Gunhed - Aratanaru Tatakai (Japan)

Gunhed - Aratanaru Tatakai is a classic vertical scrolling shooter (shmup) for the NES, developed by Compile, a studio renowned for its high-quality shooting games. In Gunhed, players pilot an advanced combat spaceship, navigating through environments teeming with enemies and obstacles, with the objective of annihilating an invading machine legion.

The gameplay of Gunhed focuses on dodging projectiles and destroying enemies. Players can collect power-up items to enhance their main and sub-weapons. The diverse weapon system is a highlight: players can switch between various gun types by collecting numbered weapon modules (from 1 to 8), each offering a unique firing pattern such as spread shot, laser, piercing rounds, or homing missiles. Additionally, collecting 'S' icons will increase the spaceship's movement speed, allowing for more agile dodging.

Beyond the main weapons, players also have a limited supply of bombs (often activated by 'B' icons or a dedicated button), capable of dealing massive area damage or clearing enemy projectiles from the screen. These bombs are invaluable in perilous situations or when confronting bosses. Each stage features a multitude of enemies appearing in distinct formations and attack patterns, demanding quick reflexes and sound strategy from the player.

At the end of each stage, players will confront a massive boss with intricate attack patterns, requiring mastery of weapon types and precise bomb usage to emerge victorious. The graphics and sound of Gunhed were highly regarded for an NES title of its era, delivering an immersive and thrilling combat experience.