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Dead Moon

TurboGrafx-16

TurboGrafx-16

Alpha 27, the one planet in the galaxy that is fit for human habitation. For many years, the space observation system here was used for a wide range of research. One day, horrifying news arrived- a giant comet was hurtling toward the solar system, on its present course, it was going to colide wit...

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Developer
Zap

Released on
1991

Size
1 Player

Version
TurboGrafx-16

Requirements
NEC TurboGrafx-16

Downloads
Shooter

Publisher
Natsume

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Alpha 27, the one planet in the galaxy that is fit for human habitation. For many years, the space observation system here was used for a wide range of research. One day, horrifying news arrived- a giant comet was hurtling toward the solar system, on its present course, it was going to colide with the moon. and then….Nothing! For some strange reason the humans and the moon seemed completely unaffected. The humans were unaware that a new nightmare had already begun. The giant comet had changed shape- it was not a comet at all, it was an alien mothership!

Dead Moon

Overview & History

Released by Taito in 1991 for the TurboGrafx-16, Dead Moon (subtitled *Dead Moon: The Seizure* in North America) is a vertically scrolling sci-fi shoot 'em up that stands out for its oppressive, cosmic-horror atmosphere. Set in the late 22nd century, the game’s storyline kicks off when a colossal, rogue celestial body—effectively a hollow, alien-infested dreadnought disguised as a dead moon—suddenly alters its trajectory to obliterate Earth. With humanity's planetary defense grid failing, the global government deploys two experimental interceptor starfighters, the Orion and the Uranus, to breach the artificial moon’s superstructure and neutralize the planetary core. Unlike the brightly colored, whimsical shooters prevalent on the platform, *Dead Moon* delivers a grim, industrial aesthetic featuring biomechanical corridors, decaying organic walls, and metallic horrors. It is particularly renowned for its heavy metal-infused soundtrack and its dramatic, cinematic scene transitions that break up the unrelenting bullet-hell onslaught.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core gameplay of *Dead Moon* centers on an intuitive power-up system that encourages aggressive offense. Players collect floating energy pods dropped by specialized enemy units to upgrade their primary forward blasters, while simultaneously acquiring secondary orbital option modules that cover blind spots and increase defensive firepower. Uniquely, the game introduces a dynamic directional weapon-focus mechanic: players can hold specific buttons to lock their peripheral options forward for concentrated boss damage or spread them outward to sweep the screen of swarming insectoid foes. Across its six grueling stages, the action shifts seamlessly from the fractured, meteor-strewn surface of the dead moon deep into its pulsating, fleshy subterranean catacombs. Boss encounters are multi-tiered endurance tests featuring screen-filling abominations that morph through distinct anatomical phases, demanding precise twitch-reflex dodging through dense geometric bullet patterns.