Centipede is a classic arcade game released for the TI-99 console in 1983 . The player takes on the role of a brave adventurer trapped in the Enchanted Forest, armed with only a magic wand to fend off the forest's insect denizens.
The objective is to shoot sparks at approaching insects using the magic wand to score points by pressing the controller button. Holding down the button will set the wand to rapid-fire shots. However, if the player is bitten by an insect, they will be temporarily paralyzed and lose one of their three starting magic wands.
The game features a variety of insect opponents, including the Centipede, Spider, Flea, and Scorpion. Each has its unique characteristics, such as the Centipede's ability to break into smaller segments and reassemble itself, or the Scorpion's poisonous touch that destroys mushrooms.
Mushrooms fill the Enchanted Forest and can act as obstacles or provide cover for the player. Destroying a mushroom requires four shots, and there are two types: Magic Mushrooms and Poisonous Mushrooms. The latter will prompt the Centipede to move towards the player through any mushroom.
The game offers four difficulty levels and several variations, including one-player, two-player alternating, dual player competition, and team play. Two players can take turns or compete simultaneously, with scoring separate in some cases.
Centipede is won by accumulating a total of 12,000 points, with bonuses awarded for achieving milestones. The game ends when all three starting magic wands are lost.
Centipede Head - 100 points
Centipede Body Segment - 10 points
Spider at close range - 900 points
Spider at medium range - 600 points
Restored mushroom - 5 points
Destroyed mushroom - 1 point