Gun-Nac

Game Details:

• Development and Release: Produced by Compile, released in Japan in 1990, and in North America in 1991 by ASCII .
• Weapon System: Features 5 main weapons (straight shot, shard, homing flame, etc.) and 4 upgradeable "bombs", using a number collection enhancement mechanism, along with purchasable "wings" for additional armor .
• Shop Mechanism: Mid-level shops are available in each stage, where you can use the money collected in the stage to purchase weapons, bombs, and additional life armor .
• Technical Performance: 8 stages without significant lag, maintains smoothness under high object density, including handling a large number of bullets, enemies, and items. Features such as adjustable frame rate/priority display settings, difficulty adjustment, and the Rosetta Code hidden stage are all available .
• Stages and Enemies: Includes stages like a sci-fi bank, forest, underwater, and moon, with mid-bosses and final bosses in the middle and end of each stage. Enemies include unique objects like rabbits, coin cats, octopuses, and candles.

Editor's Recommendation:

If you love challenging but fair and strategic shooting games, then "Gun-Nac" will definitely satisfy you. Its diverse main weapon and bomb system, combined with the upgradeable spaceship armor and stage shop, has great tactical depth. Compile makes the most of the hardware's capabilities, with smooth graphics and a large number of bullet screens, making it overwhelming. In addition, the relaxed yet imaginative enemy design, hidden stages, and adjustment options make it suitable for both beginners and hardcore players who want to challenge themselves. For a long time, it has been an underrated "masterpiece" among NES shooting game players and is worth a try!

Game Guide:

I. Reasonable Weapon Selection

• Using the No. 5 "Wide Shot Laser" can penetrate long distances, but pay attention to blind spots .
• The No. 3 "Homing Tornado" performs well when clearing enemy groups and is a beginner and balanced weapon.
• The No. 4 "Flame Thrower" is effective against large groups of enemies and bosses, and is the first choice for most players.
• It is recommended to customize your main weapon according to the stage in the mid to late game: choose 4 for long-range clearing, 3 for crowded stages, and 5 for boss battles.

II. Shop Purchasing Strategy

• The character's "wings" armor can withstand one hit and allow for higher weapon upgrades; it is the first choice to purchase.
• Bombs have a screen-clearing effect and support upgrades; accumulating different letters with the same attributes can increase their strength; save 3–5 shots for the final stage to prepare for boss pressure.
• If you have enough money, you can give priority to filling up the main weapon level to maintain stable output.

III. Stage Progression and Save Techniques

• Pay attention to triggering the shop after passing the mid-stage, and reserve half a minute to buffer and adjust when entering the shop.
• Use stage time selection: Low difficulty mode can advance quickly, while high difficulty brings more upgrade opportunities.
• Use the difficulty option or the hidden Sound Test option to enter the stage selection code and unlock the Zero stage.

IV. Boss Battle Suggestions

• Observe the boss's bullet pattern, dodge bullets, and then use large-area weapons to output quickly.
• If the armor is knocked off, immediately use bombs to create space and replenish weapon upgrades before fighting again.
• The final boss group battle suggests alternating between homing weapons and flame bombs to suppress output space.

V. Practical Tips

1. Make good use of the frame rate/priority display mode: speed priority to reduce lag, picture priority to improve visuals.
2. Collect continuous "P" chips to maintain a high level of the main weapon and avoid resetting after being hit.
3. Ensure sufficient bomb and armor reserves before challenging the hidden Zero stage.
4. It is recommended to simultaneously use boss videos or emulator replay practice stage mode.
5. If you get stuck, practice switching proficiency between each weapon to enhance the ability to deal with random bullet patterns.