Mystic Riders is a colorful 1992 arcade shoot ’em up developed by Irem. Unlike traditional sci-fi shooters of the era, you play as a witch or wizard riding a flying broomstick through whimsical, fantasy-themed stages. The game stands out with its unique mechanic that lets you throw your broomstick as a boomerang-like weapon to block projectiles and destroy enemies.
How to play
Your objective is to fly through each scrolling stage, defeating waves of enemies and a final boss. For the arcade controls in your browser, use the arrow keys to move your character. Press the Z key to fire your main magical attack, and use the X key to throw your broom forward to inflict heavy damage and absorb enemy bullets.
Tips
- Throwing your broom is highly effective for defense; use it to clear dense clusters of enemy bullets when you are cornered.
- You can still fire your standard weak shots while your broom is deployed, allowing you to keep attacking.
- Pay attention to power-ups, as upgrading your magic is essential for surviving the later, more difficult stages.

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