Heavy Unit (TurboGrafx-16) Playthrough [4K]
2"Heavy Unit" originally hit arcades in 1988, developed by Kaneko and published by Taito. Its TurboGrafx-16 version arrived courtesy of Taito on December 22, 1989, followed by a Mega Drive adaptation titled "Heavy Unit: Mega Drive Special," released by Toho on December 26, 1990. Players assume control of a versatile starship capable of transforming into a formidable mecha by acquiring a specific power-up.
Set in the futuristic landscape of 2013, humanity's pinnacle achievement, the artificial star and planet known as "Le Tau," faces relentless assault from genetically engineered extraterrestrial creatures. Piloting the "Heavy Unit," a combat-ready transforming mecha, players embark on a mission to repel the alien invaders and safeguard the human colony. Players initially control the Heavy Unit in its default spaceship form. Advancing through the game allows for transformation into a powerful robot mode, altering firing mechanics and maneuverability.
Each level presents formidable mid-bosses and final bosses to challenge players' skills. Both spaceship and robot modes feature dual fire controls, one for primary frontal attacks and the other for auxiliary fire. Ship mode employs a laser gun that upgrades to a spread gun with power-ups, alongside missile bombs for auxiliary attacks. In robot mode, a potent frontal laser gun complements homing missiles for secondary strikes. Exploration can yield hidden bonuses, including extra lives, accessible by targeting specific environmental elements or persistent strikes against certain resilient foes.
Overall, "Heavy Unit" is a pretty mediocre shooter. While it offers entertainment, it falls short of being great. Its standout feature of transforming into a robot is dne better in other titles. Still, it's an enjoyable experience playing it.