Top Gun is a 1986 combat flight simulation game based on the film of the same name. It was developed and published by British company Ocean Software and was released on the ZX Spectrum in December 1986. In 1989, it was published by The Hit Squad as a budget re-release for ZX Spectrum.
Top Gun Spectrum Cassette Game Gameplay
Top Gun is a combat flight simulation game. The game is viewed with two vertical split screens, one for the player’s fighter plane and one for an enemy plane. Both screens are viewed from within the cockpit. On each level, the player faces off against three enemy planes, one at a time. The player advances to the next level after defeating the three planes. The player can use a machine gun and missiles against enemies, who become more difficult to defeat as the game progresses. The machine gun is prone to overheating if used continually, and missiles must be locked onto a target for three seconds before they can be launched. Enemy planes also have missiles, and a single missile is fatal to both the player and the enemy plane. The player can drop a flare to distract an incoming enemy missile. An instrument panel gives the player information such as altitude, speed, and machine gun temperature.
In 1989, it was published by The Hit Squad as a budget re-release for ZX Spectrum. Top Gun includes a two-player mode in which both players receive three planes. Both players start with a plane each and use it in combat against the other player. If a plane is destroyed, the player uses another one. A player loses the game if all three planes are destroyed by the other player.
Game Reviews
Reviewers for Crash were surprised by how good the game was, and they offered particular praise for the two-player mode. Paul Boughton of Computer and Video Games described the game as a “neat combination of flight simulation mixed with sky-high duelling”. Mike Roberts of Computer Gamer stated that Top Gun and Ace were the best flight games he had ever played up to that point. John Gilbert of Sinclair User stated that the game lacked depth and action and said that the game is not a simulation or arcade.
Buying Retro Cassette Tape Games
While we’ve experienced minimal to no difficulties loading both sides of this Spectrum Cassette game. It’s important to understand that results may vary on your equipment. Therefore, please keep in mind that these are sold primarily for decorative purposes, and any loading challenges you encounter will be your responsibility.
Top Gun Spectrum 48/128K/+2/+3 Cassette Game Ocean Software
Top Gun original cassette
Original inlay instructions
Original cassette case
What’s it like today?
Rarity: Fairly Common
Typical value: £2.99
Boxed & Mint: £3.00-£15.95
Fun Factor: 
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