Arrow Flash (Japan)
Inside Arrow Flash (Japan)
Arrow Flash is a side scrolling shooter for the SEGA Genesis, released in Japan in 1990. It was developed by Aicom and published by Sega, bringing a fast-paced space shoot 'em up to the console's early library. The Japanese version is the one you'll find on most retro game archives, and it's a solid example of the genre from that era.
You control a ship that can transform into a different form, giving you two distinct attack modes to switch between during combat. The game scrolls horizontally through space stages, with enemies and obstacles coming from the right side of the screen. Your goal is to blast through waves of foes, collect power-ups to upgrade your weapons, and survive until the stage boss. The transformation mechanic adds a tactical layer, as each form has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Arrow Flash isn't a groundbreaking title, but it's a competent and enjoyable shooter that fans of the genre will appreciate. The transforming gimmick sets it apart from more straightforward shooters of the time, and the action stays tight throughout. If you like classic Genesis shooters like Thunder Force or Darius, this one is worth a few credits. Just be prepared for some Japanese menus if you're playing the import.
How to Play Arrow Flash (Japan) Online
Getting Started
When you first boot up the Japanese version of Arrow Flash, you'll see a title screen with Japanese text. Press Start to move to the menu. Use the D-Pad to navigate and press the A button (X key) to confirm. You can select game mode - likely a single player story or score attack. The menus are minimal, so trial and error works fine.
Once in the game, you control your ship as it scrolls automatically to the right. Use the D-Pad to move in all directions. Press the B button (S key) to fire your weapon. You can also press the Y button (Z key) to transform your ship. Transforming changes your attack pattern and hitbox, so experiment with both forms to see what works best against different enemies.
Collect colored orbs dropped by enemies to power up your weapon. Your goal is to survive each stage and defeat the boss at the end. If you get hit, you lose a life and your power-ups reset. The game ends when you run out of lives, but you can continue. The Japanese text might make it a bit harder to navigate options, but the core gameplay is straightforward enough to enjoy right away.
Arrow Flash (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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