Beast Busters (World)

A sudden undead invasion has overrun the city in Beast Busters, a frantic three-player shooter from SNK released in 1989. Players take on the roles of soldiers tasked with fighting their way through hordes of the risen dead using light guns. The game presents a first-person perspective, demanding quick reflexes and accurate aim to survive as players blast their way toward escape. Beast Busters features detailed graphics for its time and offers a considerable challenge even for seasoned arcade enthusiasts. Its gameplay focuses on intense action sequences where failure means becoming the next victim of the undead menace. The game’s soundtrack was also released separately on cassette in 1990, showcasing the distinct audio style created by Tarkun and Masahiko Hataya. Notably, a Beast Busters cabinet once belonged to Michael Jackson, who frequently transported it via cargo plane during his tours—a testament to the game’s appeal beyond the arcade. A sequel, Beast Busters - Second Nightmare, was released in 1999, and later entries appeared on the Neo-Geo Pocket Color and as a mobile title.