Apeiron is a [Macintosh]-only [game] that ranks as one of my absolute favorites. If you enjoyed the old [Atari] arcade games [Centipede] and [Millipede], you're likely to find Apeiron downright [addictive].

In this updated version of those old classics, you control a [crystal] shooter you use to blow away [sneaker]-wearing pentipedes, [goggle]-eyed [flea]s, grouchy [scorpion|scobster]s, and flatulent [gecko]s that zip down the [mushroom] [patch], determined to do you in. The patch's landscape is altered by the occasional visit of a [flying saucer]. [Game] [play] is livened up by "yummies" such as [psychedelic] [shroom]s and bouncing [gold] [coin]s that give you special powers such as [machine-gun] fire, guided shooting, an [invulnerability] shield, and additional lives (you get a maximum of eight shooters at any time).

The [graphics] and [animation] on this game are excellent and the sound effects are gleefully [obnoxious]. Game play is [simple]; use your [mouse] or [trackball] to move your shooter and press the button to [fire] (you can also use a [keyboard] or other [input] device). Everything you see on screen is worth shooting. There's nothing to get in between you and the pure [arcade] [adrenaline] that kicks in around Level 5 and doesn't let up until your last shooter shatters.

The first version of this game was developed in 1995 by [Ambrosia Software]'s founder Andrew Welch and rapidly became a big hit for the [fledgling] company. Newer releases have addressed [MacOS|OS] and [hardware] upgrades (the introduction of [USB] rendered the older version of the game unplayable due to system conflicts). The game's name comes from the [Greek] word for "countless", which refers to the number of [enemies] you'll face.

A very-playable [shareware] version of this game is available for tryout at www.ambrosiasoftware.com.

Game Cheats

The game can get tough, particularly after Level 12. But please note that if you use any of the [cheat]s listed below (except [pause]) your [score] won't count towards the high score [tally].

To [abort] the game because your [boss] is coming: [Escape]
To pause the game: [Caps Lock]

The game must be paused in order to apply the following cheat codes

[SNAPPLE] - locks in whatever "yummies" you've accumulated
PERNTS - adds points to your score.
NALA - give you the "sprinkly shield" of invulnerability
[SQUISH] - [machine gun] fire
[USMC] - adds 5000 to your [bonus] score
[DJARUM] - lets you pass through [mushroom]s
[HECTOR] - maxes out your lives to a total of eight
NICE BOX - give you guided shots
[MORRISON] - moves you ahead 12 levels

Apeiron (thing)