Play Penta Dragon (english translation) Online

Penta Dragon is a Game Boy release from 1990, developed by Aisystem Tokyo and published by Irem. It arrived during a period when developers were still figuring out how to translate the feel of arcade shooters onto the handheld's small screen, and it stands as a curious, vertically scrolling entry in that early library.

You control a small dragon that flies upward through five distinct worlds, firing projectiles at a relentless stream of enemies and mid-bosses. The main objective is simply to survive the climb to the top of each stage and defeat the boss waiting there. Your dragon's primary mechanic is its evolving firepower; it gains new, more powerful attack forms by collecting power-up orbs dropped by specific enemies. These transformations are not just statistical; your dragon's sprite actually changes, growing larger and more imposing as its breath weapon shifts from simple fireballs to wide lasers or homing shots. The game is known for its sharp difficulty, demanding quick reflexes to navigate tight corridors filled with enemy fire. It feels like a constant, frantic race to power up before the screen becomes too crowded to survive.