Iwanaga
Iwanaga is an action game that is reminiscent of arcade classics like Cabal and Blood Bros., in which the player has to dodge swarms of bullets while shooting back at enemies at the same time.
Hold the Z key to shoot, and use the X key for special moves such as double jumps or dash. The default control scheme can be switched easily during combat.
Items are collected automatically when your character isn’t shooting at enemies. Orange items restore health, while blue ones increase your secondary weapon charge and time limit. Swap between both weapons by pressing the X and down cursor key.
Bullets can be slashed by tapping the Z key rapidly, This only works on projectiles with a purplish tinge and not the ones which are blue in color.
There’s a certain balance to maintain as shots weaken after prolonged use, so switching weapons regularly can be vital to maintain health and increase the time limit. A small hit point will appear when the Z key is held down.
The final boss requires a certain strategy to beat, and much like Buster’s Vacant Ark multiple endings are included for each difficulty setting. Use 7-Zip to unpack the files, and JoyToKey for joypad support.
Name: Iwanaga
Developer: Buster
Category: Action
Type: Freeware
Size: 10MB
Direct download link: Click here
Xander said,
September 8th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I’m getting a ‘Direct Draw’ error with this and Vacant Ark. Which given how gorgeous these both look is quite cruel really. This better not be Vista again! *grin*
FMsaziri said,
September 8th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Working fine here too, but…sound effects volume is waaay to low, which detracts from the game
Dominic White said,
September 8th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Really liking the game here. It’s an interesting hybrid - a little Blood Bros, a dash of Silhouette Mirage (the two shot types which weaken each other through use), and perhaps more than a little Alien Soldier inspiration too.
Got to the second boss on the second level on normal mode my first try. Not TOO hard, but it’s clear that this is going to be more of a point-hunting game than a real challenge to complete.
Quite like the art, too - uses a deliberately limited palette, but to rather good effect.
Tim W. said,
September 8th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
yeah, perhaps I should have spent a bit more time on describing the part where shots weaken after prolonged use - it also affects the effectiveness of items collected as well.
hope vista users can get this game to work.
Codas said,
September 8th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Describing this as inspired by Alien Soldier is an understatement, It’s practically Alien Soldier all over again with feudal japan wallpaper.
And I’m totally happy with that.
Anonymous said,
September 8th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Wow! Nice…and fun. Alien Soldier * Cave style bullet hell * Cabal * the mood of Guwange = Iwanaga! Love the art:-)
Tim W. said,
September 8th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Alien Soldier gameplay video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt8U_Kbra4Q
Melly said,
September 9th, 2007 at 12:09 am
I remember trying to play Alien Soldier. That was freaking hard.
And this game is crazy awesome. I love the graphics.
Javet said,
September 9th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
This AND Vacant Ark aren’t working on my computer. What are the system requirements? I WANT TO PLAY THEM!
Travis said,
September 10th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Reminds me of Alien Soldier plus the side scrolling stage of Sin and Punishment.
Dominic White said,
September 10th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Sin & Punishment! That’s it! I knew the gameplay felt treasure-ish in another way, but somehow I forgot that game. Don’t know why.
So, yeah. This is Alien Soldier + Sin & Punishment. The sword mechanic is a hybrid of the quick-sword in S&P and the conversion shot in Alien Soldier, too.
gnome said,
September 10th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Works even on my laptop. Brilliant and efficient in turning your average office into something bareable. Thanks again Tim my friend.
veronica said,
September 11th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Does anyone know how to get this working? I have a directX error that pops up.
Anonymous said,
September 11th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
DirectX error…Have you tried to update DirectX? Maybe it’s Vista, tried to launch the exe in XP compatibility mode?