Zed Blade / Operation Ragnarok

Zed Blade, also known as Operation Ragnarok, is a classic horizontal scrolling shoot 'em up (shmup) released for the arcade system. The most distinctive feature of this game is its unique ship customization system, allowing players to create their own distinct combat style.

Before starting each stage, players can choose three different types of weapons for their ship: a main weapon, two sub-weapons, and a rear weapon. The combination of these weapon types allows for countless strategies. For instance, the main weapon is typically a forward-firing gun with variations like lasers, spread shots, or piercing bullets. Sub-weapons can include supportive satellites, homing missiles, or defensive shields. Meanwhile, the rear weapon helps protect the player from unexpected enemies from behind, a relatively rare feature in shmup games of its era.

During gameplay, players will collect power-up items from defeated enemies or special containers. These items can upgrade the firepower of current weapons, increase the ship's movement speed, or provide other special abilities. Each stage is designed with a diverse array of enemies, from small fighters to massive war machines and challenging end-of-stage bosses, each with their unique attack patterns and weak points.

The gameplay of Zed Blade demands quick reflexes and the ability to dodge dense bullet patterns (bullet hell). The game's pixel art graphics are highly detailed and vibrant, creating an engaging sci-fi world. The in-game music is also energetic and perfectly matches the fast pace of the battles, contributing to a thrilling and captivating arcade experience.