Space Bomber (ver. B)

Space Bomber is a vertical scrolling shooter from Psikyo, released in 1998. Players control one of two ships – selectable through a code sequence – and navigate colorful, gallery-style stages filled with bizarre enemies and intricate bullet patterns. The core gameplay revolves around dodging projectiles while firing back at formations of alien craft, often requiring precise movements and quick reflexes to survive. A unique mechanic allows players to “catch” enemy fire, adding an extra layer of strategy to encounters. Version B, the more common iteration of Space Bomber, includes several updates over the original release. These changes range from subtle visual tweaks – such as a flipped image in the introduction and altered color palettes – to additions like animated life counters, story panels between levels, and ranking displays upon completion. Gameplay adjustments also subtly ease some encounters by reducing bullet size, offering a slightly more approachable experience. The game features cooperative play for two players, allowing friends to tackle the challenges together. Hidden within Space Bomber are additional options accessible through specific button combinations during startup, including stage select and background testing – providing extra content for dedicated fans seeking a deeper dive into its design. A soundtrack album was also released shortly after the game's debut.