GunHeD [Model HC89019]

GunHeD © 1989 Hudson Soft.

Gunhed is a vertical shooter co-developed by Compile and Hudson Soft. It is loosely based on a Japanese feature film of the same name originally released in 1989 (they however share little in common). The Dark Squadron forces are poised to take over the galaxy, and eight of their deadliest weapons must be destroyed in order to thwart the interplanetary invasion plot. The player pilots the Gunhed, a powerful space-fighter, and flies his way through nine massive areas, from a huge space station to organic tunnels and other odd alien worlds. Gunhed offers vast levels, most of them featuring middle-bosses as well as bosses. To succeed in his mission, the player has access to a vast array of weapons. A lot of weapons. Four main weapons are available throughout the game - Photon Blasters (I), Disrupt Wave (II), Field Thunder (III), and Ring Blaster (IV). Each weapon (I to IV) also comes with several levels of power upgrades, which can be powered-up by collecting the same weapon-icon several times, or by collecting purple floating orbs left behind by defeated enemies and power pods. Then secondary weapons or special abilities can also be equipped along the way - floating F icons (Full Fire) increase the power of the active weapon, Multi-bodies serve as support options/satellites and fly alongside the ship, Homing missiles spread out and attack nearby enemies, and Shields protect the player against enemy attacks. Finally, in case of extreme emergency, the ship has a stock of powerful bombs than can clean up most of the enemies on screen.