Air Buster

Infobox VG
title=Air Buster


developer = Kaneko
publisher = Kaneko
distributor=
designer=Hiroshi Kaneko and team
version=
released = 1990 (Arcade)
1990 (Nec PC Engine as Aero Blasters)
genre = Shooter game
modes = Single player, 2 player co-op
ratings=
platforms= Arcade Game, Nec PC Engine (as Aero Blasters), Sega Genesis
media=
requirements=
input=8-way Joystick, 2 Buttons
cabinet =
arcade system=
cpu=Z80
sound=YM2203, OKI6295
display=Horizontal, Raster, 256 x 224 pixels, 768 colors

"Air Buster: Trouble Specialty Raid Unit" is a horizontally scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game released by Kaneko in 1990, licensed to Namco. The player controls a fighter jet and shoots enemies, collects power-ups, and defeats bosses to advance levels. It was released for the NEC PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 as Aero Blasters. The following year it was released on the Sega Genesis in the United States as Air Buster. As a console game this title had the distinction of being two player simultaneous. This was rare among side scrolling shooters on home consoles. All games in the Thunder Force, Gradius, and R-Type series were only 1 player on the home consoles.

Of the two versions the Genesis version was closer to the arcade due to its very similar hardware architecture. The Genesis version featured more detailed and larger sprites and backgrounds. The Turbo Grafx version did feature an improved musical score compared to either the Genesis or arcade version.

External links

*KLOV game|id=6825
* [http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=air-buster-trouble-specialty&page=detail&id=43 "Air Buster"] at [http://www.arcade-history.com/index.php?page=news Arcade History]
* [http://www.solvalou.com/subpage/arcade_reviews/128/11/air_buster_review.html Contemporary magazine review] at Solvalou.com ("Air Blaster")
* [http://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk/review/98/aeroblasters.php "Aero Blasters" Megadrive/Genesis review] from Mean Machines Archive