Blazing Star

If there is one game that can convince you within a few seconds that the Neo Geo knew how to make dazzling shooters, it is Blazing Star. This horizontal shoot 'em up from the Yumekobo studio arrived in the mid-nineties as a spiritual successor to the older title Pulstar, and it became one of the most sought-after shooters on the entire platform — not least because of the prices the original cartridges fetch today.

Blazing Star bet on pre-rendered graphics that gave the ships and backgrounds a plastic, almost three-dimensional look. The result was an explosion of color, detailed enemies, and spectacular bosses that filled the whole screen. The player could choose from several ships, each with different weapons and a different play style, which added to the replayability.

The key mechanics were the charged shot and, above all, a bonus system that rewarded fast and precise destruction of enemies. Anyone who could chain hits and use charge attacks was rewarded with a higher score and more impressive effects — and it was precisely this chase for points that made Blazing Star a favorite among players focused on performance and leaderboards.

The game is also notoriously famous for its imperfect English in the text, some phrases of which became internet memes among retro gaming fans. Paradoxically, this small detail contributed to its cult reputation, and enthusiasts around the world still bring it up today.

Thanks to digital releases within collections of classic Neo Geo games, Blazing Star reached a modern audience that otherwise had no chance to taste this originally expensive arcade treasure. For lovers of the genre, it is one of the best-looking 2D shooters of its era.

Why play: For the gorgeous pre-rendered graphics, the addictive scoring system, and one of the finest visual experiences the Neo Geo had to offer.