Players advance through five missions in a side-scrolling format, using firearms, melee knife attacks, grenades, and rescued weapon upgrades to survive waves of soldiers, vehicles, and bosses. Vehicle-based Slugs such as tanks and other special machines add firepower and temporary protection. The game emphasizes quick reactions, enemy pattern recognition, and checkpoint-based progression after losing a life. New to this entry are branching situations, more elaborate stage events, and transformation states that change how the character behaves.

Marco Rossi

A regular army soldier and one of the series' core protagonists.

Tarma Roving

Marco's fellow soldier, known for agile combat and steady support.

Eri Kasamoto

A new playable character added in this installment.

Fio Germi

A new playable character added in this installment.

Keep moving and avoid getting trapped in narrow spaces. Use heavier weapons to clear dense enemy groups and save strong firepower for bosses. Rescue prisoners whenever possible, since they often grant useful weapons or points. Learn when to stay in a Slug vehicle and when to abandon it before it is destroyed. If you become a zombie, look for a cure quickly, because the altered controls and attack behavior can put you at a big disadvantage.

Tips

Memorize enemy spawn points to control space before waves appear.

Tips

Do not rush pickups if your current position is unsafe.

Tips

Against bosses, focus first on the parts that spawn extra enemies or bullets.

User Reviews

A landmark arcade run-and-gun with excellent pacing and spectacular effects.

User Reviews

The expanded roster and vehicles make it richer, though also more chaotic and difficult.

User Reviews

Its pixel animation and explosions remain among the best in the genre.