Game Info
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Developer: Data East
Publisher: Data East
Year of Release: 1989

Game Review & Impressions
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Possessing perhaps one of the longest titles in coin-op history, Act-Fancer is a curious shoot'em up which feels something of a mash-up between Contra and Altered Beast, thanks to the game's use of power-ups which buffs AND alters the physical form of the protagonist.

Defeated enemies will release one of two kinds of coloured orbs upon death. Blue orbs boost your abilities and weapon power, whilst red orbs extend the time remaining in the cyborg's current form. Just like Turbo Force, Act-Fancer also features a "power-down" system, reducing weapons effectiveness after a period of time or, as is more often the case, you take damage.

The game is pretty tough, even without the inconvenience of losing power at the most inopportune times. Not only are you under constant bombardment most of the time, but the power orbs you so desperately need bounce diagonally, ricocheting from ceiling and floor, often making collecting them a risky endeavour.

While I think the aesthetics are pretty cool (another game that rips off H.R. Geiger's xenomorph designs), Act-Fancer rarely cuts the player any slack and ends up being quite frustrating; it's a game worth checking out, but be prepared for a struggle.

Chapters
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TBC

#longplay #retrogaming #arcade

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