Pulstar

Pulstar is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up in which players guide a spacecraft through levels, collect power-ups, and protect the ship from destruction. Its design and gameplay share clear similarities with R-Type. It is believed that some former Irem employees joined Aicom, previously a subcontractor for coin-op manufacturers including Jaleco and SNK. Alongside its familiar mechanics, Pulstar introduces a two-part weapon power bar. Holding the fire button charges the blue right side of the bar, allowing the ship to release a devastating burst of energy when fully charged. Continually pressing the red left side fires a barrage of smaller, rapid shots. The game uses mostly pre-rendered 3D graphics, giving its interactive elements a more realistic look. Cinematic cutscenes and pre-rendered movies aim to immerse players in its world. Strategy is as important as shooting. Effective use of the charged weapon requires precision. After collecting a power-up, an orb appears behind the ship that can deflect or absorb incoming enemy fire and destroy smaller enemies that collide with it.

In 2248, the first recorded sign of extraterrestrial life is discovered on Mars. The signal emanates from the planet, and an object travels through space at light speed and out of the Solar System. Earth scientists decode the signal but cannot determine its nature, so they alert the world's defenses in case the aliens trace it back to Earth with the intent to destroy humanity. Eight years later, alien forces follow the signal into the Solar System and attack the human spacecraft waiting along Neptune's orbit. The conflict spreads across the Solar System. Within two years, Neptune is disintegrated, Jupiter is transformed into a star, and more than half of Earth's continents sink due to rising oceans and the planet's shifting axis. Kaoru Yamazaki, the lone fighter pilot of the Dino246, is one of the few survivors of the Pulstar attack force, created to defend the Solar System from the alien invaders. Through her, humanity may still have a chance to survive the alien threat.