Alien Syndrome (set 4, System 16B, unprotected)

In Sega’s 1987 maze shooter, Alien Syndrome, players take on the roles of soldiers Ricky and Mary as they navigate sprawling, overhead environments overrun by hostile aliens who have taken human captives. The goal is to rescue these hostages, triggering an exit that leads to a challenging boss encounter at the end of each stage. A constantly ticking timer adds urgency; failure to clear a level before time expires results in character defeat. Gameplay centers around eight-way movement and shooting, with opportunities to discover weapon upgrades and maps hidden within accessible compartments. Players can team up for cooperative play, tackling the six main stages plus a final confrontation against a massive guardian. The game's demanding structure and detailed environments create a tense and engaging experience that rewards strategic planning and quick reflexes as players strive to save humanity from an alien invasion.