Dai 3 Wakusei (Japan)

Sun Electronics’ Dai 3 Wakusei, released in Japan in 1979, is a two-player gallery shooter where players pilot spacecraft defending their home world from incoming meteor showers. The game's title translates to "The Third Planet Meteor," referencing the celestial threat that forms the core gameplay. Players maneuver their ships across the screen, utilizing weapons to destroy waves of meteors before they reach and damage the planet below. Cooperative play is essential as both players must coordinate efforts to manage the increasingly complex patterns of incoming projectiles. Success depends on precise aiming and strategic positioning to effectively clear the skies. The game provides a straightforward yet engaging experience typical of early shooter titles. Dai 3 Wakusei offers a glimpse into the evolution of arcade shooters during the late 1970s, presenting players with a challenging and visually distinct defensive scenario.