Mercs

Mercs is a video game in the action genre developed by Capcom Co., Ltd. and published by SEGA Enterprises Ltd. originally released in 1991. It is currently playable on Genesis, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, SEGA Master System.

Mercs, released in 1991, is a classic top-down shooter developed by Capcom and known for its intense military theme. Crafted during the golden age of arcade gaming, the game delighted gamers for its revolutionary use of a convertible rotary Joystick.

The various misison-style levels of Mercs featured tactical battles running the gamut from rescuing hostages to strategically devastating a compound’s buildings and enemy units. After selecting the mode of play, arcade or advances, players had to select the strength, speed and armor specialization of their mecha vehicles, represented by robotic infantry soldiers designed by the player. The controls allowed players to simultaneously move the player and shoot enemies, while also being able to rotate the weapon for quicker offensive or defensive action.

The visuals and sounds of Mercs served to intensify the experience. When a player successfully eliminated all of the enemy forces the screen would become awash in a red hue as levels of animation highlighted the chaotic and bloodied battlefields. If the player’s infantry unit was reduced to a pile of smoldering scrap and circuitry a piercing alarm would ensue. It was a cacophany of alarms and explosions that hinted at the player’s imminent demise, and helped contextualize the intensity of battle.

The sense of excitement and anxiousness as players progressed through each level was unparalleled by many of its contemporaries. Mercs offered a unique and raw military experience that engaged and energized gamers. It was in many ways a genre defining title; its diverse gameplay, exciting special effects, and commitment to its theme made it one of the most influential games of the early 1990s.

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