Based on the classic 1960s British television series, Thunderbirds is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up released for the NES in 1990. Originally developed by Pack-In-Video and published by Activision in North America, the game puts you in control of the Tracy family’s iconic futuristic vehicles. Instead of a straightforward arcade shooter, you are tasked with navigating various non-linear stages to neutralize meteors and threats from your nemesis, The Hood, all within a strict 60-day in-game time limit.
How to Play
Your objective is to complete all stages before the 60-day global time limit expires. You pilot your craft through waves of enemy ships and tanks, gathering weapon upgrades and option pods along the way. In the browser emulator, use the Arrow Keys to move your ship. Press Z and X to fire weapons (mapping to the NES A and B buttons), and use Enter and Shift for Start and Select.
Tips
- Watch the calendar: The game does not use a traditional lives system. If your ship is destroyed, it takes three days to repair, which eats into your 60-day limit. Prioritize dodging over aggressive attacks.
- Pick your battles: Because stage progression is non-linear, you can choose the order in which you tackle missions. If you are struggling with a specific area, try another stage first.
Leave a Comment / Review: