Batsugun is a 1993 vertical scrolling arcade shooter by Toaplan. Widely regarded as the pioneer of the “bullet hell” subgenre, the game shifted away from the traditional fast, aimed attacks of older shooters in favor of overwhelming, intricate patterns of projectiles. Players choose from different pilots and ships, battling through intense stages while leveling up their weapons by collecting experience points from defeated enemies.
How to Play
The objective is to survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies and defeat the boss at the end of each stage. Use the D-pad or arrow keys to move your ship. Press the primary action button (usually Z or X on the keyboard) to fire your main weapon, and use the secondary button to unleash a powerful screen-clearing bomb. You can insert virtual coins with Shift and start the game with Enter.
Tips
- Watch your hitbox: Your ship’s vulnerable area is much smaller than its sprite. Focus on the very center of your craft when weaving through dense bullet patterns.
- Level up quickly: Weapons become significantly stronger as you gain experience points; try to maximize your firepower early on.
- Bomb for survival: Don’t hesitate to use your bombs if you are cornered. Surviving a tricky pattern is always better than losing a life with bombs in stock.
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