Batsugun (set 2)
About Batsugun (set 2)
Batsugun (set 2) is a vertically scrolling shooter, often called a bullet hell, released for arcades in 1993. It was developed and published in Japan by Toaplan, and in Europe by Taito, with a Korean release handled by Unite Trading. This is the last shoot 'em up Toaplan created before going under, so it holds a special place in shmup history. The game takes place on a distant Earth-like planet where a tyrant king named Renoselva A. Gladebaran VII has launched a global takeover. You pick one of six pilots from the Skull Hornets squadron and pilot a submersible jet in a desperate fight to overthrow the invading forces.
The core gameplay is classic arcade vertical scrolling: your ship moves around the screen while enemies pour in from the top, firing dense patterns of bullets. You collect power-ups to increase your shot strength and spread, and you have a limited supply of bombs to clear the screen in tight spots. The difficulty ramps up quickly, with swarms of enemies and massive boss battles that test your reflexes and pattern memorization. The game uses a smart bomb system and offers multiple weapon types, but the key is learning to weave through the barrage.
Batsugun is worth playing today because it marks a transition point in the shmup genre. It's often cited as one of the first true bullet hell shooters, with bullet patterns that get genuinely insane by later stages. Compared to earlier Toaplan titles like Twin Cobra or Fire Shark, this one pushes the screen-filling chaos further. If you enjoy games like DoDonPachi or Battle Garegga, this is essential history to see where the genre's intensity started. It's challenging but fair, and the pixel art and music still hold up.
How to Play Batsugun (set 2) Online
Getting Started
When you first start Batsugun, you will likely be at a title screen. Press Enter (Start) to see the demo or insert a virtual coin using the appropriate key (press 5 or 6 depending on emulator setup, but here typically V is Select and Enter is Start). After pressing Start, you will see a screen to choose your pilot and jet. Use the arrow keys to highlight and press X to confirm.
Once in the game, your ship moves with the arrow keys. The S button fires your main weapon, and X uses a bomb (if you have one). Enemies attack from above and the sides. Collect the colored power-up orbs that drop from enemies to upgrade your shot. The core loop: dodge bullets, shoot everything, use bombs when overwhelmed, and defeat the mid-boss and end-boss at the end of each stage.
If you are playing a Japanese version, the menus and text will be in Japanese. The pilot select screen shows six portraits; you can just pick any by moving left/right and pressing X. There is no English option in the original arcade release, but the gameplay is straightforward and language isn't required to play. Focus on learning the bullet patterns and you will improve over time.
Batsugun (set 2) 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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