Koutetsu Yousai Strahl (World)

In Koutetsu Yousai Strahl, players pilot advanced jet fighters called Aizerun Geist to combat the forces of Dr. Gegeben Funkerun, a scientist attempting world domination amidst a global depression. Before each stage, you’ll select and purchase weapons upgrades – including main attacks like lasers and charge shots, sub-weapons such as homing missiles or shields, and various bomb types – to bolster your fighter's arsenal. The game features cooperative two-player action across six stages ranging from jungle environments to storm-swept skies and ultimately culminating in the titular Steel Fortress Strahl itself. A unique tactical element allows players to manually direct their sub-weapons in five directions while firing, providing a degree of control over your added firepower during intense aerial combat. As you progress through each stage, you’ll face waves of enemy robots, flying fortresses, and mercenaries employed by Dr. Funkerun. The game was released in February 1992 as a collaboration between UPL and Nihon Maicom Kaihatsu, with sales handled by Taito. Notably, Koutetsu Yousai Strahl marked a significant moment for UPL, coinciding with the company’s bankruptcy shortly after its release; this ultimately led to the cancellation of other planned projects and the formation of a new development studio that would later be known as feelplus.