
When you shoot a centipede segment, it turns into a mushroom and the centipede splits into two independent creatures, each continuing to descend toward you.