Phalanx - The Enforce Fighter A-144 (Europe) Game

Phalanx - The Enforce Fighter A-144 is one of those SNES gems that throws you for a loop the second you boot it up—who expects a hardcore sci-fi shooter to open with a folksy banjo tune? But don’t let the quirky title screen fool you; this is a blisteringly fast, no-nonsense vertical shooter where precision and reflexes are your best friends. You pilot the A-144 fighter through waves of alien forces, dodging bullet hell patterns and unleashing an arsenal of upgradable weapons that feel incredibly satisfying to wield.

What makes Phalanx stand out in the crowded shmup genre? Its crisp controls, varied enemy designs, and a surprising depth in its power-up system. It’s got that classic ’90s arcade charm—tough as nails but fair, with a killer synth soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline pumping. If you’re a fan of R-Type or Gradius but crave something with a little more personality (and a side of bizarre marketing choices), this underrated SNES blaster deserves a spot in your collection.