Armed Police Batrider - B Version (Japan) (Fri Feb 13 1998)
Armed Police Batrider - B Version (Japan) (Fri Feb 13 1998) - Shooter Classic
Armed Police Batrider is a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up originally released by Raizing in 1998 for arcades. This version, labeled B Version and dated Fri Feb 13 1998, is a revised build of the game that came out in Japan. Raizing, the developer behind other challenging shmups like Battle Garegga, created a title that stands alongside their other bullet-hell offerings. The B Version includes minor balance tweaks and fixes, making it a refined take on the original release.
You pick a pilot and then build your ship from interchangeable head, body, and wings parts, each affecting speed, weapon type, and special attacks. The gameplay is classic arcade shmup action: you fly upward, dodge dense bullet patterns, and destroy waves of enemies. Power-ups drop from certain foes and let you upgrade your main shot or activate a bomb. The game tracks your score aggressively, encouraging you to collect medals and perform risky maneuvers for point multipliers. There are multiple selectable characters and hidden elements that unlock extra stages or harder difficulties.
For fans of hardcore shoot 'em ups, Armed Police Batrider - B Version offers a well-polished challenge with a deep customization system that sets it apart from contemporaries. The B Version specifically tightens the experience for players who already mastered the initial release. Its fast pacing, memorable soundtrack, and demanding enemy patterns make it a beloved entry among shmup collectors. While it never saw a home console port until much later, the arcade original remains a highlight of late-90s shooters.
How to Play Armed Police Batrider - B Version (Japan) (Fri Feb 13 1998) Online
To start playing, insert a coin (press 5 or 6 in most emulators, but this ROM may auto-credit) then press Enter to confirm your selection. The title screen menus are in Japanese, but the layout is standard: move with Arrow Keys, press A (X) to select, B (S) to go back. You first choose a pilot, then you will see a screen where you customize your ship's parts - head, body, wings. Each part changes your speed, main weapon, and special attack. Experiment to find a setup that suits your playstyle.
Once the stage begins, the core loop is straightforward: dodge enemy bullets while shooting everything. Collect small crystals and medals that appear when you destroy certain enemies - these increase your score multiplier. When your power meter fills, you can deploy a bomb (press Y or Z) to clear the screen. The game is extremely punishing; one hit loses your current power level and you have limited lives. Memorize enemy patterns, learn when to use bombs, and focus on survival while maximizing your score. The B Version has slightly adjusted enemy placements and behavior compared to the original, so even veterans may need to adapt.
Armed Police Batrider - B Version (Japan) (Fri Feb 13 1998) 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
Comments (0)