Smash T.V. (1990). Play online

Summary

Smash TV drops you into frantic twin‑stick arenas where you blaze through nonstop waves of enemies, scoop up cash, power‑up icons and bizarre prizes, then dash for an exit that leads to the next room. The arcade cabinet’s dual joysticks let you fire in one direction while dashing in another, a formula Eugene Jarvis refined after Robotron: 2084 and which Mark Turmell coded to exacting speed. Even in two‑player co‑op, the screen stays packed; the player who hoards the most money scores a special bonus, while an occasional exploding wall‑crawler named Mr. Shrapnel lurks along the margins.

The voice that taunts you belongs to Paul Heitsch, with a script by Jon Hey, and the original release shipped without the secret “Pleasure Dome”; player demand later earned a key‑collection add‑on that unlocks this bonus stage. Critics praised the relentless difficulty and the high‑risk continues system, earning the AMOA “Most Innovative Game” award in 1990.

Later, Smash TV resurfaced in the Arcade Party Pak for PlayStation, the Midway Arcade Treasures collections and a 2006 Xbox Live Arcade version—though the latter has since been pulled from the storefront. Its reputation endures as a benchmark for chaotic twin‑stick shooters and a nostalgic showcase of early ’90s arcade daring.

Storyline

Smash T.V., the classic 1990 arcade shooter, drops you into a grim television game show set in the imagined year 1999. One or two players blast endless waves of attackers while grabbing cash, prizes and fleeting power‑ups. After each arena is cleared, you pick an exit that leads to a new room, some of which hide a boss waiting at the end of the level.

A sadistic host narrates the carnage, shouting lines like “Total carnage! I love it!” and ultimately becomes the final boss you must defeat. The game’s vibe pulls heavily from dystopian flicks such as RoboCop and The Running Man, giving the whole experience a gritty, over‑the‑top feel.