Strikers 1945 III (World) / Strikers 1999 (Japan)

Pilots take to the skies in Strikers 1945 III (known as Strikers 1999 in Japan), a fast-paced vertical scrolling shooter released by Psikyo in 1999. A swarm of automated weapon systems, dubbed “nano-machines,” descends upon Earth, overwhelming military defenses and causing widespread destruction. Players control one of several aircraft, working cooperatively with a second player to combat the invading force and ultimately strike at the enemy’s core. Gameplay focuses on intense aerial battles against waves of robotic enemies, culminating in encounters with massive boss figures – though one unique boss presents an organic challenge amidst the mechanical onslaught. Strategic use of the "super shot" ability, which requires building up energy through gameplay, allows for devastating attacks. Skilled players can also target vulnerable “cores” exposed during certain boss encounters to achieve a technical bonus and swiftly end fights. Strikers 1945 III continues the legacy of its predecessors, offering challenging action and demanding reflexes as pilots fight to save the world from an automated invasion. A peculiar quirk prevents players from entering "SEX" on the high score table – any attempt results in a display of three smiley faces.