Ah, it’s great to finally sit down and play some Twin Cobra after reading about it in the latest game magazines. I’ve been really looking forward to testing out this helicopter shooter. So, let’s dive into it. The cover art alone had me sold; it screams arcade action.

Absolutely! The arcade vibes really shine through on this one. The vertical scrolling is smooth, and I appreciate the variety of enemies – small helicopters, tanks, and those pesky stationary guns. It’s challenging but not overwhelming. Did you know this was developed by Toaplan? They’re really making a name for themselves in the shoot-em-up scene.

Indeed, Toaplan’s work is becoming quite impressive. It strikes a balance between difficulty and fun. The power-ups are really clever; I particularly like the red wide forward laser shot. I think it’s the most effective for clearing out waves of enemies quickly. What’s your favorite weapon color?

I have to say, I am partial to the green continuous forward laser shot. It feels like it gives me better control over precise hits, which is crucial when avoiding those intricate enemy patterns. And speaking of the game mechanics, I’ve read that using the bombs wisely can really save you in tight spots. You’ve only got a limited number of them, but they clear the screen when used.

Exactly. Managing those bombs is vital, especially in later levels. In terms of tech, did you notice how responsive the controls are? There’s hardly any lag, which is fantastic. Also, the soundtrack is quite catchy, it keeps you pumped up throughout the gameplay. The NES might not compare to the original arcade hardware, but it holds up quite well.

Oh yes, the music is quite motivating! And I agree, the NES port holds its ground. Speaking of the arcade, back in Japan, Toaplan originally titled this Kyukyoku Tiger. I think Twin Cobra has a better ring to it, don’t you think?

Definitely. The title has that punch to it. And as for the endgame, spoiler alert for anyone who hasn’t reached the final boss – the challenge spikes dramatically. Commander Anziga’s forces get quite intense. The last boss is a hulking mega-helicopter with all kinds of tricky attack patterns. It took us a few attempts, but we managed to find the right strategy.

Right! The trick was to stay calm and keep an eye on his attack patterns. It was so satisfying to finally see that explosion and land on the final carrier ship. Though, I won’t lie – I expected a bit more from the ending. It was a bit abrupt after all that buildup.

I know what you mean. But considering the time, it’s not uncommon for games to wrap up swiftly once the main challenge is over. It’s still exhilarating to finish. And hey, did you see the bonus calculation screen? Scoring those extra points feels like a real accomplishment.

Yes! It adds a nice competitive edge, especially for high-score chasers. A little piece of info – one of the game tips I found mentions focusing on collecting the yellow four-way shot power-up in tighter spots. It can handle enemies coming from multiple directions efficiently. Also, always stay on the move; it’s easier to dodge enemy fire that way.

Solid advice. I can see why this game has grabbed the attention of many. It’s a solid entry for any NES library, especially for SHMUP enthusiasts. Maybe not groundbreaking, but definitely worth playing.

Agreed. It’s been a blast playing through it with you. Let’s see what other hidden gems we can uncover next!

more info and data provided by mobyGames.com