Abadox: The Deadly Inner War (1989-)

• Developer: Natsume

• Publisher: Natsume | Milton Bradley

• Genre: Scrolling Shooter

• Producer: Takashi Nagai, Tadashi Makimura

• Composer: Kiyohiro Sada

Abadox: The Deadly Inner War was developed by Natsume and released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), with Taxan handling its publishing in North America. The game is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up set inside the body of a giant alien organism, where players pilot a spacecraft through grotesque, organic environments to save a princess trapped within. Drawing inspiration from other sci-fi shooters and the imaginative bio-organic aesthetics seen in titles like R-Type and Gradius, Abadox stood out for its unusual setting and intense action.

The gameplay of Abadox features classic side-scrolling shooting mechanics with waves of enemies, large bosses, and tight level design. Players navigate through strange and sometimes disturbing environments filled with organic structures and alien creatures. The game offers power-ups that enhance the player’s weapons and shields, requiring quick reflexes to dodge enemy fire and environmental hazards. Notably, the game incorporates both horizontal and vertical scrolling levels, adding variety and complexity to the progression.

The soundtrack of Abadox complements its eerie and alien atmosphere with moody and tension-filled compositions that reflect the hostile environment within the alien creature. Although the NES’s sound hardware limited the complexity of the score, the music effectively built a sense of urgency and unease. The sound effects were impactful, featuring distinct noises for shooting, explosions, and enemy attacks that heightened the game's intense experience.

Abadox did not have a prequel or direct sequels, and it remained a relatively niche title within the NES library. The game was promoted primarily through gaming magazines and local advertising, appealing to fans of challenging shoot 'em ups with unique themes. Upon release, it received mixed reviews; critics praised its imaginative design and challenging gameplay but sometimes noted its high difficulty and repetitive elements. Over time, Abadox has gained a cult following for its distinctive style and solid shoot 'em up mechanics.

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