Gyruss is a classic tube-style space shoot ’em up released for the NES in 1989 by Konami. Expanding on the arcade original, the game puts you in a ship traveling across the solar system toward Earth with a unique twist: instead of moving side-to-side, your ship revolves around the perimeter of the screen firing inward at enemies emerging from the center. It combines the circular movement of Tempest with the enemy formations of Galaga, set to a memorable chiptune arrangement of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.
How to Play
The objective is to clear waves of enemy formations to reach the next planet in the solar system. Use the D-pad (mapped to the arrow keys in your browser) to steer your ship in a circle around the screen, and press A or B (Z or X on your keyboard) to shoot. Press Start (Enter) to begin.
Tips
- Prioritize destroying the sun-like twin satellites; shooting them drops a crucial power-up that doubles your ship’s firepower.
- Try to eliminate enemies while they are still swirling in the center. Once they reach the outer edge, their attack patterns become much more dangerous.
- The NES version adds boss fights at the end of planetary systemsโstay mobile and focus your fire when they appear.
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