Summary

• Release Year: 1990
• Genres: Shooter, Simulator
• Platforms: Arcade, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
• Developers: Kaneko
• Publishers: Kaneko, Tec Toy

Air Buster: A Scrolling Shoot ‘Em Up With a Unique Twist

Released in 1990, Air Buster is a vertically-scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game developed by Psikyo and published by SNK. It is notable for its two-player simultaneous action, which is a relatively unique twist on the genre.

Gameplay

Air Buster is a classic scrolling shoot ’em up in the vein of R-Type, Gradius, and Truxton. The player controls a ship that flies through a series of levels, shooting down waves of enemies and dodging obstacles. The game features a variety of power-ups that can be collected to enhance the player’s ship, including lasers, missiles, and bombs.

One of the unique features of Air Buster is its two-player simultaneous action. This allows two players to team up and play through the game together. Each player controls their own ship, and they can work together to defeat enemies and progress through the levels.

Plot

The story of Air Buster is set in a distant future where the Earth is under attack by an alien invasion. The player takes control of a pilot who must fight their way through the alien hordes and defeat their leader, the evil Emperor Zarg.

Graphics and Sound

Air Buster features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The levels are varied and interesting, and the enemies are well-designed. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the excitement of the gameplay.

Controls

Air Buster is controlled with an eight-way joystick and two buttons. The joystick is used to move the ship, and the buttons are used to fire and drop bombs. The controls are simple and responsive, making the game easy to pick up and play.

Difficulty

Air Buster is a challenging game, but it is fair. The difficulty ramps up gradually, and the player is given plenty of opportunities to learn the game’s mechanics and improve their skills. The game also features a variety of difficulty settings, so players of all skill levels can enjoy it.

Reception

Air Buster was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game was also a hit with arcade-goers, and it remains popular among fans of the shoot ’em up genre today.

Legacy

Air Buster is considered to be one of the best scrolling shoot ’em ups of all time. It has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Neo Geo, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn. The game has also been included in several compilations of classic arcade games.

Conclusion

Air Buster is a classic scrolling shoot ’em up that is still enjoyable today. The game’s two-player simultaneous action is a unique twist on the genre, and it adds a lot of replay value. If you are a fan of shoot ’em ups, then you owe it to yourself to check out Air Buster.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots