Moon Cresta Bootleg Set 2 Bootleg is an unlicensed 1980 arcade copy of Nichibutsu’s original Moon Cresta, one of the earliest shoot ’em ups to let players merge multiple ships into one. Like the genuine release, it puts you in command of a three-stage vessel that grows more powerful, and more exposed, the longer you survive.
How to Play
You start out flying the small, agile Stage I ship armed with a single laser. Clear four waves of alien formations and you’ll trigger a timed docking sequence with the Stage II hull, adding two more cannons if you align the approach correctly. Two waves later, a second docking attempt attaches Stage III for five cannons total — your widest firepower, but also your biggest target. Survive eight waves in this state and the cycle restarts back at Stage I.
The original cabinet used a horizontal-only joystick and a single fire button, with up to two players taking alternating turns. In the browser, use the Left and Right arrow keys to move, Z or X to fire, Enter to start, and Shift to insert a coin.
Tips
- Weigh every docking attempt: A missed dock destroys the incoming ship stage outright, so only go for it when you can commit to lining up cleanly — a botched approach costs you the upgrade entirely, not just the bonus points.
- Play cautiously once fully docked: Five cannons make short work of formations, but the combined hull covers far more of the screen. Give yourself extra room to dodge once Stage III is attached.
- Enemies dive, not just descend: Alien waves break off in swooping arcs rather than straight lines, so lead your shots toward where a diving enemy is headed, not where it currently is.
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