Gals Panic (Export, EXPRO-02 PCB)

Kaneko’s Gals Panic, released in 1990, presents a unique twist on the classic "Qix" gameplay formula with an adult theme. Two players cooperate to reveal a hidden silhouette of a woman by drawing lines and enclosing areas within a defined space, aiming to uncover at least eighty percent of the image before time expires. Adding complexity is a dynamic meter at the top of the screen; as players progress, this meter shifts between depicting the girl’s image and a monstrous form, requiring careful balance in revealing the silhouette to keep the desirable image visible. The game incorporates an element of chance with a roulette mini-game that follows each round, potentially granting bonuses or imposing penalties for the next attempt. Successfully completing rounds earns players rewards, eventually culminating in the silhouette transforming into a photographic portrait of the girl. The EXPRO-02 version boasts enhanced visual effects like zoom and scroll capabilities alongside new introductory and completion screens. Gals Panic utilizes a vertical screen and simple controls—a four-way joystick and single button—to deliver an engaging, cooperative puzzle experience for up to two players. While the original Japanese release featured mature imagery, certain export versions modified this content. The game launched a series of sequels spanning into the late 1990s and early 2000s.