Tubular Worlds

Tubular Worlds is a side-scrolling horizontal shooter developed by Creative Game Design and published by Dongleware, released in 1994 as shareware. It was released for PC and Amiga models with AGA chipset.

The plot invites players to take on the role of a senior cadet at an elite fighter pilot school. The final exam? A daring flight through four virtual cyber worlds, each guarded by formidable Warlords. The mission is clear: navigate through these treacherous environments and emerge victorious against the powerful adversaries awaiting at the end of each combat segment1.

Tubular Worlds is a classic side-scrolling shoot 'em-up that combines action and strategy. It is divided into four distinct worlds, each consisting of four stages. You must navigate through these stages, battling a variety of enemies and avoiding obstacles.

One of the key features is its arsenal of weapons and power-ups. You can collect different weapon upgrades that change the ship’s firepower. These upgrades include lasers, spread shots, and more powerful projectiles. Additionally, you can acquire shields and speed boosts to have more chances to survive the challenging levels. The arsenal of weapons available is not only diverse but also customizable, this adds a strategic layer to the game, as you can tailor your firepower as you think it's better.

When you have become good enough, don't worry; the game caters to players of all skill levels and offers three difficulty settings.

So far, nothing really unique, but I haven't mentioned the best thing yet: Tubular Worlds provides a two-player mode where friends can team up to take on the game’s challenges together. There are not so many shooters where you can play in co-op and Tubular Worlds is one of them. How cool is that?

In terms of visuals, Tubular Worlds features impressive graphics that stand toe-to-toe with commercially released titles. On the Amiga, the impression is that the AGA chipset could have been used better, but it's prettier than normal OCS games. The backgrounds are detailed and colorful, immersing players in the game’s sci-fi universe. Maybe the colors are a bit too vivid, but don't forget the CRT monitors at that time were less brilliant than today's ones. The sound effects and music complemented the on-screen action, enhancing the overall experience.

While Tubular Worlds may not have gained widespread recognition in the United States, it remains a beloved title among Amiga fans and retro gaming collectors. GamesNostalgia is happy to provide you with a wrapped version that is ready to be played.