Platform: PC-Engine 
Format: HuCard
Developer: Hudson Soft / Irem
Released: 1988 (Japan) / 1989 (US)
Genre: Shoot’em Up
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Irem’s legendary side scrolling shoot’em up is regarded as one of the PC-Engine’s most accomplished arcade conversions. This was (and still is) the PC-Engine’s ‘killer app’. The game-play is simple, pilot your R-9 fighter to wipe out the evil Bydo Empire.
Your R-9 fighter is equipped with a small gun which can only shoot down the smallest of enemies without firing several shots. But, if you hold down the fire button long enough, you can load up your shot so it releases a massive burst of energy, eliminating all but the strongest enemies in its path. To assist in bringing down tougher Bydo enemies (and help you get further in this tough game), there are souped up weapons that can be collected along the way, like the diagonally firing lasers and the mega powerful circular red laser. When combined with the homing missiles and orbs that protect you, your R-9 becomes a Bydo blasting behemoth.
There aren’t enough superlatives you could use to describe how great this game is. From the music, to the graphics, the stage layouts, the enemies – they are all perfect in this coin-op conversion. Even the difficulty is spot on (it’s tough) ! This is as close to a perfect horizontally scrolling shoot’em up you can get on the PC-Engine. Do not miss it !
| Graphics | As close as possible to arcade perfect. |
90% |
| Sound | Your ears will thank you. |
90% |
| Playability | Easy to pick up and play, but tough to beat and master. The difficulty is just right. |
93% |
| Lastability | You will be playing this for years to come. All side-scrolling shoot’em ups are judged against this game. |
94% |
| Overall | If you have a PC-Engine, this is your killer app. Go and get it ! |
93% |
