Lifeforce Us is the 1986 North American arcade release of Konami’s classic shoot ’em up, originally known as Salamander. Set inside a colossal, biomechanical alien organism, players navigate alternating horizontal and vertical scrolling stages to battle visceral, fleshy monstrosities. This version distinguishes itself from the core Gradius series with its striking organic aesthetic, synthesized voiceovers, and the ability for two players to play cooperatively.
How to Play
Pilot your starfighter through the Zelos organism’s body, surviving waves of biological threats and defeating the boss at the end of each stage. Unlike Gradius, power-ups in this version do not use a selection bar; instead, you collect weapon upgrades like lasers, missiles, and force fields instantly when they drop from defeated enemies. In the browser, use the Arrow keys to move, Z or X to fire your primary weapons and missiles, and Enter to start or insert a coin.
Tips
- The Ripple Laser is incredibly effective in the enclosed biological stages; its expanding rings cover a wide area and can easily clear out swarms of smaller enemies.
- Pay close attention to the environment in the vertical stages. The fast-growing cellular tissue can quickly close off your path and crush your ship, so be prepared to blast through it or maneuver carefully.
- If you lose a life, your ship’s Options (the glowing orbs that follow you and provide extra firepower) will float away. Try to grab them quickly before they leave the screen to regain your offensive strength.
Leave a Comment / Review: