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Twin Hawk

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Arcade

Twin Hawk resembles other shooters of the time, specifically Toaplan's earlier game, Flying Shark. Also like Toaplan's other games, there were various differences between the Japanese version and other versions, including a checkpoint system and higher difficulty for the former. Unusually, the ga...

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Developer
ToaPlan

Released on
1989

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Shooter

Publisher
Taito

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

Twin Hawk resembles other shooters of the time, specifically Toaplan’s earlier game, Flying Shark. Also like Toaplan’s other games, there were various differences between the Japanese version and other versions, including a checkpoint system and higher difficulty for the former. Unusually, the game contains no flying enemies; thus, a complete lack of physical obstructions and a stronger focus on the numbers and speed of ground forces.

Twin Hawk

Overview & History

Released by Toaplan in 1989, Twin Hawk (known as Daisenpu in Japan) is a vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up that stands out in a crowded genre by trading futuristic sci-fi tropes for an alternate-history, dieselpunk military conflict. Set in a war-torn fictional European landscape during the 1930s, the storyline follows the heroic pilot Dholen as he flies the experimental twin-propeller fighter plane, the Stolbird. Tasked with single-handedly dismantling the tyrannical oppressive regime of the Daher Empire, players embark on a grueling campaign across rural villages, heavily fortified military bases, and sprawling aerial fortresses. Unlike Toaplan’s more aggressive space shooters like Truxton, Twin Hawk adopts a distinctively grounded, nostalgic aesthetic, complemented by an unforgettable, triumphant marching soundtrack that pushes players forward through relentless waves of enemy tanks, artillery trucks, and rival biplanes.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Twin Hawk is famous for introducing a massive support squadron mechanic that predates many modern bullet-hell options. Instead of relying solely on power-ups for your main forward-firing cannons, players can collect specific icons to summon a pair of loyal wingmen. These wingmen not only add extra firepower to your standard shots, but they also serve as a literal shield against incoming enemy bullets. Furthermore, the game features a devastating smart bomb mechanic: triggering a bomb doesn't just clear the screen of standard enemies—it orders your squadron to execute a kamikaze dive-bomb attack directly into the heart of the enemy formation, causing massive localized destruction. Maneuverability is swift, requiring players to weave tight patterns through intricate bullet spreads while rescuing captured prisoners of war scattered across the terrain for extra point bonuses and tactical upgrades.