FixEight (フィグゼイト -地獄の英雄伝説, FixEight -Legend of the Heroes of Hell-) is a top-down run and gun arcade game developed by Toaplan in 1992, and distributed by Taito. In 2024 it was released digitally for PC on the Steam and GOG storefronts by Bitwave games. An update titled FixEight EXA Label was released the same year for arcades in Japan by EXA Arcadia.
Story[]
In the year HC109, the super-beings known as "Gods" suddenly appeared from another dimension and began indiscriminate attacks on humanity, controlling the Heavy Mechanized Corps. As a last resort, the Galactic Federation Government, faced with a crisis, released powerful warriors from the Asteroid Final Prison and sent them to the planet "Fortune", the home base of the Gods.
Absolute command: Destroy the super-beings "Gods" and annihilate the Heavy Mechanized Corps. Reward... FREEDOM
Gameplay[]
FixEight is a scrolling shooting game (vertical type) that follows the system of Out Zone produced by the company in 1990. The player can select from eight characters, and three players can play at the same time, which is rare for a shooting game.
The character is controlled by an 8-way lever and two buttons (shot and bomber). The shot can be fired continuously by holding it down. There is no time limit, but if the player stays in the same place, a permanent pattern-preventing character will appear from behind. The game consists of seven levels, and the game loops over and over again until the remaining time is zero.
Weapons[]
Each character can equip three types of weapons.
- Weapon A: Weapon A is the weapon used at the start of the game. Attacks in the direction of the lever.
- Weapon B: Attacks forward regardless of the lever.
- Special: Special item (see below) can be used by obtaining a secret item. Attacks in the direction the lever is pressed.
Weapon A and Weapon B can be switched as many times as necessary by stepping on the "change plate" located throughout the stage. If you step on the plate while equipped with a special weapon, you will return to the equipment you were using until just before you got the secret. In addition, there is a scene in the third and sixth stages where the player fights on an air bike, and the weapon used in this scene is the machine gun equipped on the bike.
Items[]
- P: Weapons will be powered up by one level. The maximum power-up is five.
- B: One additional bomber. Up to 10 bombers can be possessed. When you use a bomber, you become invincible for a certain period of time and shoot a powerful attack forward. When playing with multiple players, all players share the stock.
- Secret Item: An item in the shape of a "?" When taken, it gives either a special, speed-up, or shield, or a 5000 point bonus if you already have it. Any of the equipment will be lost if you make a mistake.
- Gold Stick: Bonus of 100 to 1000 points.
- Statue of the Goddess: Bonus of 5000 points. When clearing a stage, there is an additional bonus depending on the number of items taken.
Characters[]
Gallery[]
