A look back at Gyruss

[gepeto]

For as long as I can remember I have always been a big fan of gyruss. To me I always compared it to galaga just a different view. I also love the aspect of trying to get to each planet. What will jupiter look like mars, etc.

Gyruss never seem to get or develope a rabid following like its arcade counterparts. I was just curious as to why. I played the live enhanced version and liked it. The difficulty seemed ramped up. The original had a killer soundtrack. Still one of my favorites.

Has anyone made it to earth? Does it stop there or go all the way to mercury?

[zektor]

This IS a fantastic game. One of my favorite games (next to Galaga) of all time. Excellent soundtrack as well. I think the NES version of this game is my favorite however. Even tho it is different in the way of included bosses, somehow that (to me) makes the game so much better. And I like the sound of when your fire makes contact with an enemy on the NES version to (call me crazy).

There were so many ports of this title....a true classic.

[cyberfluxor]

Although I like the graphics and sounds, the 5200 port is nearly unplayable with sloppy controls. I've tried playing it with different controllers but it still falls short in that department. I must say the NES version is next best route to go if you can't get your hands on an arcade.

[tom]

One of my favorite game on the VCS, I actually hunted this game down driving through the whole (big) town almost everyday, remembering seeing it in some toy shop, and 2 months later I did find it. That really was a hunt.

Besides that, the A8 version is top too.

[Kid Ice]

Has anyone made it to earth? Does it stop there or go all the way to mercury?

After you finish the earth challenge stage it goes back to stage 1.

Since its sort of a combination of Galaga and Tempest I don't think its ever been respected at the same level as those games. IMO it is timeless and still fun to play.

[rbudrick]

The NES version is definitely the best. You get bosses, extra levels, better music, better graphics, an ending, and better play conrol than any other version. Yet another example of an NES game that went way better than other versions (like Contra, Rygar, Strider, etc). Well, Strider is arguable by many (I love the NES and Arcade game), but yeah.

Do no other versions have an ending?

-Rob

[Mayhem]

Clock me up as a Gyruss freak here too :)

[XxHennersXx]

i love this game too! :rocker:

[Kitsune Sniper]

I own a copy of this via the GBA Arcade Advanced collection. I wish they'd implemented the NES control scheme, but it still rocks.

[p_b]

I loved and love it on the C64! Great game!

[Neil Koch]

I love this game as well, and I'll also go with the NES version being the best. I hope they eventually release it on the Virtual Console - I have the "Arcade Advanced" plug and play which has it, but the unit is poorly designed IMO and not very comfortable to play.

The designers of Grand Theft Auto must be fans also, because they included the Gyruss "inspired" mini-game in San Andreas.

[diskoboy]

I love Gyruss.

I remember Starcade used to feature it quite often. The music was the games selling point, back in 1983.

Gyruss was just a victim of bad timing - seeing as it came out when the industry was starting to go under.

[gepeto]

Man I don't think I ever played the nes version. I played the atari 400 version. The playstation konami classics versions had some amazing sound. Probably due to the cd audio. I will have to get the nes version.

[jerkov]

I may have played the arcade version once or twice, but definitely a fan of the NES port. The thing that sticks with me the most is the awesome classical soundtrack......

[kainemaxwell]

Gyruss rocks. From the moment you start playing and hear that familiar opening tune, you're in for a good time.

[8bitgamer]

I'm a big Gyruss fan as well. I like the ColecoVision version as well as the PS1 arcade port on the Konami collection. I like Tempest and Galaga better--the controls are less "floaty"--but Gyruss is a blast nevertheless.

http://brettweisswords.blogspot.com/

[s1lence]

One of my favorite titles on the NES and now on the 360's arcade. Tough as hell though in the later stages.

[darkhades]

You know, I haven't played his game in 10+ years. I think it's about time I experienced this game again...............3...2...1...BIG ROCKET GO NOW!!!!!

[Aswald]

Gyruss was a superb game. It always struck me as being in the Tempest category.

I have the ColecoVision version. It plays nicely enough, but the graphics and sound leave something to be desired.

The NES version is really souped-up.

Do you think that, if someone releases a souped-up version of a classic, they should also include the original version?

[NE146]

Since its sort of a combination of Galaga and Tempest I don't think its ever been respected at the same level as those games.

Sort of? It totally is a 100% combo of Galaga & Tempest and was recognized as such probably right out of the gate. :)

That being said, it's the soundtrack that made this game stand out. It wasn't really that common to have a game with that kind of backtrack with drums and everything... I remember trying to describe it to my brother saying something like "it has background rock music like a movie" LOL

[Pantechnicon]

I never played it back in the day, but as a hardcore Galaga fan I can definitely see its appeal. Great music and I really dig the zooming-towards-the-planet cutscenes. I'll have to spend a little more time with this on the ol` MAME cab.

[Dayan X]

I find it strange and a bit poetic that no matter how often I play I can't seem to get past Uranus.*_*

[ccovell]

The FDS version is the best, with enhanced music, intro and ending over the NES version. I recommend it!

[Magnum]

I'd give my left nut to see more games make creative use of classical music

dare I even say guitar hero...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ipzR9bhei_o

[ccovell]

I'd give my left nut to see more games make creative use of classical music

Parodius is your friend!

[Magnum]

he-he

haven't played one yet

earthworm jim was a brilliant example though

[Sniderman]

http://www.gooddealgames.com/GDG_Publishing/Books/Gyruss---From-Neptune-to-Ea.jpg

If you're a fan of the game, then you'd like "From Neptune to Earth" - a sci-fi novel based on the Gyruss game. Quite a good read and it stays true to the feel of the game. Each chapter is one "leg" between the planets of the Solar System as 357th fights to get back home. $12.95 at Good Deal Games.

Good Deal Games Books Section (http://www.gooddealgames.com/Publishing_Books.html)

[le geek]

Hmmm, going to have to disagree on the NES version being the best. As a big fan of the arcade game they made too many changes. The C64 cart is excellent though.

And since I'm being disagreeable... I prefer Gyruss to Galaga! :)

Cheers,
Ben

[Flashback2012]

Gyruss was one definitely one of my favorites growing up. I didn't know they put out an enhanced version on XBox Live Arcade, that makes me want a XB360 even more.

[Kid Ice]

Hmmm, going to have to disagree on the NES version being the best. As a big fan of the arcade game they made too many changes. The C64 cart is excellent though.

And since I'm being disagreeable... I prefer Gyruss to Galaga! :)

Cheers,
Ben

I agree with your disagreement. The NES version is a good game, but they changed it from the arcade a little too much. Gyruss v Galaga is a tough call. I think I still like Galaga better, but it's close.

[Aswald]

Actually, I always thought of the NES version as what "Gyruss 2" would have been like had such a game been released in the arcades- likely around 1987. The way it was souped-up, the extra dangers, the Bosses, all of it was typical of a late 1980s sequel. Like Dig Dug 2, in a way.