MENACE

MENACE is a retro side-scrolling shoot ’em up developed by DMA Design, the studio that would later become Rockstar North. Originally released on home computers in the late 1980s, the game puts you in the cockpit of a heavily armed starfighter tasked with blasting through a series of hostile alien worlds. Tight, arcade-style controls combine with unforgiving enemy patterns, environmental hazards, and wave after wave of projectiles, demanding sharp reflexes and careful maneuvering as you upgrade your ship and battle massive biomechanical bosses. Known for its colorful pixel art, smooth scrolling, and memorable soundtrack, MENACE stands out as an early showcase of DMA Design’s technical prowess on systems like the Amiga and Atari ST. The game captures the pure, high-score-chasing spirit of classic arcade shooters: each stage ramps up the intensity, rewarding players who learn enemy layouts, manage power-ups effectively, and master every inch of the screen. For fans of old-school shmups and retro computer gaming history, MENACE offers a fast, focused blast of late-’80s arcade action.