data/claims/space-harrier-history.yamlSpace Harrier (history and reception)
Game: Space Harrier.
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games files Space Harrier under Sega in its Japanese section, in December 1985, and under Sega USA in its overseas section, in April 1986. space-harrier-history/arcade-release
Japanese section, Sega (OCR text lines 5479-5481) — the OCR reads the katakana ハ as the kanji 八; the Sega Gremlin rows above it (lines 5188-5317) place it in Sega's section85/12 スペース八リアーOur translation85/12 Space HarrierアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas section, SEGA USA (OCR text lines 34540-34551) — the nearest section heading above the row in the OCR is "SEGA USA" (line 34540)86/04 Space HarrierChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text only: the printed page and the page image haven't been checked. The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Space Harrier
British magazines described the arcade game's sit-in cabinet in 1987. In Sinclair User, Clare Edgeley wrote that the player straps in with a seat belt and that the cabinet tilts and rolls in whatever direction the joystick is pushed. Computer and Video Games wrote that the cockpit version's hydraulics throw the player around: the whole cabinet swings up and down and from side to side. space-harrier-history/arcade-cabinet
p. 92 (image 92), arcade columnNow Clare Edgeley reveals what'll be what in a few monthsSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · p. 92 (image 92), arcade columnThe first thing you'll notice about Space Harrier as you climb into the pilot's seat is the seat-belt.Sinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · p. 92 (image 92), arcade columnSpace Harrier hurls you up, down, left and right while managing to tilt the cabinet in a roll in whatever direction you push your joystick.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14), "Enter the Fantasy Zone with Space Harrier"The cockpit version includes a hydraulics system which throws you around as you move the joystick.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)The whole cabinet swings up and down and from side to sideChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Computer Entertainer reported in November 1986 that Sega was making Space Harrier as a two-megabit cartridge for the Master System, due early in 1987. In January 1987 it listed the game among the arcade conversions Sega would show at the Consumer Electronics Show and said it would be the earliest two-megabit game for the system. space-harrier-history/sms-announced
p. 13 (image 13), "Coming from Sega"SPACE HARRIER by Sega, a current favorite in the arcades for its three-dimensional look and speedy challenge, is in the works as a two- megabit cartridge for the Sega Master System. (Look for it early next year.)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 10 (January 1987) · p. 1 (image 1), "New Games to Be Shown by Sega"Sega will be showing about a dozen new games in their booth at CES.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 10 (January 1987) · p. 1 (image 1), "New Games to Be Shown by Sega"arcade conversions (QUARTET, WONDER BOY, WOODY POP, SPACE HARRIER)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 5, No. 10 (January 1987) · p. 1 (image 1)the home version of SPACE HARRIER will be the first two-megabit game for the Sega system. (Two megabits = 256K bytes.)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for Sega showing about a dozen new games at CES.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: Space Harrier
In April 1987 Computer Entertainer reported that the Master System cartridge was scarce: Sega had received a small shipment from Japan and expected the main one in the latter part of April. space-harrier-history/sms-shipment
p. 6 (image 6), "Space Harrier Scarce"For those of you looking for the Sega cartridge of the highly anticipated Space Harrier, you will probably have 4 tough time finding it before the end of April.Our translation... you will probably have a tough time finding it before the end of April.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 6 (image 6)Sega received just a very small shipment of the game from Japan and does not expect its main shipment until the latter part of Apnil.Our translation... until the latter part of April.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Computer Entertainer reviewed the Master System version in April 1987 at a suggested retail price of $39.95 and recommended it. It called the cartridge Sega's earliest two-megabit one and a faithful translation of the arcade game. In its story the player, as the Space Harrier, saves the dragons of the Land of the Dragons from the One-eyed Mammoth by destroying 18 waves of enemies, each ending with a boss. The review praised the graphics and music, and found the characters nearly as detailed as in the coin-op. space-harrier-history/sms-review
