Released by Konami in 1986, Top Gunner is a classic arcade run-and-gun shooter that challenges players to infiltrate enemy territory in an armed jeep. Better known internationally as Jackal, this specific North American release features a standard 8-way joystick control scheme as you blast through heavily guarded compounds to rescue stranded prisoners of war.
How to Play
Your objective is to drive through hostile terrain, blast open POW camps, and safely transport the prisoners to extraction helicopters at the end of each stage. Use the Arrow keys to steer your jeep. The machine gun always fires straight up the screen using the Z key, while grenades are launched in the direction your jeep is facing using the X key. Press Shift to insert coins and Enter to start.
Gameplay Tips
Focus on upgrading your grenade launcher early by rescuing the flashing POWs; this expands your blast radius and eventually turns your grenades into powerful, long-range missiles. Because your machine gun only fires upwards, mastering the ability to drive sideways while shooting is essential for safely taking out enemy tanks and turrets.
Leave a Comment / Review: