Truxton
Fight the Gidan Invasion
Step into the cockpit of the Super Fighter and take on the alien Gidan race in Truxton. This is a fast-paced, vertically scrolling shooter where your main goal is simple: fly upward, destroy everything that moves, and reach the top of each stage to face a massive boss. The game puts you in the pilot seat of Tatsuo, a human fighter battling against an overwhelming alien force led by the formidable Dogurava.
The action is relentless from the moment you start. You will be dodging dense patterns of enemy fire while trying to keep your ship moving forward. The screen fills with projectiles, making positioning and timing crucial. It is not enough to just shoot; you must weave through the chaos to survive long enough to upgrade your arsenal.
One of the most satisfying parts of Truxton is its power-up system. As you destroy enemies, they drop 'P' icons that increase your weapon's level. You start with a basic shot, but as you collect more items, your firepower grows significantly. The game features three distinct weapon types: Power Shot (red), Sun-Laser (green), and Tatsujin-Beam (blue). Each type behaves differently, allowing you to adapt your strategy based on the situation. Red shots are straightforward and powerful, green lasers can home in on targets, and blue beams offer a wide spread for clearing groups of enemies.
Managing these weapons is key to success. You can switch between them during gameplay, but each type has its own upgrade path. Collecting 'P' icons for a specific weapon makes it stronger and more effective against tougher foes. However, there is a limit to how much you can upgrade, so knowing when to stick with your current loadout versus switching to a new one is an important decision. If you die, you lose your progress on the current weapon type, forcing you to rebuild your power from scratch.
The game also includes a checkpoint system that saves you from starting every stage over again if you are defeated. When you lose a life, you respawn at the last checkpoint rather than the beginning of the level. This allows you to focus on surviving the immediate threats in the middle of the stage rather than replaying the easier parts at the start. It is a helpful feature that keeps the momentum going during intense sessions.
At the end of each stage, you will encounter a boss battle. These encounters are designed to test everything you have learned about dodging and shooting. Bosses like Borogo launch screen-filling lightning attacks and other massive patterns that require precise movement to avoid. You must target their weak points while simultaneously dealing with any smaller enemies that appear to protect them. The difficulty ramps up significantly here, and one mistake can cost you a life.
The original arcade version of Truxton is known for its high difficulty and looping structure. After completing the game, it loops back to the first stage but with increased enemy density and faster attack patterns. This adds a layer of challenge that rewards skilled players who want to test their limits. The game was later ported to various systems, including the Sega Genesis, where it was adapted for portrait mode play, but the core experience remains focused on intense, vertical combat.
Playing Truxton feels like a battle of attrition. You are constantly under pressure, with enemies closing in from all sides. The visual style is vibrant and chaotic, emphasizing the scale of the alien invasion. The sound effects add to the intensity, with distinct audio cues for weapon upgrades and enemy destruction that help you stay aware of your progress.
For those who enjoy classic arcade shooters, Truxton offers a rewarding challenge. It requires quick reflexes, strategic planning, and the ability to stay calm under fire. The combination of three weapon types, the power-up system, and the punishing boss battles creates a gameplay loop that is both frustrating and deeply satisfying to master. If you are looking for a game that demands precision and offers a clear sense of progression through upgrades, this title delivers exactly that. You can also try more Arcade games from the same system.