p. 11 (image 11), Space Harrier reviewThe game has been popular in the arcades for its spectacular three- dimensional graphics and fast action, and it has_ been faithfully translated for the home TV or monitor screen in this first two-megabit cartridge from Sega.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 11 (image 11)the peaceful Land of the Dragons is under attack by the evil minions of the One-cycd Mammoth.Our translation... the One-eyed Mammoth.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 11 (image 11)As the extra-terrestrial warrior, Space Harrier, it is up to you to save your friends, the dragons, from certain extinctionComputer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 11 (image 11)To save the dragons, you must destroy 18 waves of enemy creatures, including an especially fierce “Boss Creature” at the end of each wave.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 12 (image 12)No doubt about it, SPACE HARRIER boasts truly spectacular graphics and excellent music.Computer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 12 (image 12)Characters in the game are nearly as detailed as they are in the original coin-op gameComputer Entertainer, Vol. 6, No. 1 (April 1987) · p. 12 (image 12)Available for Sega Master System only. Recommended. (MSR $39.95)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quotes added for the arcade sentence and the player as Space Harrier saving the dragons.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The OCR garbles the review's two star ratings ("%x4x44/XAKX"), so they are left out.
Cited by: Space Harrier
In Computer Entertainer's 1988 Readers' Hall of Fame vote, which The Legend of Zelda won, Space Harrier (Sega) was one of four honorable mentions. space-harrier-history/sms-hall-of-fame
p. 8 (image 8), The Computer Entertainer Readers' Hall of Fame AwardsHonorable mentions go to the runners-up in the voting: METROID (Nintendo), SPACE HARRIER (Sega),Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 8 (image 8)was THE LEGEND OF ZELDA byRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: image numbers added to the locators; note that the entry names no platform.The entry is printed as "SPACE HARRIER (Sega)", with no platform. Sega published the Master System version in the US, so the vote presumably covers it; the page doesn't say so.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Elite published the home computer versions in Britain. Computer and Video Games' January 1987 review lists versions for the ZX Spectrum (£7.95), Amstrad (£8.95), and Commodore 64/128 (£9.95, or £14.95 on disk), and tested the Spectrum and Amstrad ones. space-harrier-history/elite-versions
p. 15 (image 15), review detailsMACHINES: SPECTRUM, AMSTRAD, C64/128Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)SUPPLIER: ELITEComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)PRICE: £7.95 (Spectrum), £8.95 (Amstrad) £9.95/£14.95 (C64/128)Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)VERSIONS TESTED: SPECTRUM/ AMSTRADChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Zzap!64's Christmas Special of 1986 expected Elite's Space Harrier in the shops for Christmas 1986. space-harrier-history/christmas-1986
p. 150 (image 150), competitionlooking forward to hristmas when one of Elite's latest and greatest garnos, Space Harrier, will be on the shelves of a shop near you.Our translationlooking forward to Christmas when one of Elite's latest and greatest games, Space Harrier, will be on the shelves of a shop near you.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Keith Burkhill converted Space Harrier to the ZX Spectrum. Computer and Video Games described him in January 1987 as a 20-year-old programmer who had done Elite's Spectrum versions of Commando and Ghosts 'n Goblins, learned in-house at Elite, and spent four months on the conversion. He had seen the arcade game in Rhyl and worked for months on the scrolling. Crash's review names him as the author. space-harrier-history/spectrum-burkhill
