Salamander

The game uses alternating side-scrolling and top-down style stages, with one or two players piloting Vic Viper or Lord British. Destroy enemies to collect power-up capsules that improve firepower and defensive options, then use those upgrades to survive dense enemy waves, terrain hazards, and boss encounters. Stage progression is linear, with each area demanding careful movement, shot management, and memorization of enemy patterns and environmental traps.

Vic Viper

The iconic Konami fighter often chosen by the player as the main combat ship.

Lord British

An alternate player ship available alongside Vic Viper, especially for cooperative play.

Try to keep a steady upgrade flow and avoid reckless deaths, since losing power can make recovery difficult. Learn the layout of each stage so you can anticipate enemy spawns and environmental traps. In co-op, coordinate movement to reduce screen clutter and make boss fights safer. Against bosses, focus on weak points while staying mobile and preserving a safe escape route.

Tips and tricks

• Learning stage layouts matters more than chasing raw firepower.
• Stay near the center lane in narrow sections whenever possible.
• Protecting your key upgrades greatly improves survivability.