Centipede (USA)

What is Centipede (USA)?

Centipede (USA) is a classic arcade-style action game originally developed for the Atari 7800 platform. Players control a small shooter at the bottom of the screen, tasked with destroying a descending centipede and other hazardous creatures while avoiding collisions. The game emphasizes fast reflexes, strategic shooting, and survival across increasingly challenging waves.

Game Features

• Vertical scrolling shooter gameplay with dynamic enemy movement
• Centipede segments that break apart and regenerate, creating evolving threats
• Diverse enemies, including spiders, fleas, and scorpions, each with unique behaviors
• Mushroom-based terrain that players can destroy or use for cover
• Progressive difficulty and high-score tracking for competitive play

How to Play Centipede (USA)?

1. Use arrow keys or WASD to move the shooter horizontally across the bottom of the screen.
2. Press Z (A button) to fire projectiles upward; hold the key to maintain continuous fire.
3. Destroy all segments of the centipede by shooting them, but avoid collisions with enemies or mushrooms.
4. Clear the screen of all threats to advance to the next wave, where enemies move faster and new hazards appear.
5. Utilize X (B button) for secondary actions if applicable (e.g., power-ups in modified versions).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Centipede (USA)?
The goal is to survive as long as possible by destroying the centipede and other enemies while avoiding collisions. Higher scores are achieved by clearing waves and targeting bonus enemies.

How do I control the shooter?
Movement is horizontal only, controlled via arrow keys or WASD. Shooting is activated with Z (A button), and continuous fire is maintained by holding the key.

Why does the centipede split into smaller segments?
When shot, the centipede splits into two smaller segments that move independently. This increases difficulty as shorter segments move faster and are harder to target.