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Neo Geo AES

Pulstar

Neo Geo AES

Neo Geo AES

In the year 2248, the first recorded sign of extraterrestrial life was discovered coming from Mars. The signal emanated from the planet and from it an object travelled through space at light speed out of the Solar System. Earth scientists read the signal, but not knowing the nature of it, warned ...

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Developer
Aicom

Released on
1995

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Neo Geo AES

Requirements
SNK Neo Geo AES

Downloads
Shooter

Publisher
SNK

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Description

In the year 2248, the first recorded sign of extraterrestrial life was discovered coming from Mars. The signal emanated from the planet and from it an object travelled through space at light speed out of the Solar System. Earth scientists read the signal, but not knowing the nature of it, warned the world’s defenses in case aliens traced the signal and followed it to Earth with the intent to destroy.

Eight years later, aliens followed the signal to the Solar System and began attacking the human space craft awaiting them along Neptune’s orbit. The battle between the humans and aliens spread throughout the Solar System; within two years of combat Neptune was disintegrated, Jupiter was turned into a star and more than half of Earth’s continents sank from rising ocean levels and the planet’s changing axis as a result.

Kaoru Yamazaki, lone fighter pilot of the Dino-246, is one of the few survivors left of the Pulstar attack force founded to save the Solar System from the alien invaders; it is through her that mankind may have a chance to survive the alien menace.

Pulstar

Overview & History

Released by Aicom and SNK in 1995 for the Neo Geo AES, Pulstar is a visually breathtaking, relentlessly challenging side-scrolling shoot 'em up heavily inspired by *R-Type*. Set in the 22nd century, the storyline follows veteran pilot Lt. Kazuma as humanity fights a desperate war for survival against the invasive, biomechanical alien race known as the Dux. Aicom pushed the Neo Geo hardware to its absolute limits, delivering some of the most stunning pre-rendered 3D sprites and vibrant, detailed cosmic backgrounds ever seen on 16-bit hardware. Though punishingly difficult, it remains a cult-classic masterpiece of the genre.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Pulstar revolves around tactical positioning and the strategic management of its signature charging mechanic. Players pilot the CA-02 Pulstar fighter ship, navigating through eight stages filled with labyrinthine corridors and massive, screen-filling bosses. The core gameplay mechanic is the adjustable Option module attached to your ship, which absorbs enemy fire, powers up your base arsenal, and can be detached to pin down specific targets or unleash devastating localized barrages. Collecting crystals upgrades your weapon loadout between a wide spread, a penetrating laser, and homing missiles. Furthermore, holding down the attack button charges your weapon for a high-damage release, but timing this correctly is essential since overuse leaves you momentarily vulnerable in dense bullet-hell scenarios.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Navigate the CA-02 ship across the screen
Action Keys: Hold to charge weapon, tap to fire, and manage Option attachment
Enter: Start / Pause