Gun Nac

Infobox VG
title = Gun Nac


developer = Compile
publisher = Tonkin House (Japanese publisher)
ASCII (North American publisher)
released = vgrelease|NA=April 1991|JP=October 5, 1990 [cite web | url = http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/data/587323.html| title = Release date | publisher = GameFAQs | date = | accessdate = 2008-09-17]
genre = Shoot 'em up
modes = Single-player
platforms = Nintendo Entertainment System
media = cartridge
input = NES controller

"Gun Nac" is a video game made for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was released, September 1st, 1991, developed by the Compile company, and published by the Nexoft Corporation.

Plot

In the distant future, the earth's resources have been depleted, and many of earth's inhabitants are moving to the new, artificial solar system called IOTA Synthetica. The solar system, like all the solar systems created by the "Galactic Federation", is very hip and up-scale.

This image ended abruptly though, as a mysterious wave of cosmic radiation swept through the solar system. This radiation caused ordinary inanimate objects to spring to life, and attack the solar systems residents.

The Galactic Federation, realizing the situation was beyond their control, calls on Commander Gun-Nac, Son of the Legendary Xan, to save IOTA Synthetica from the ensuing destruction from this strange cosmic energy.

Gameplay

You assume the role of commander Gun-Nac. You fight a host of enemies from your space ship, in which you battle your way through 8 separate levels. The ship can be upgraded to a larger ship by acquiring a "wing" for your plane, which allows the player to sustain two enemy hits rather than one, and allows the player to upgrade his weapons farther than his standard ship would allow.

The game contains 5 primary weapons, as well as 4 types of secondary bombs. The primary weapons range from a standard gun to a flamethrower, to a type of guided boomerang, have unlimited ammunition, and are obtained by collecting circles with numbers that correspond to one of the 5 different weapons. The secondary bombs work on a similar principle. They are obtained by collecting similar circles with corresponding letters within them. The bombs however, are limited in supply to however many you can collect. In addition, the primary weapons can be upgraded by collecting multiple "Power P's" that float through the stage.

Both the weapons and bombs can be progressively upgraded throughout the game. When a player has acquired a particular type of weapon, say for instance a type 1, then the player can upgrade his weapon level by collecting more than one of the same circle in a row. Each time another matching circle is collected, the weapon is upgraded, up to five times.

The players bombs can also be upgraded using the same method, but by upgrading the bombs, another element is added to the game. When a bomb is upgraded, the bomb becomes twice as powerful, but also consumes twice as much ammunition. This forces the player to chose not only the appropriate weapon, but whether or not he would like to upgrade the weapons power, collect or avoid weapon upgrades, or collect more bombs regardless of their type.

The upgrades can be purchased in the shop in between levels with money collected throughout the levels, can be found randomly floating through the level, or can released by destroying objects or enemies during game play.

Weapons

Primary Weapons

BlasterMulti-directional blaster. This weapon may be used to shoot backwards at higher levels.

Screen BusterThe highest powered bomb. The circular blast blows away enemies instantly.

Search DriverThis homing bomb follows the enemy, but it is not very effective until later portions of the game.

Dragon NapalmThis flame is very powerful, and can be controlled by movement of the ship. Beaware that the flame shrinks when it starts to lose its power.

Wide BeamThis beam of light shoots through the enemy. At higher levels, the entirescreen can be covered. This is most effective when the enemies attack from both sides.

Bombs

Fire BombThe ring of fire burns the enemy. If you stay inside, it shields you.

Blizzard BombThe wall of ice moves left and right. Move your ship away from the ice.

Thunder BombThe thunder lightning jumps around and wipes out the enemies. The direction ofthe reflected lightning changes with the position of your ship.

Water BombRain falls from the sky and melts the enemy. There is a delay when this bombgoes off

Levels

LunarusA Moon city with craters.

MagmapeiVolcanos and hot lava cover this area.

AtlantajorjaAction takes place above the sea. Expect fierce attacks from the city on thesea and the battleships.

LogeartA Dark forest filled with deadly enemies

MeggadeniroFull of money, banks and safes. The enemy characters are all related to money.

Arkiendy SmithHeavy action in the ancient ruins.

BengayleumYou must get through the heat flares from the sun.

UsseinasillumNo one has been able to reach this mysterious area. It is now up to you tofind out what awaits you.

References

External links

* [http://www.atarihq.com/tsr/manuals/gunnac.txt] The manual that came with the game.