Arrow Flash

Infobox VG
title = Arrow Flash


developer = Sega
publisher = Sega ("Japan and Europe")
Renovation Products ("US")
distributor =
designer = Takashi Akaishizawa ("character designer")
engine =
version =
released = 1990
genre = Scrolling shooter
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
media = 4-megabit cartridge
requirements =
input = 3-button controller

"Arrow Flash" is a horizontal scrolling shooter video game developed by Sega and released by Renovation Products in the US in 1990 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Main character Zana Keene (Anna Schwinn in the European release) [ [http://www.zonesega.com/covers-megadrive.html Zone Sega: European covers.] Retrieved on 21 February 2008.] commandeers a prototype transformable fighter-mecha left from her grandfather to fight against an unknown force attacking humankind. The game can be considered a multi-scrolling shooter, in that there are horizontal and vertically scrolling levels (and one diagonally scrolling level), although the ship does not change orientation when this happens.

Like many scrolling shooters, the player initially has a basic shot, which can be upgraded and/or exchanged for different weapons, as well as gain smaller ships that follow the player's ship around and copy its attacks. As is usual, these powerups are distributed throughout the levels, and are lost when the player dies.

Two additional mechanics differentiate "Arrow Flash" from similar scrolling shooters, one of which is that the ability to transform the player's ship. The two forms available are a humanoid mecha form and a typical jet form. The player's weapons change depending on the form. The jet form only shoots forward, while the mecha form can fire diagonally; helper ships mimic the jet's actions but stay in a fixed formation behind the mecha. The game's titular "Arrow Flash" is a highly powerful attack for each form; the jet fires five large blasts forward, while the mecha form becomes engulfed in flame, rendering it immune to attack for a short while. Depending on the options set at the start of the game, arrow flashes are either required to be charged up with unlimited use or collected out on the field with no charge time.

Trivia

* Arrow Flash's third weapon is actually the "Red Weapon" from first R-type game. (aka. Fire Chain)
* The game has a few references to Gundam. In the 5th stage, robots look like upper half of Jegan can be seen as enemies. Also the name "RMS-106" can be seen at the ending credits. RMS-106 is the model number of Mobile Suit Hi-Zack.
* The game also has references to Macross. In the intro movie, the ship is launched through a docking bay similar to the ones used in the anime.

References