Space action that races forward on an eight-bit computer so nimbly that you forget which machine you are actually playing on — that is Space Manbow, one of the pride of the MSX2 shooter library. Here Konami proved it could do not only sneaking and whips against vampires, but also first-class space barrages.
Space Manbow is a side-scrolling shmup in the best traditions of the genre: you cut your way through waves of enemies, face mighty bosses and rely on quick reflexes as well as mastery of your arsenal. What sets the game apart is its emphasis on a brisk pace and technical flair — it belongs among the titles that squeezed the maximum out of the MSX2, whether in fluidity of movement or in visual effects.
The execution by Konami bears the signature of a studio that at the time ruled the art of arcade action. As with their other MSX projects, the audio side played a crucial role — striking, energetic music that drives the player forward and gives every shoot-out a charge. It is exactly this combination of technical maturity and style that places Space Manbow alongside such gems as Compile's Aleste series.
In a broader context, Space Manbow perfectly illustrates why the MSX2 became a mecca of shooters. The Japanese computer market lived a life of its own, and creators like Konami directed titles here that long remained hidden outside Asia. Today, thanks to emulation and enthusiast communities, these gems come alive again and reach an audience that previously had no chance to know them.
For lovers of space shooters, Space Manbow is a small discovery: a game that has not aged in what matters most for shmups — in speed, challenge and pure adrenaline. A few minutes are enough and you understand why Konami built such a reputation on the MSX2.
Why play it: For a brisk, technically polished space shooter from Konami that ranks among the very best the MSX2 shmup library has to offer.
Game 5 of 29 for MSX / MSX2
