Blue Shark (Midway)

Submerge yourself in Blue Shark, a single-player shooter released by Midway in 1978. Players control a speargun and must target various underwater creatures that appear randomly on screen. Accuracy is key as you aim for sharks, swordfish, and octopi to earn points while avoiding the penalty of hitting a "skindiver.” The game features a distinctive three-dimensional color backdrop depicting an underwater scene, adding depth to the gameplay experience. The challenge in Blue Shark increases as your score climbs; at 7000 points, the movement speed of the targets accelerates. Scoring is based on distance—sharks appearing further away are worth more points than those closer by. A free play is typically awarded upon reaching a score of 18,000 points, though this setting can be adjusted by arcade operators. Utilizing an Intel 8080 processor and discrete sound circuitry, Blue Shark offers simple controls—a paddle for aiming and a single button to fire your spear. This game provides straightforward shooting action in a visually unique underwater environment.