Play Thunder Force IV (Europe) Online
Pilot the Rynex through screen-filling chaos—dodge turrets in canyon runs, shred battleships in space, and die a lot to that killer synth soundtrack. Weapon switching feels clunky at first, then suddenly you're chaining homing lasers like a pro.
Game Overview
Thunder Force IV is one of those classic Sega Genesis shooters that still holds up—fast, chaotic, and packed with killer synth-rock music. You pilot the Styx or Rynex (I always go Rynex, feels smoother) through waves of enemies that fill the screen with bullets and explosions. The first level throws you right into a canyon run dodging turrets, then suddenly you're in space blasting giant battleships. No hand-holding here—you'll die a lot, but the checkpoints are fair.
Funny thing: Sega of America renamed it Lightening Force for some reason, but everyone just calls it Thunder Force IV anyway. The weapon switching takes a second to get used to—hold the button to cycle through options like homing lasers and spread shots—but once it clicks, chaining attacks feels awesome. That final boss theme still lives in my head rent-free.
Download Thunder Force IV (Europe) ROM
You can download this ROM to play Thunder Force IV (Europe) offline using an Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) emulator (Top Emulators).
*This ROM is provided for backup and educational purposes only.
