Hacha Mecha Fighter (19th Sep. 1991, protected, set 1)

NMK’s Hacha Mecha Fighter, released in September 1991, is a cooperative horizontal scrolling shooter for two players. Pilots control diminutive mechs as they navigate through vibrant and detailed environments, battling waves of enemies to progress through the game. Players utilize simple controls – an eight-way joystick and two buttons – to maneuver their machines and unleash attacks against approaching threats. The gameplay centers around fast-paced aerial combat with a distinctly charming visual style. Two players can team up for a shared experience, coordinating efforts to overcome increasingly challenging encounters. There are variations in the game’s design; earlier versions feature a slower rank increase rate and slightly altered enemy despawn points compared to later editions, identifiable by the size of the NMK logo on the title screen. A test mode is accessible through a specific button sequence at startup, allowing players access to additional features. The game’s soundtrack is driven by a combination of sound chips, creating an energetic audio backdrop for the action.