Play Star Soldier - Vanishing Earth (J) Online

Star Soldier - Vanishing Earth is one of those rare N64 shooters that actually feels like an arcade game crammed into your console. You start off with this tiny ship that looks hilariously outmatched, but after grabbing a few power-ups—those floating orbs that change your weapon—you're suddenly melting enemy formations with lasers or homing missiles. The first level throws these organic-looking alien ships at you, all pulsing with weird colors, and the music has this synth-heavy urgency that makes you sit up straight.

It’s not just about holding right and mashing fire, though. Some enemies zigzag unpredictably, and later levels get mean with bullet patterns. I remember getting stuck on the third boss for ages—this giant floating fortress that splits into smaller attack drones—until I realized I could switch weapons mid-fight by collecting different orbs. The whole thing moves at this breakneck speed that makes your thumbs ache in the best way. If you miss the days when shooters were about tight reflexes and screen-filling explosions, this one’s a blast.