p. 14 (image 14)For a programmer who has just forced the Spectrum to perform minor miracles 20- year-old Keith Burkhill is remarkably modest.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)Then it was on to Elite where he worked on all the Spectrum versions of that batch of recent smash hits — Commando, Ghosts n' Gobhns and now Space HarrierOur translation... Commando, Ghosts n' Goblins and now Space HarrierComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)He got a glimpse of Harrier in an arcade in Rhyl.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)I was working for months on the scrolling.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)But now the four months of hard labour are overComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)I learnt a lot working in-house at Elite.Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), Space Harrier review header — read on the page image, image 28 (the OCR has "KeKti Burkhill")Author: Keith BurkhillChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The C+VG quotes are read in the OCR text; that page image hasn't been checked. Crash's header was read on the page image.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Computer and Video Games reported that the Spectrum version has 15 levels, one fewer than the arcade game, and quoted Burkhill that the final stages run two and a half times faster than the first. Crash listed sixteen scrolling arenas and one skill level. space-harrier-history/spectrum-levels
p. 14 (image 14)There are 15 levels in the Spectrum version — one less than the arcade originalComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 14 (image 14)The final stages are two and a half times faster than the first levelCrash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), Comments boxScreens; siirteen scroilJng arenasOur translationScreens: sixteen scrolling arenasCrash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), Comments boxSkll? levels: oneOur translationSkill levels: oneChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The two magazines disagree on the level count; neither says how it counted.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Chris Butler was converting Space Harrier to the Commodore 64 for Elite at the end of 1986: Zzap!64's Christmas Special of 1986 said he was then converting it, and Computer and Video Games looked forward in January 1987 to a finished Commodore 64 version from him. space-harrier-history/c64-butler
p. 47 (image 47), programmers' choicesChris is currently converting Space HarrierZzap!64, issue 21 (1986-1987 Christmas Special) · p. 47 (image 47)CHRIS BUTLERComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)Here at C+VG we can't wait to get our hands on a finished C64 version from Elite's Chris Butler.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "converted" changed to "was converting"; nothing read says he finished it.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The OCR's next line reads "(srigger snot for Elite", likely "(bigger shot) for Elite"; it isn't quoted. Neither source says that he finished the conversion or that the released version is his.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Your Sinclair previewed the Spectrum version in January 1987 from an unfinished copy with three levels, giving its price as £7.95 and its release date as 24 November. The preview, which prints no byline, found the conversion "nothing short of miraculous" given the Spectrum's limits: the color had gone, but the forward scrolling was fast, and the gameplay close to the arcade's. It expected the game to rate as a YS Megagame and to compete for the number one spot that Christmas. space-harrier-history/spectrum-ys-preview
p. 24Considering the limitations, what's been done is nothing short of miraculous.Your Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 24And first to be junked was, not surprisingly, the colour.Your Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25The speed of the forward scroll effect is stunning.Your Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25you'll hardly notice the difference in gameplay between the Speccy version and the originalYour Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25The version of the game I saw wasn't quite completed. Only three levels were inYour Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25if Space Harrier doesn't rate as a YS megagame then I'll eat my joystick.Your Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25I'll be equally surprised if it doesn't storm the number one spot this ChristmasYour Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25, Fax Box — the Fax Box, read on the page image; the OCR keeps only its labelsPrice £7.95Your Sinclair, issue 13 (January 1987) · p. 25, Fax Box — read on the page imageRelease Date 24th NovemberRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for the gameplay hardly differing from the original.The text quotes are read in the OCR, which has the folios "24" and "25" on its images 26 and 27; the scout who read the page images found those folios on images 25 and 26 (archive.org page/n24 and n25), so the images are not named here. The page images show no byline, only "Illustration: David Elliott" on p. 24; a pull-quote on p. 25 says that Tommy Nash went to Walsall to see the conversion, which isn't a byline.