Gigandes

Take to the skies in Gigandes, a cooperative shooter from East Technology released in 1989. Players control aircraft and navigate through horizontally scrolling levels filled with enemy formations and challenging obstacles. This game features two-player simultaneous action, allowing for collaborative gameplay as you work together to overcome increasingly difficult stages. A unique mechanic sets Gigandes apart: upon death, players retain their accumulated weapons and power-ups, but begin each subsequent level stripped of these advantages. This unusual system encourages strategic risk-taking while maintaining a constant sense of progression. The game runs on Taito X System hardware, delivering vibrant visuals and sounds driven by components including a Yamaha YM2610 sound chip. The Japanese version of Gigandes presents a slightly altered experience with a different sequence of levels than the international release. Controlling your aircraft is achieved through an 8-way joystick and three buttons, offering precise control as you face the aerial onslaught.