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Macross Plus

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Macross Plus is a 2D vertically scrolling shooter, based on the Macross anime. The player can choose one from 3 characters: Isamu Dyson in his YF-19, Guld Bowman in his YF-21, and an unnamed female pilot in the VF-11. Gameplay is very straightforward - player flies forward and shoot enemies. He h...

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Developer
Moss

Released on
1997

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Shooter

Publisher
Banpresto

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

Macross Plus is a 2D vertically scrolling shooter, based on the Macross anime. The player can choose one from 3 characters: Isamu Dyson in his YF-19, Guld Bowman in his YF-21, and an unnamed female pilot in the VF-11. Gameplay is very straightforward – player flies forward and shoot enemies. He has gun, bombs and missiles (press shot to release missile attack – they have special homing system). The player can collect power-ups dropped by special enemies.

Macross Plus

Overview & History

Developed by Banpresto and released in Japanese arcades in 1996, Macross Plus is a vertical and pseudo-3D scrolling shoot-'em-up based on the iconic cyberpunk anime OVA of the same name. Set on the colonial planet Eden in 2040, the game immerses players in the bitter rivalry between test pilots Isamu Dyson and Guld Bowman as they compete to win the Project Super Nova contract, all while the sentient AI singer Sharon Apple goes rogue and threatens the Macross City populace. Unlike standard sci-fi shmup titles, this arcade adaptation captures the intricate mecha lore by allowing players to seamlessly alternate between three distinct transformation states: the agile Fighter mode for high-speed evasion, the hybrid Gerwalk mode for multi-directional firing arcs, and the heavy-hitting Battroid mode for precise melee strikes and micro-missile barrages. The game's presentation stands out with authentic anime cutscenes, frantic dogfights against enemy Ghost drones, and an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack featuring compositions from the original anime.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core mechanics revolve around managing the dynamic variable fighter transformation system. Players pilot either the YF-19 or the YF-21, each featuring unique weapon handling and transformation handling. The combat loop requires tactical weapon switching: standard vulcan guns for small swarms, lock-on multi-missile launchers for clustered targets, and energy beams for armored bosses. A standout feature is the "Over Boost" meter, which grants temporary invulnerability and enhanced firepower at the risk of overheating. Boss encounters recreate iconic duels from the series, requiring players to dodge high-speed beam attacks while closing the distance for devastating close-quarters combat combos in Battroid mode. The scoring system rewards accuracy, continuous target locking, and minimal damage taken, ensuring high replayability for score-chasers in the arcade scene.