Extermination (World)

Extermination is a cooperative shooter from Taito released in 1987, notable for its unique walking gameplay mechanic. Players control characters navigating interconnected underground rooms filled with bizarre creatures and environmental hazards. Rather than traditional scrolling movement, players advance by carefully positioning their character and moving between fixed locations within each area, while simultaneously engaging enemies with ranged attacks. Successfully clearing chambers unlocks access to subsequent stages. The game features two-player simultaneous action, encouraging teamwork as players coordinate their movements and firepower to overcome the challenges ahead. Technical aspects of the game are tied to Taito's "The New Zealand Story" hardware, utilizing Zilog Z80 processors and a YM2203 sound chip for its soundtrack. Discovering hidden gates within the underground rooms allows players to select which stage they will proceed to next. Developed under the direction of Masaki Ogata and featuring character designs from Yukio Ishikawa and others, Extermination offers a distinct twist on the shooter genre with its deliberate, methodical pace and cooperative gameplay.