Play Thunder Force IV (Japan) Online

Thunder Force IV, known as Lightening Force in North America, came out for the Sega Genesis in 1992. It was developed by Technosoft, a studio that had already built a reputation for sharp shooters on the platform. This game arrived late in the Genesis lifecycle, when developers were really pushing the hardware to its limits.

You pilot a fighter ship through horizontally and vertically scrolling stages, destroying enemy craft and structures. Your main goal is to clear each area and defeat the boss waiting at the end. A key feature is the ability to switch between multiple weapon types on the fly, like the homing shot and the wide-reaching hunter, each useful for different patterns of enemies. You also control your ship's speed, letting you slow down to navigate dense enemy fire or rush through safer sections. The game is fast and demanding, with later levels throwing complex attack patterns that require quick reflexes and smart weapon choices. It feels intense and responsive, especially when you slip through a tight gap in the bullets and return fire.