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Beast Busters (Japan, Version 2)
About Beast Busters (Japan, Version 2)
Beast Busters is a rail shooter horror game from SNK, originally released for arcades in 1989. This specific build is labeled as Japan Version 2, which likely includes minor bug fixes or regional adjustments. It stands as an important milestone in arcade history, being the first light gun shooter to support three players simultaneously.
The player takes on the role of a character fighting through a zombie-infested city. Using a light gun (or mouse in emulation), you aim at enemies on screen and pull the trigger to shoot. The game scrolls automatically along a fixed path, forcing quick reactions. You can also dodge incoming projectiles by moving the crosshair away, though the core loop is shoot or be shot.
What makes Beast Busters worth revisiting is its place as the first three-player light gun shooter, paving the way for games like Operation Thunderbolt and House of the Dead. The horror theme with undead enemies and dark environments gives it a distinct atmosphere compared to contemporary gun games. It's a solid, if straightforward, arcade experience that showcases SNK's early foray into the genre.
The player takes on the role of a character fighting through a zombie-infested city. Using a light gun (or mouse in emulation), you aim at enemies on screen and pull the trigger to shoot. The game scrolls automatically along a fixed path, forcing quick reactions. You can also dodge incoming projectiles by moving the crosshair away, though the core loop is shoot or be shot.
What makes Beast Busters worth revisiting is its place as the first three-player light gun shooter, paving the way for games like Operation Thunderbolt and House of the Dead. The horror theme with undead enemies and dark environments gives it a distinct atmosphere compared to contemporary gun games. It's a solid, if straightforward, arcade experience that showcases SNK's early foray into the genre.
How to Play Beast Busters (Japan, Version 2) Online
To get started, insert a coin by pressing the key assigned to coin (usually 5 in EmulatorJS), then press the Start key (Enter). If you are using a mouse, the crosshair follows the cursor. Click the left mouse button or press the assigned fire key to shoot enemies. The game is on rails, meaning the screen scrolls automatically, and your only job is to aim and shoot as enemies appear.
Your health bar is at the bottom of the screen. Taking damage from enemy attacks reduces it, and if it reaches zero, you lose a life. You can find health pickups and extra lives by shooting certain objects or defeating specific enemies. Since this is the Japanese version, menus are in Japanese, but the title screen usually requires pressing Start to begin. The first stage throws zombies at you immediately, so keep your trigger finger ready. The game supports up to three players, so you can team up with friends for co-op action.
Beast Busters (Japan, Version 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Beast Busters?
SNK developed Beast Busters, releasing it for arcades in 1989.
Does Beast Busters have a multiplayer or co-op mode?
It supports up to three players simultaneously, making it the first light gun shooter to offer three-player co-op.
Is there anything iconic or memorable about Beast Busters?
Its claim to fame is being the first light gun shooter to allow three players to play together, and it was one of SNK's early ventures into horror-themed rail shooters.
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