Millipede

Millipede brings Atari’s fast-paced arcade insect shooter to the NES in this 1988 adaptation from HAL Laboratory. The basic idea is simple but demanding: guide a small shooter along the bottom of the screen, fire upward through a crowded mushroom field, and stop a segmented millipede before it reaches the bottom. Each shot can change the shape of the playfield, opening paths while also creating new obstacles and angles to manage.

The millipede is not the only threat. Fleas drop into the field, spiders move across the lower area, and other dangerous creatures can turn a safe-looking position into trouble in an instant. The action becomes increasingly hectic as enemies descend and the available space narrows, making quick movement and deliberate shooting equally important. Clearing sections of the insect swarm gives you a moment to regroup, but the next wave is never far away.

This NES version preserves the pick-up-and-play character of the original while giving it a straightforward console presentation. The controls are easy to understand, yet surviving for a high score requires careful positioning, rapid reactions, and a good sense of when to clear mushrooms and when to focus on incoming enemies. Two-player support adds another way to enjoy the game, whether competing for the better score or taking turns in the arcade-style challenge.

Millipede is a strong choice for players who enjoy classic fixed-screen shooters and score-chasing games built around short, intense sessions. Its simple rules leave plenty of room for mastery, and the changing mushroom patterns keep each run active rather than automatic. If you want to revisit this distinctive NES take on a classic arcade formula, RetroCloud lets you play online on your browser.