Play Burai Fighter Deluxe (USA, Europe) Online

Game Overview

Burai Fighter Deluxe is one of those old-school shooters that somehow feels both frantic and methodical at the same time. You start off with this dinky little ship that can barely take a hit, but pretty soon you're blasting in eight directions—which was kind of a big deal back on the Game Boy. The levels switch between side-scrolling and top-down, so just when you get comfortable, the perspective flips and suddenly you're dodging bullets from all angles.

What I like is how the weapons upgrade as you go. You’ll pick up these power-ups that change your shot pattern, and some of them are way more useful than others (the spread shot saved my skin more than once). The bosses at the end of each base are these chunky pixel monstrosities that fill half the screen—good luck figuring out their patterns on the first try. It’s tough, but not unfair, and that’s what makes it satisfying when you finally clear a stage.

If you’re into retro shooters, this one’s a solid pick—just don’t expect it to go easy on you.