Blazing Lazers
| Blazing Lazers | |
|---|---|
| Blazing Lazers | |
| Developer(s) | Hudson Soft, Compile |
| Publisher(s) | NEC |
| Platform(s) | TurboGrafx-16, Virtual Console |
| Release | US 1989 JP July 7, 1989 |
| Genre(s) | Shoot' em up |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Blazing Lazers (Gunhed in Japan) is a space shooter video game created in 1989 by Hudson Soft and developed by Compile for the TurboGrafx-16 gaming console. It is based on the Japanese film Gunhed (though this is only referenced in the Japanese version), and features a ship set out to destroy the enemy space-fleets armada. The game was released on the Wii's Virtual Console on 21 May 2007 in the US[1], and was released in Europe for the first time on May 25.
Gameplay
The game features 9 areas of non-stop space shooting action. There are 4 main weapon types and each type can be upgraded many levels for maximized visual effects and damage. On top of the main weapons there are additional powerups to enhance firepower. On average a player can pick up a new weapon upgrade every 5 to 10 seconds.
Weaponry
Blazing Lazers features 4 different types of main weapon, plus other specialty weapons to enhance each weapons ability.
Basic weapons
| Weapon | Number | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Photon Blaster | I | This is the main weapon you start off with. You begin the game with a single shot, and eventually upgrade to a 5-way shot at full power. |
| Deceptor Wave | II | Otherwise known to most people as Moon Beams because of the shape of the projectile. Does extensive damage in some areas. |
| Field Thunder | III | This is your lazer in the game. Each upgrade changes the shape of the lazer until you get the "Lazer Tree" at full power. |
| Ring Blaster | IV | Not the most powerful of weapons, but effective in some areas. Projectiles only come in double shot, but the rings upgrade in spinning motion as you upgrade. |
Specialty weapons
S - Shield
Basically does what it claims to do: shield you from harm. This is a timed item, you can have it for a certain period of time. Be careful, if you get hit too much, it will diminish sooner.
F - Fullfire
Enhances your current weapon to do more damage.
H - Homing Missiles
Adds Homing missiles to your arsonal. These can be upgraded each time you receive another "H" power-up:
- 1) Slow speed, not very perceptive
- 2) Medium speed, wobbles a bit, but is better at finding target.
- 3) Fast speed, finds target immediately, explodes on impact. (helps in getting more power-ups)
- 4) Full power, has better endurance, does slightly more damage.
If you combine Photon Blasters (I) with Homing Missiles, 8 will shoot out at one time. Combined with other weapons, only 4 shoot out at one time.
M - Multi-Body
Gives you a little more firepower on the side to help you out. Each upgrade of your weapon spreads them out a bit more. These can also be upgraded:
- 1) One multi-body
- 2) Two multi-bodies
- 3) Shielding which absorbs enemy fire. Turns green. Lasts for a period of time.
Areas
There are 9 Areas in the game. Although these are not official names, they are really general descriptions.
- Area 1 - Enemy Base
- Area 2 - Enemy Space Station
- Area 3 - Power Zone
- Area 4 - Belly of the Beast
- Area 5 - The Far Desert
- Area 6 - Ice Zone
- Area 7 - Enemy Base II
- Area 8 - Bubbleland
- Area 9 - Inside the Enemy Ship (Final Level)
Reaction
In 1989, several magazines gave Blazing Lazers very high ratings. It was generally considered by critics to be the best shooter released on any console system that year. [citation needed]
Screenshots
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Opening leading to title screen
-
Area-1 with Ring Blaster (IV) at level 4 and Fullfire (F)
-
Area-1 with Field Thunder (III) at level 3 and Homing Missiles (H)
References
- ^ Titles > Virtual Console (Hudson Soft)