Batsugun (Special Ver.)
What is Batsugun (Special Ver.)?
Batsugun is a 1993 arcade shooter from Toaplan, the final shoot 'em up the developer made before closing. It's a vertically scrolling bullet hell game that originally hit Japanese arcades and later saw European distribution through Taito. The Special Ver. is a revised version that tweaked some balance and gameplay elements, though exact changes aren't widely documented.
You control one of six pilots from the Skull Hornets squadron, piloting submersible jets that fly over a distant Earth-like planet. The goal is to take down King Renoselva A. Gladebaran VII's invading forces. The gameplay is fast paced, with you dodging dense patterns of enemy bullets while shooting down waves of foes. Power-ups improve your weaponry, and scoring involves collecting items and chaining kills.
Batsugun holds a special place in shooting game history as Toaplan's swan song and a pioneer of the bullet hell genre. The Special Ver. refines the original's challenge, making it a solid choice for fans of vertical shooters. It's less known than later danmaku games but has a dedicated following among retro enthusiasts.
How to Play Batsugun (Special Ver.) Online
When you start Batsugun (Special Ver.), you'll be at the title screen. Press the Start button (Enter) to begin. Since this is a Japanese arcade game, the menus are in Japanese, but the basic flow is straightforward. The first thing you'll do is choose your pilot and submersible jet, though the differences are minimal.
The core loop is simple: survive by shooting everything that moves and dodging bullets. Your standard shot is weak, so collect power-ups (usually dropped by enemies) to increase your firepower. Bombs are available to clear the screen in emergencies. The game ramps up quickly, with bullet patterns becoming denser.
One key aspect is the scoring system. You want to collect medals and defeat enemies in quick succession to maintain a combo. The Special Ver. may have adjusted difficulty or scoring. Don't be afraid to use continues if needed; practicing stages is part of the fun.
Batsugun (Special Ver.) 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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