Centipede

In Bug Blaster, the player controls a small insect-like creature, the Bug Blaster, which moves across the bottom of the screen using a trackball. The goal is to shoot darts at a centipede advancing from the top of the screen through a field of mushrooms. Each time a segment of the centipede is shot, it turns into a mushroom. If a middle segment is hit, the centipede splits into two parts, each continuing downward independently. The rear piece sprouts its own head, and if the head is destroyed, the segment behind it becomes the new head. Shooting the head earns 100 points, while other segments are worth 10 points. The centipede starts at the top and moves left or right, descending one level whenever it touches a mushroom or reaches the edge of the screen, reversing direction in the process. Players can shoot mushrooms to destroy them (earning 1 point per mushroom), but each takes four shots to eliminate. As the game progresses, the screen becomes more crowded with mushrooms, making it harder for the centipede to navigate. When the centipede reaches the bottom of the screen, it stays within the player area. Periodically, one-segment "head" centipedes appear from the sides. Players must destroy the original centipede and all its heads to progress. After all segments are destroyed, a new centipede with one fewer segment appears, accompanied by a faster-moving detached head. This pattern repeats until all segments have become separate heads, at which point a full-length centipede returns. Other enemies include: Fleas: These drop vertically, leaving a trail of mushrooms. They are worth 200 points and take two shots to destroy. Spiders: These move in a zig-zag pattern, eating mushrooms and worth 300, 600, or 900 points, depending on how far away they are shot. Scorpions: These move horizontally, turning any mushroom they touch into poison mushrooms. Scorpions are worth 1,000 points and pose a significant challenge as poisoned centipedes become more aggressive. The Bug Blaster is destroyed if it collides with any enemy. When this happens, any poisoned or partially damaged mushrooms revert to normal, awarding 5 points each. Players earn an extra life every 12,000 points.