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Vulgus

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Vulgus was produced by Capcom in 1984. Vulgus is a 2D vertical-scrolling shooter game in space and Capcom's first video game. The player controls a typical spaceship. He has one single objective: he must destroy incoming enemies. The spaceship has two weapons - primary gun with infinite ammo a...

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Developer
Capcom

Released on
1984

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Shooter

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Vulgus was produced by Capcom in 1984.

Vulgus is a 2D vertical-scrolling shooter game in space and Capcom’s first video game. The player controls a typical spaceship. He has one single objective: he must destroy incoming enemies. The spaceship has two weapons – primary gun with infinite ammo and a bombs (very limited ammo). Game has no “end” – so “surface of a planet” and a “space field” backgrounds repeat with increased difficulty until the player has lost three lives (on its default setting).

Vulgus

Overview & History

Released by Capcom in 1984, Vulgus holds a monumental place in gaming history as the company's very first vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up. Designed by Tokuro Fujiwara before he went on to create iconic franchises like Ghosts 'n Goblins, this classic coin-op introduces players to a relentless alien invasion. The narrative is straightforward yet brutal: piloting a futuristic starfighter, you must penetrate hostile extraterrestrial space fleets, navigate treacherous organic and mechanical terrain, and survive wave after wave of insectoid and mechanical aggressors to save the galaxy from total annihilation.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Vulgus distinguishes itself through intense, twitch-reaction gameplay and unique scoring mechanics. Unlike later shooters, players must contend with both airborne alien armadas and ground-based turret installations. A signature mechanic of the game is the POW rescue system; by shooting specific floating containers, players collect power-up icons that temporarily upgrade their firepower, grant bonus points, or award extra lives. The difficulty ramps up aggressively across its looping stages, demanding absolute memorization of enemy spawn patterns and precise positioning to survive the labyrinthine alien motherships.