Baltron [Model TDF-BT]

Baltron © 1986 Toei Animation.

Baltron is an horizontal shoot'em up. In the space year 2999, in a distant remote galaxy, the Bismark Empire has started a war and is building a secret weapon on the peaceful planet Star Lenion. The super weapon, called the 'Baltron', must be destroyed before it becomes fully operational, and the Earth decides to send its best fighter, the Gistorias, to take on the perilous mission. The ship has two sources of ammunition - a forward laser and air-to-ground bombs. It also comes with a limited fuel supply which must be periodically replenished by collecting blue containers released by tower-like structures. The fuel gauge has another interesting twist - two markers indicate two different power levels, and holding B and pressing up or down activate them in exchange of some energy. The first one releases a flash smart-bomb that wipes out all enemies in a blink, whereas the second activates a warp boost that allows the ship to jump ahead and skip portions of the game. The fighter can also vary its speed and change direction (by holding B and pressing left or right).

Baltron is made out of a single and fairly large level ending with the Baltron super-weapon, and the game just loops with a harder difficulty level.