Play Life Force Online

Life Force came out on the NES in 1986, developed by Konami. It was a time when side scrolling shooters were everywhere, but this one stood out because it was a direct follow up to Gradius, and it had a two player co op mode that actually functioned well. You weren't just playing another space game; you were diving into the belly of a giant biomechanical serpent.

You control the Vic Viper, a ship that moves through horizontally and vertically scrolling stages inside the organic and mechanical interior of the alien creature Zelos. Your main goal is to survive the six levels, destroy the bosses, and ultimately escape. The signature mechanics include collecting power up capsules to upgrade your weapons, like the classic spread shot and lasers, and navigating tight, claustrophobic corridors that require precise movement. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty is high, especially during the boss encounters that fill the screen with projectiles. It feels tense and rewarding when you finally learn a stage's patterns and push a little further each time.