Français 
English
Español 
Game entry
Pulstar
1995 · Shoot 'em up, Survival, Arcade · PC, Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD, Arcade · SNK
Pulstar is listed in the GameForever catalogue but not in the duel pool: this game is never offered for a vote, its 1,500 points are never at stake and it does not appear in the world ranking. Its entry and its debate stay open.
World rank
–
ELO score
1,500
Wins
–
Duels played
0
The duel pool gathers the best-known titles of the catalogue, cover included, so that every match-up stays meaningful. It is recalculated with every catalogue update: this game may join it later. How a game enters the duels →
About Pulstar
The basic gameplay is simple: progress through the levels in the spacecraft, collecting powerups and protecting the spacecraft from destruction. The game has very obvious similarities in design and gameplay to R-Type. It is actually believed that some ex-Irem employees left the company to join Aicom, which used to be a subcontractor for various coin-op manufacturers like Jaleco or SNK.
Despite the familiarities, Pulstar is not without innovations. There is the option of using the weapon power bar, which consists of two halves. The right-hand side of the bar turns blue when the fire button is depressed. When fully charged the ship delivers a devastating emission of energy. The left-hand side turns red when it is continually pressed, shooting out a barrage of smaller, rapid blasts.
The in-game visuals are mostly pre-rendered 3D graphics, which gives the interactive elements a far more realistic appearance. Great care was taken to really place the player into the world of the game, with cinematic style cut scenes and pre-rendered movies.
There is a hefty reliance on strategy and not just blasting everything in sight. Using the charged weapon is key, and requires careful precision. Also, once a power up is obtained, a small orb appears at the posterior end of the ship. This can be used as an advantage by deflecting/absorbing oncoming enemy fire and taking out small enemies that run into it.
ELO progression
This game does not take part in duels: its score never moves, so there is no history to plot.
Head-to-head
As this game is never offered in duels, it has no match-up to its name.
The community
The debate
0 comments
Posting requires an account: log in or sign up.
The debate is yours to open.
Nobody has spoken up about this game yet. Say what it's worth, and the thread starts here.
See the whole Pulstar debate →