Hi everyone,
Yesterday, I decided to give one my all-time favourite shoot’em ups a go again. It’s actually not an Amiga game (surprise, surprise! 
), but one that was made for PC’s running DOS. The game is called Tyrian 2000 and it is awesome. 
Thanks to the great guys at Good Old Games (GOG), I got the game for free when I signed up at their site many months ago. The beauty of the GOG-system is that you just download an installer, run it and everything is configured for you. No need to fiddle with settings in DOSBox!
Tyrian 2000 (screenshot by Old School Game Blog)
Tyrian was first released back in 1995 by Epic MegaGames. Tyrian 2000 is an updated version of the original, which became available in 1999. Since 2004 the game has been freeware.
The game is basically a fast-paced vertical scrolling shoot’em up. You’re in control of a spaceship and you’ll have to use all your skills to survive the chaos of bullets and enemies.
What’s the plot of the game? I found a great description on Wikipedia about it:
The game is set in the year 20,031. Players play as a skilled terraforming pilot named Trent Hawkins, who is employed to scout out habitable locations on newly terraformed planets. His latest assignment is the planet Tyrian, which is located near the territory of the Hazudra, who are a lizard-like race.
One day, Buce Quesillac, a Hazudra and Trent’s best friend, is shot in the back by a hoverdrone which quickly disappears into the sky. As Buce lay dying, he tells Trent that it was all the work of Microsol, the giant corporation who controlled the terraformation of Tyrian. They had Buce shot for his knowledge of Gravitium, which is a special mineral, unique to Tyrian, able to control the force of gravity.
Microsol want to use Gravitium to power their warships, which could result in them becoming nearly unstoppable. They also attempt to eliminate anyone who knows of its existence. Trent is the next person on their hit list, and with his last words, Buce implores him to try to reach Savara, a free world. Trent manages to secure a small fighter, and departs for Savara.
I think it’s cool that the game has an elaborated story behind it. Not all shoot’em ups have that!
It’s time for upgrades! (screenshot by Old School Game Blog)
Your ship can be improved by purchasing upgrades. You’ll find gems and coins throughout the game that you can pick and later spend in the shop. There are several kinds of upgrades available, for example better weapons, shields or engines.
You’ll also find objects containing interesting information concerning the Tyrian universe. Mini-games are also included, but I won’t spoil your fun by mentioning any of those here.
The game is on! (screenshot by Old School Game Blog)
What I like about this game is the wide range of options when it comes to improving your ship, the fast-paced action that twists your brain and leaves you exhausted after completing one of the more difficult levels, the mini-games, the music, the large bosses.. I could go on, but I guess you’ve gotten the point by now. There’s so much that makes this an awesome shoot’em up.
Attacking! (screenshot by Old School Game Blog)
This has been a quick peek at Tyrian 2000. I might do a proper review of it some time in the future. Right now I just wanted to share my excitement for this game. If you’re into shoot’em ups and haven’t tried it, then please consider downloading it. It’s well worth it, I can assure you. Did I mention it is free to download?
Anyone else out there playing or having played Tyrian 2000? Would love to hear what you think about this game.
Thanks for reading and have a good evening!
Downloads
Tyrian 2000 at GOG
Tyrian 2000 at Abandonia
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