Psyvariar -Medium Unit- (V2.02O 2000/02/22 13:00)

Psyvariar - Medium Unit is a fast-paced, two-player vertical scrolling shooter released in Japan by Success in 2000. Players pilot unique spacecraft through increasingly challenging levels filled with dense bullet patterns and unusual enemy designs. Control utilizes an eight-way joystick for precise maneuvering and two buttons: one to fire, and another to deploy a limited number of bombs that clear the screen. A core mechanic revolves around a “buzz” system; intentionally grazing enemy projectiles or bullets builds up a meter which, when full, triggers a brief invincibility period allowing players to strategically navigate even more dangerous situations. Skilled pilots can use rapid joystick movements to spin their ship and maximize buzz opportunities for quicker level-ups. Successfully completing stages under specific conditions unlocks secret levels and visual elements, hinting at different pilot characters depending on gameplay choices. Running on Taito G-Net hardware, Psyvariar - Medium Unit represents the first entry in a series that would later include Psyvariar – Revision and Psyvariar 2 – The Will to Fabricate. A PlayStation 2 port, bundled as part of Psyvariar Complete Edition, brought this intense shooter experience to consoles in 2002.