Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Irem
- Publishers: Irem
Gunforce: A Side-Scrolling Shooter with Explosive Action
Released in arcades in 1991, Gunforce is a side-scrolling action shooting game developed by Irem. It was later ported to the Super Famicom in 1992, exclusively in Japan. Gunforce is known for its fast-paced gameplay, variety of weapons and vehicles, and intense boss battles.
Gameplay
Gunforce is a side-scrolling shooter in which the player controls a soldier armed with a rapid-fire gun. The player can move in eight directions and shoot in any direction, without having to hold the joystick in that direction. This allows for a great deal of freedom and flexibility in movement and combat.
In addition to their gun, the player can also find and use a variety of weapons and vehicles throughout the game. These include motorcycles, helicopters, and cable cars. Motorcycles allow the player to move across the ground quickly, while helicopters and cable cars can be used to reach higher areas or cross gaps.
The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss battle. The stages are varied in setting and gameplay, from urban environments to jungles to caves. The bosses are all challenging and require the player to use all of their skills and weapons to defeat them.
Weapons and Vehicles
Gunforce features a variety of weapons and vehicles that the player can use to defeat their enemies. These include:
- Gun: The player’s primary weapon, which fires rapid-fire bullets.
- Spread Gun: A weapon that fires a spread of bullets, which is effective against large groups of enemies.
- Laser: A powerful weapon that fires a laser beam, which can pierce through multiple enemies.
- Missile: A powerful weapon that homes in on enemies.
- Motorcycle: A vehicle that allows the player to move across the ground quickly.
- Helicopter: A vehicle that allows the player to reach higher areas or cross gaps.
- Cable Car: A vehicle that allows the player to cross large gaps or reach high areas.
Bosses
Gunforce features a variety of challenging bosses, each with their own unique attacks and patterns. These include:
- Stage 1: A giant spider that shoots webs and spawns smaller spiders.
- Stage 2: A giant tank that fires lasers and missiles.
- Stage 3: A giant robot that fires rockets and bombs.
- Stage 4: A giant alien that fires energy beams and spawns smaller aliens.
- Stage 5: A giant dragon that breathes fire and flies around the screen.
- Final Stage: A giant alien spaceship that fires lasers, missiles, and bombs.
Legacy
Gunforce was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time. It has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, variety of weapons and vehicles, and intense boss battles. Gunforce has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Gunforce is a classic side-scrolling shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its fast-paced gameplay, variety of weapons and vehicles, and intense boss battles make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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