2

5 /5

Over Horizon is a 1991 horizontally scrolling shooter co-developed by Pixel and Hot-B, published in Japan by Hot-B and in Germany by Takara for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Controlling the space fighter craft Michael, the player must destroy numerous enemies to stop the Gamma organization from using the alien creature Kassandra to take over the Alpharos star system.

Over Horizon was conceived as a "create your own shoot 'em up" game during a proposal with Pixel to re-use their engine from Dungeon Kid before being reworked into a standard shooter and Hot-B took over development of the project, with Steel Empire co-director Yoshinori Satake at the helm overseeing the process. The title received positive reception from reviewers; criticism was geared towards its short length and low difficulty, with some regarding it as a clone of Gradius and R-Type but praise was given to the atmospheric and colorful visual presentation, use of environmental stage gimmicks, ability to customize the ship, sound design and gameplay.