Play Max Warrior - Wakusei Kaigenrei (Japan) Online

Game Overview

Max Warrior: Wakusei Kaigenrei is one of those NES games that slipped under the radar outside Japan, which is a shame because it’s basically Contra on steroids with a sci-fi twist. You’re this lone soldier blasting through waves of aliens, and the first level alone throws so much at you—flying drones, crawling mutants, turrets popping up everywhere—that you’ll die a few times just figuring out the rhythm.

The pixel art has that gritty, late-80s charm, especially the bosses. One minute you’re dodging a giant mechanical scorpion’s tail, the next you’re weaving between laser grids. The controls are surprisingly tight for an obscure title, though good luck finding a copy without emulating. It’s the kind of game where you’ll curse at the screen but keep hitting continue because that one perfect run feels amazing.