Thunder Cross (Machine type: Arcade)
1Thunder Cross is a horizontally scrolling shoot ’em up game developed and released by Konami for arcades in 1988. It became a cult classic among fans of the genre for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and distinctive weapon upgrade system.
Here are some key points about Thunder Cross:
• Gameplay: The player controls a futuristic spacecraft, moving through various stages filled with enemy ships, obstacles, and bosses. The objective is to shoot down enemies, avoid incoming fire, and defeat the end-level bosses. Power-ups enhance the player’s firepower, adding options like drones that follow the ship and improve offensive capabilities.
• Power-Up System: One of the standout features is its “option” system. The player’s ship is accompanied by small satellite drones (called “options”) that mirror the player’s fire. The more options a player collects, the more firepower they unleash. This system was later refined and seen in other Konami shooters, like Gradius and Salamander.
• Graphics and Sound: For its time, Thunder Cross had colorful, vibrant graphics, detailed backgrounds, and a catchy soundtrack typical of Konami’s arcade games in the late ’80s. The graphics and overall aesthetic made it feel futuristic and sleek, contributing to its appeal.
• Legacy: Thunder Cross received a sequel, Thunder Cross II, in 1991, and both games have been featured in various Konami collections over the years. The original game was also ported to home systems like the PC Engine.
Its mixture of tight gameplay, memorable power-up system, and solid presentation helped it earn a place as a memorable classic in the shoot ’em up genre.
Critics:
Power Play - 62%
Released: 1988
Machine type: Arcade
Original System: Arcade
Developer: Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Published by: Konami Industry Co. Ltd.
Genre: Action, Shooter
Setting: Sci-fi / futuristic
Soft Technicians: Kalcium Wada
Sound Design: Junichiro Kaneda
Set Visual Artist: M. Sunachan
Japanese spelling: サンダークロス
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#retrogaming
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