Tag Archives: Bullet Hell

Arcade, Psikyo

Gunbird 2, Arcade

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The sequel to 1994’s “Gunbird“, Gunbird 2 is more of the same “tall-screen” vertically-scrolling, two-player cooperative, bullet hell action in a futuristic Steampunk setting. It was again developed by Psikyo and was first released into arcades in 1998.

Actually, that’s not fair – Gunbird 2 is definitely NOT “more of the same” because it’s actually a big improvement over the first Gunbird. In almost every department. Graphics, sound, gameplay and characters. Which makes it extra special, IMHO. 🙂

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Arcade, Psikyo

Gunbird, Arcade

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Gunbird is an interesting progressive weapons shooter, developed and manufactured by Psikyo and first released into Japanese arcades in 1994. It features five playable characters, a variety of lush pixel art levels, and can be played by one or two players.

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Arcade, Toaplan

Out Zone, Arcade

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Out Zone is a somewhat obscure, but rather excellent, two-player vertically-scrolling shooter, in the style of Ikari Warriors, released into arcades in 1990 by Toaplan. It’s not a game many will have heard of, but it certainly manages to provide some entertainment, when played today.

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Atari 8-bit, Atari, Inc.

Galaxian, Atari 8-bit

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The 1982 Atari 8-bit version of Galaxian, released by Atari, Inc., is authentic enough, and plays pretty much like the arcade original, even if it does look quite basic in comparison. Where it does outdo the arcade version, though, is in the variety of play modes that it offers.

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Antstream, MSX, System Sacom

Mr. Ghost, MSX

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Mr. Ghost – aka “Yuureikun” – is an interesting flick-screen action game, published by System Sacom for the MSX2 in 1989. In it you play a ghost who must make his way through a series of levels, knocking out enemies along the way. An English fan translation makes the game playable outside of its native Japan.

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Domark, Game Gear, Tiertex

Super Space Invaders, Game Gear

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I have to say that I’m quite surprised by Super Space Invaders on the Sega Game Gear. It was first released in 1992 by Domark and it’s actually quite good.

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Arcade, Konami

Gradius IV, Arcade

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The fourth instalment in the Gradius series was released into arcades in 1999, by Konami.

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Sega, Sega 32X

Zaxxon’s Motherbase 2000, Sega 32X

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Zaxxon’s Motherbase 2000 was an attempt by Sega to update one of its most famous IPs onto the Sega 32X (a hardware add-on for the Megadrive/Genesis). In the process I think Sega forgot one of the main reasons why Zaxxon was rated so highly…

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Amiga, Softeyes, Thalamus

Venom Wing, Amiga

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My jaw nearly hit the floor when I first saw Venom Wing on the Amiga. It’s a late release from legendary software house Thalamus, coming out in 1990, and it’s a real stinker…

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Homebrew, Modern Retro, ZX Spectrum

Go-Go BunnyGun, ZX Spectrum

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Written by Jason J. Railton and first released in 2026, Go-Go BunnyGun is a side-scrolling shooter on the ZX Spectrum that features a bunny girl on a rocket, flying through space. With smooth, colourful graphics and compelling gameplay, Go-Go BunnyGun is another great “Modern Retro” release.

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