Alien Storm (set 1, Japan Rev B, 2 Players, FD1094 317-0146)
Alien Storm (set 1, Japan Rev B, 2 Players, FD1094 317-0146) on arcade
Alien Storm is an arcade beat 'em up shooter released by Sega in 1990. This particular set, designated set 1, Japan Rev B, is a later revision of the original Japanese board, optimized for two-player simultaneous play and running on Sega's FD1094 security chip. It belongs to the golden era of Sega arcade cabinets, sitting alongside games like Golden Axe and Alien Syndrome. While the base game debuted globally, this revision offers a specific build that may include minor bug fixes or balance tweaks tailored for the Japanese market.
The player controls one of several characters - each with their own weapon and special attack - as they fight through horizontally scrolling stages full of alien enemies. The core loop is simple: move right, shoot anything that moves, and collect power-ups that upgrade your firearm or restore health. You can also perform a close-range melee strike and a screen-clearing smart bomb if you have one. Levels feature branching paths and occasional boss fights that test your reflexes. The arcade version supports up to two players simultaneously, allowing for cooperative mayhem.
Today, Alien Storm Japan Rev B is worth checking out for its tight controls and satisfying gunplay - it captures the arcade design philosophy of quick, repeatable action sessions. While it never reached the iconic status of Sega's other beat 'em ups, it stands as a solid representative of the subgenre where shooting and brawling blend together. The two-player mode especially holds up, making it a good pick for a quick co-op session. If you enjoy side-scrolling run-and-gun games from the early '90s, this revision delivers exactly what you'd expect without any unnecessary fluff.
How to Play Alien Storm (set 1, Japan Rev B, 2 Players, FD1094 317-0146) Online
Getting Started
When the title screen appears, press Enter to start. If you're playing in two-player mode, both players must press Start on their own controller. The game will then prompt you to select a character - use the D-Pad to highlight and press X to confirm. Each character has different stats but the controls are identical.
The game is a side-scrolling shooter. Move right using the D-Pad and press S to shoot your weapon. You can also hold S to charge a stronger shot. Press X to jump, and while in the air you can still shoot. If an enemy gets too close, press S near them to perform a melee attack. Collect the weapon icons that appear after defeating enemies to change your gun; they cycle through a flame thrower, a spread shot, and a laser. Health items restore one bar of life.
Your goal is to reach the end of each stage by killing all aliens in your path. Bosses appear at the end of certain levels and require sustained fire. If you die, you may continue by inserting another credit (press Enter again). The Japanese text on the screen is mostly menu options - just press Start to continue after a game over. The game is generous with continues, so don't hesitate to keep playing until you see the ending.
Alien Storm (set 1, Japan Rev B, 2 Players, FD1094 317-0146) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
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