Hive

Hive is an arcade shooter released in 1986 for Amstrad CPC and Sinclair ZX Spectrum. A giant beehive has appeared on Earth, and the player controls a special grasshopper-like vehicle sent inside to destroy its queen.

Each level focuses on finding the exit through the hive’s maze-like tunnels while avoiding or shooting enemies and overcoming obstacles. The player can drop up to three waypoint markers and collect items such as shields, enemy-freezing equipment, and a grabber for retrieving objects from a distance.

The vehicle consumes energy, which can be restored at pylons or by sacrificing life force. Finding two pylons allows life force to recharge automatically, while reaching zero results in death. Hive also features vector graphics and an always-visible password that is continually updated.

Key Features

• Maze-like hive environments
• Arcade shooting and obstacle avoidance
• Three usable waypoint markers
• Inventory items including shields, freezing equipment, and a grabber
• Energy and life-force management
• Vector graphics and an on-screen password system