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Computer and Video Games' review of January 1987, under the name Tim, marked the Spectrum version 8 for graphics, 7 for sound, 9 for value and 10 for playability, and the Amstrad version 9, 7, 9 and 10. It called the Spectrum version "the most fun you'll have with your Spectrum this year" and the game "a sure fire smash", and found the Amstrad and Commodore 64 versions "equally as awesome". It found the scrolling smooth and nearly flicker-free, the Spectrum graphics sometimes hard to read, and sound the only thing lacking. The player starts with eight lives and gains one at the end of each zone. space-harrier-history/spectrum-cvg-review
p. 15 (image 15)REVIEWER: TIMComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15), marks — read on the page image, image 15; the OCR keeps the labels but not the marksGraphics 8 9 Sound 7 7 Value 9 9 Playability 10 10Our translationSpectrum and Amstrad columns: Graphics 8 and 9, Sound 7 and 7, Value 9 and 9, Playability 10 and 10Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)It's fast, it's slick and it's the most fim you'll have with your Spectrum this year.Our translationIt's fast, it's slick and it's the most fun you'll have with your Spectrum this year.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)Space Harrier is a sure fire smash. It's a must for arcade addicts.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)the Amstrad and C64 versions are equally as awesome.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)Despite the speed of the game the graphics are almost flicker free.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)The fast scrolling is smoothComputer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)Because of the graphic limitations of the Spectrum it's sometimes hard to tell just what is coming at you.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)The only thing really lacking from Spectrum Harrier is sound.Computer and Video Games, issue 63 (January 1987) · p. 15 (image 15)You get eight lives to begin with — and an extra one at the end of each zone.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for "The fast scrolling is smooth".The marks were read on the page image, image 15 (no folio on the image; p. 15 follows the contents page's p. 14 for the feature). The other quotes are read in the OCR text.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Crash's Christmas Special of 1986 reviewed Elite's Spectrum version at £7.95 and rated it 77% overall, with the general verdict "a near miss": 75% for use of computer, 78% for graphics, 76% for playability, 76% for getting started, 72% for addictive qualities and 72% for value for money. Its next issue printed a letter from Mark Edwards of Redcliffe Bay, Bristol, who had seen the game made a five-star Sinclair User Classic and objected to Crash's verdict. The reply said that Steve Wilcox of Elite, among others, had found the reviewers a bit harsh, but that the reviewers stood by their ratings, finding not that much of a game there, and asked readers whether they were wrong. space-harrier-history/spectrum-crash-review
p. 28 (image 28), headerRetail Price: £7.95Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), header — read on the page image, image 28; the OCR loses the lineProducer: EliteCrash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), Comments boxGeneral retlrtg: a near missOur translationGeneral rating: a near missCrash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxUse of computer 75%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxGraphics 78%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxPlayability 76%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxGetting started 76%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxAddictive qualities 72%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxValue for money 72%Crash, issue 36 (Christmas Special 1986, January 1987) · p. 28 (image 28), ratings boxOverall 77%Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 46 (image 46), letters, "Unfair!" — read on the page image, image 46It was Space Harrier and I saw that it got a 5 star SINCLAIR USER CLASSIC.Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 46 (image 46), letters — read on the page image, image 46 (the OCR has "Mark Edward*. Hedclifle Bay")Mark Edwards, Redcliffe Bay, BristolCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 46 (image 46), reply — read on the page image, image 46 (the OCR has "Sieve Wilcox of tun.")One or two other people, including Steve Wilcox of ELITE, thought that the CRASH reviewers had been a bit harsh on Space Harrier.Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 46 (image 46), replythey insist that then ratings stand, saying that somehow, there's not that much of a game there.Our translationthey insist that their ratings stand ...Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 46 (image 46), replyWere the CRASH reviewers wrong'?Our translationWere the CRASH reviewers 'wrong'?Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read on the page images, images 28 (Crash 36) and 46 (Crash 37): the OCR misreads the graphics, playability and getting-started marks. No reviewer names or credit line are printed on the review page; its three Criticism paragraphs are unsigned.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Your Sinclair's top twenty of March 1987, based on Gallup's MicroScope chart, had Space Harrier at number 11 as a new entry in its first week, with a YS rating of 9. The page noted that four of Elite's games were in the charts. space-harrier-history/spectrum-charts
p. 18 (image 20), Hit List — read on the page image, image 20This chart is based on the MicroScope chart as compiled by Gallup.Your Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 18 (image 20), chart row — read on the page image, image 20; the OCR jumbles the chart's columns11 (NE) 1 Space Harrier/Elite 9Our translationposition 11, new entry, 1 week in the chart, Space Harrier (Elite), YS rating 9Your Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 18 (image 20), chart commentaryElite's doing well too — four of its games are in the charts, including Space Harrier and ScoobyDoo, just two of the great YS covers we've had.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read on the page image, image 20, which shows the folio 18.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Zzap!64 reviewed Elite's Commodore 64 version in February 1987 (£9.95 on cassette, £14.95 on disk) and rated it 45% overall, "An uninspiring 3D shoot 'em up and a somewhat 'incomplete' conversion", with 79% for presentation, 81% for graphics, 69% for sound, 73% for hookability, 41% for lastability and 38% for value. Three comments appear under caricatures labelled with initials. The one labelled P.S found it quite playable but not an essential purchase. JR called it no more than "an expensive and very limited 3D shoot 'em up", missing the arcade's chequered floor and dragon ride. GP found the 64 version flawed, with a deformed main sprite and poor collision detection. space-harrier-history/c64-zzap-review
p. 108 (image 108), headerElite. £9.95 cass, £14.95 diskZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 109 (image 109), ratings box — read on the page image, image 109; the OCR misreads the graphics, sound and value marksPRESENTATION 79% … GRAPHICS 81% … SOUND 69% … HOOKABILITY 73% … LASTABILITY 41% … VALUE 38% … OVERALL 45%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 109 (image 109), ratings box — read on the page image, image 109An uninspiring 3D shoot 'em up and a somewhat 'incomplete' conversionZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 108 (image 108), comment under the caricature labelled "P.S"Overall, Space Harrier is quite playable, but not an essential purchaseZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 108 (image 108), comment under the caricature labelled "JR" — read on the page image, image 108I don't think that much of the arcade game, especially without the hydraulics.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 108 (image 108), comment labelled "JR"ttian an expensive and very limited 3D ahoo'^ 'em up.Our translationthan an expensive and very limited 3D shoot 'em up.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 108 (image 108), comment labelled "JR"the ctiaquarad fBoor and the dragon rMlr>g bitOur translationthe chequered floor and the dragon riding bitZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 109 (image 109), comment under the caricature labelled "GP" — read on the page image, image 109; the OCR has "rt&r un the 64 Is nawed"Space Harrier on the 64 is flawed.