Play Alien Syndrome (Japan) on sms Online

Alien Syndrome on the Sega Master System is one of those classic arcade ports that somehow feels both frantic and methodical at the same time. You’re basically running through maze-like spaceship corridors blasting aliens—nothing fancy, but the way they swarm you keeps the tension high. The Japanese version has this weird charm with slightly different sprites and faster pacing than some of the other ports.

At first, it seems simple: pick up keys, rescue hostages (who just stand there like idiots while aliens close in), and don’t get cornered. But then you realize some weapons are way better against certain enemies, and suddenly you’re sweating over whether to grab the flamethrower or save it for the next room. The two-player co-op is where it really shines, though—nothing like watching your friend accidentally trap you both in a dead end while a dozen aliens close in.

It’s not the deepest shooter out there, but for a quick blast of retro chaos, it holds up better than you’d expect.