Shock Troopers
A frenetic run-and-gun arcade game featuring 8 selectable mercenaries rescuing a scientist from a rogue military faction. Notable for its 360° aiming system and squad-based gameplay.
Game Controls
About This Retro Game
Developed by former Irem staff under SNK's Saurus label, this spiritual successor to 'Guevara' (unreleased) combines the chaos of Metal Slug with tactical character switching.
Players choose between 'Lonely Wolf' (single character) or 'Team Battle' (3-character squad) modes. Each mercenary has unique weapons and stats - from shotgun-wielding Jackal to grenade specialist Bloody Hawk.
The rotary joystick allows 360-degree firing while moving, a rarity in 1997. Environmental hazards like avalanches and collapsing bridges add to the mayhem across 10 global locations.
Though overshadowed by Metal Slug, it's revered among arcade enthusiasts for its tight controls, branching paths, and explosive 2D sprite work. The sequel added vehicular combat in 1998.
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