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 109 (image 109), comment labelled "GP"The main sprite is deformedZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 109 (image 109), comment labelled "GP"combined with tha poor GolJislon detectionOur translationcombined with the poor collision detectionChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Scores, summary and initials read on the page images, images 108-109 (image n shows page n); the rest in the OCR text. The pages carry no byline: the initials are as printed on the caricatures ("GP" is small on the image). The box beside it on p. 109 belongs to the review of 1943.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Zzap!64's April 1989 issue reviewed Elite's Amiga version, at £19.99 on disk, and rated it 85% overall, "A pretty hot conversion of an even hotter arcade machine", with 52% for presentation, 84% for graphics, 54% for sound, 90% for hookability and 81% for lastability, and a separate "conversion factor" of 89. Of its two comments, under caricatures labelled KATI and CORDO, the second said he would keep playing the Amiga version rather than squeeze into one of the arcade's hydraulic chairs, "because it's just as good", and praised it for keeping the full-screen scrolling and breakneck speed of the 3D action. space-harrier-history/amiga-zzap-review
p. 22 (image 22), headerElite, Amiga £19.99 diskZzap!64, issue 48 (April 1989) · p. 23 (image 23), score box under "conversion factor" — read on the page image, image 23; the box sits on p. 23 under the Munsters review, beside Super Hang-On'sPRESENTATION 52% … GRAPHICS 84% … SOUND 54% … HOOKABILITY 90% … LASTABILITY 81% … OVERALL 85%Zzap!64, issue 48 (April 1989) · p. 23 (image 23), score box — read on the page image, image 23A pretty hot conversion of an even hotter arcade machine.Zzap!64, issue 48 (April 1989) · p. 23 (image 23), score box heading — read on the page image, image 23; a separate figure, not the overall markconversion factor 89Zzap!64, issue 48 (April 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), comment under the caricature labelled "CORDO" — the reading follows the scout's reading of the page image, image 22snaaiy arcade giyfe hydraulic chiftira. Then again, maybe I 'W stick to thedoughnuts ar>d kaep on playing the Amiga version because it's juat as good.Our translationsnazzy arcade-style hydraulic chairs. Then again, maybe I'll stick to the doughnuts and keep on playing the Amiga version because it's just as good.Zzap!64, issue 48 (April 1989) · p. 22 (image 22), comment labelled "CORDO"the way ihey haven't comprDmisecl on the full- scrwn sci-olUngOur translationthe way they haven't compromised on the full-screen scrollingRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: CORDO's arcade comparison quoted in full; restated as preferring the Amiga version to the hydraulic chairs.Scores and caricature labels read on the page images, images 22-23; the comments' text in the OCR. The labels are as printed ("KATI", "CORDO"); no byline is printed.
Cited by: Space Harrier
By 1990 Elite had put the Spectrum version on its compilations The Story So Far II (£12.99) and Thrilltime Platinum I. Sinclair User's review of both, in February 1990, summed it up as "Good in its heyday, but now looking a bit ropey." space-harrier-history/compilations-1990
p. 75 (image 75), Attack of the CompilationsSTORY SO FAR II ELITE £12.99 CONTENTS: SPACE HARRIER: Good in its heyday, but now looking a bit ropey.Sinclair User, issue 95 (February 1990) · p. 75 (image 75)THRILLTIME PLATINUM I ELITESinclair User, issue 95 (February 1990) · p. 75 (image 75)SPACE HARRIER: Good in its heyday, but now looking a bit ropey. GLADIATORChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text. The issue's contents index records the compilations' overall marks (Story So Far II 62%, Thrilltime Platinum I 68%); the OCR's columns don't pair them with their titles, so they aren't claimed here.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Marukatsu Famicom's issue of 23 December 1988 covered the PC Engine version in its 勝エンジン column: from NEC Avenue, on sale 9 December 1988, at ¥6,700. The page carries copyright lines for Sega (1986) and NEC Avenue (1988). Its writer praised the arcade original's speed and its simplicity, free of needless clutter, and wrote that the PC Engine version of that classic had finally arrived. space-harrier-history/pce-marukatsu
