Dogs of War (1989 video game)
Dogs of War is a 1989 action-arcade game developed by Vectordean and published by Elite Systems for the Amiga and Atari ST. Music for the game was composed by David Whittaker. "Dogs of War" offers a campaign that can be played in single player and co-op mode. Players assume the role of mercenary characters who complete missions for in-game money, in turn being able to purchase more weapons and items for the next stage. Gameplay. "Dogs of War" is a 2D top-down shooter, or a vertical scroller shooter. The campaign  mode consists of twelve stages that can be completed in single player or co-op mode. Players assume the role of free-lance mercenaries who are sent on international assignments to topple governments and rescue people in danger. Stages in "Dogs of War" are traversed through a multi-directional run and gun type of gameplay where the player must defeat enemies who attack in varying patterns. Each mission has a different objective, such as rescuing a kidnapped child, retrieving a valuable piece of art, or killing a criminal. Stages become increasingly more difficult as the player progresses through the game , which is compensated for with the weapon purchase and upgrade system. Completing each stage successfully gives players in-game money, which can be used to upgrade their inventory and purchase new items. Weapons in the game include pistols, Kalashnikovs, chain guns, grenades, rocket launchers and a flame thrower. Rocket launchers are needed to take down heavy obstacles that appear in later stages such as turrets, military jeeps and tanks. The game manual states that after the completion of all twelve stages, the mercenary characters are offered the choice to join either the regular or salvation army. Reception. Reception to "Dogs  of War" was generally moderate and mixed. Zzap!64 magazine editors Robin and Phil gave the game an overall score of 77%, stating that the game was "hardly innovative... [but] very addictive and (as always) more fun with two players... this is great mindless fun." User-run forums such as Lemon Amiga and Atari Mania gave the game a 7.04 and 7.4/10, respectively.