Ashura Blaster (World)

Ashura Blaster is a fast-paced, two-player vertical scrolling shooter released by Taito in 1990. Players pilot spacecraft through increasingly challenging levels filled with enemy formations and massive battleships. The game’s title incorporates the Japanese word “Ashura,” referencing a demon associated with conflict, hinting at the intense action to come. Gameplay involves navigating hazards while unleashing sustained fire and utilizing bomb attacks to clear the screen of approaching threats—a unique feature being that enemies do not retaliate with backfire. Visually presented on a vertical screen resolution of 224 x 320 pixels, Ashura Blaster draws inspiration from earlier titles in the genre. The game’s development involved Visco, evidenced by a subtle credit within one stage. Territorial restrictions apply to both the Japanese and US versions; the latter includes an anti-drug message and limits play to North America and Mexico. Players control their ships using an eight-way joystick and two buttons for firing and bombing. A clever exploit allows players to continue even when a game over is imminent, provided they quickly press start after losing their final life—a trick that can circumvent the dip switch settings.