p. 98 (image 94), 勝エンジン, heading box — read on the page image, image 94NECアベニュー／12月9日発売／6,700円Our translationNEC Avenue, on sale 9 December, 6,700 yenMarukatsu Famicom, 23 December 1988 · p. 98 (image 94) — said of the arcade original, before the sentence that introduces the PC Engine version『 え ペー スハ リアー, の スピ ー ド 感 、 そ し て ゴ テ ゴ テ と 余計 な 部 分 の な い 、 い い 意味 で の シン プル さ は 、 と て も すばらし いと 思うOur translation『スペースハリアー』のスピード感、そしてゴテゴテと余計な部分のない、いい意味でのシンプルさは、とてもすばらしいと思う: I think Space Harrier's sense of speed, and its simplicity in the good sense, without clutter, are wonderfulMarukatsu Famicom, 23 December 1988 · p. 98 (image 94)その名作『スペハリ』のエンジン版がついに登場したOur translationthe PC Engine version of that classic, "Supehari" (Space Harrier), has finally appearedMarukatsu Famicom, 23 December 1988 · p. 98 (image 94), credit lineSEGA 1986Marukatsu Famicom, 23 December 1988 · p. 98 (image 94), credit lineNEC AVENUE 1988Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for the praise of the arcade original's speed and simplicity.The heading box was read on the page image, image 94 (folio 98); the other quotes are in the OCR text, which spaces each word.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Famicom Tsūshin's issue of 6 January 1989 put Takara's Famicom version in its new-games cross review, under a tab dated 6 January, as a ¥5,500 cartridge, describing it as the arcade's hit "taikan" (body-sensation) game ported to the Famicom: a shooting game of nonstop firing. Its four reviewers gave it 6, 6, 7 and 4 out of 10, 23 of 40. The second wrote that the Famicom had been thought unable to manage Space Harrier; the fourth saw the effort to port the movement faithfully but found it jerky. space-harrier-history/famicom-review
p. 20 (image 20), cross review, tab — read on the page image, image 201月6日Our translation6 JanuaryBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), cross review — the OCR spaces each word and misreads 移植 (ported) as 移穫体感 ゲー ム r ス ペー ー ス ハ リア ー」 が 、 フ ァ ミ コン に 移 穫 され だOur translationthe body-sensation game "Space Harrier" has been ported to the FamicomBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), cross reviewと に か ぐ ひ た すら ち ま こ る シ ユ ー テ ィングOur translationa shooting game where you just keep firingBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), cross review — read on the page image, image 20 (the OCR has "マ カラ 5500 由"); the picture is captioned カートリッジ●タカラ 5500円Our translationTakara, 5,500 yenBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), scores — read on the page image, image 20, as large pale numerals behind the comments; not in the OCR6 6 7 4Our translationthe four reviewers' scores, top to bottomBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), second comment — read on the page image, image 20きっとファミコンにはムリだろうなあと思ってた「スペハリ」が、ついに発売されるのだ。Our translationSupehari (Space Harrier), which I was sure the Famicom couldn't manage, is finally coming out.Biweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 20 (image 20), fourth comment — read on the page image, image 20動きを忠実に移植しようとしているのはわかるけど、どーにもギクシャクしててちょっとねOur translationI can see they tried to port the movement faithfully, but it's just too jerkyChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read on the page image, image 20 (folio 20). No reviewer names are printed with the column; the third comment refers to itself as Mariko (「というのが万里子の正直な感想です」). The cartridge's capacity isn't printed.
Cited by: Space Harrier
The same issue's release schedule lists Space Harrier from Takara as a ¥5,500 cartridge on the 5th, among the January releases. space-harrier-history/famicom-schedule
p. 102 by the contents page (image 100), 発売日スケジュール表 (release schedule) — the OCR spaces each wordスペースハリアー<タカラ> 5500円/カートリッジOur translationSpace Harrier <Takara> 5,500 yen / cartridgeBiweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 102 by the contents page (image 100), under 1月発売のソフト — read on the page image, image 100; the next row is 6日, 100万$キッド5日 ○スペースハリアー<タカラ>Our translation5th, Space Harrier (Takara)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The day was read on the page image, image 100, which shows no folio; the issue's contents page (image 4) puts the schedule at p. 102.
Cited by: Space Harrier
Famicom Tsūshin's issue of 6 January 1989 gives two days for the Famicom version: its cross review's tab reads 6 January (1月6日), and its release schedule lists it on 5 January (5日). Which was the day it went on sale hasn't been settled. space-harrier-history/famicom-release-date
p. 20 (image 20), cross review, tab — read on the page image, image 201月6日Biweekly Famicom Tsūshin, issues 65-66 (1989-01-06) · p. 102 by the contents page (image 100), release schedule, under 1月発売のソフト — read on the page image, image 1005日 ○スペースハリアー<タカラ>Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Both days as printed, in the same issue.
Cited by: Space Harrier
No source read names the arcade game's designers, the developer of the Famicom version, or the programmers of the Master System, Amstrad, Amiga and PC Engine versions. space-harrier-history/makers-unknown