Salamander
Two ships, a living planet and solar flares on your tail.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1986
- Manufacturer
- Konami
- Players
- 2 players at once
- Genres
- Shoot 'em ups
- Decade
- '80s arcade games
Salamander took the best of the Gradius universe and made it two-player: two ships flying side by side through fleshy organic worlds, solar flares and massive bosses. Konami released it in 1986, and it was one of the flashiest shooters in the arcade.
Teaming up with a buddy, splitting the power-ups while the screen filled with enemies, was about as good as a quarter could get.
History
It's a Gradius spin-off that added simultaneous two-player action and switched between horizontal and vertical scrolling stages, which was pretty unusual back then.
North America got a reworked version called Life Force, with a different power-up system and a new theme.
How to play
Steer your ship and shoot everything on screen. Some enemies drop capsules that hand you upgrades right away, like speed, missiles, lasers or the options that fire alongside you.
Stages switch direction, some scrolling right and others scrolling up. Each one ends with a giant boss, and learning its attack patterns is the key.
Fun facts
- North America got a different version called Life Force.
- It alternates horizontal and vertical stages.
- It's part of the Gradius universe.
In the arcade
Salamander is coming soon to UsuArcade. It's on our wishlist, and you can vote with I Want to Play It to bring it in sooner.
In the meantime, the arcade has Slap Fight, 1943: The Battle of Midway for two-player co-op, and Aero Fighters, another shooter that's perfect with a friend.
Once Salamander lands in the arcade, you'll be able to play it online two-player, each on your own phone or PC, in the same game.
FAQ
Can I play Salamander on UsuArcade?
Not yet. It's on the wishlist, so vote with I Want to Play It, and try 1943 or Aero Fighters meanwhile.
What year did Salamander come out?
1986, from Konami.
How many players is Salamander?
One or two players at the same time, in co-op.
Are Salamander and Life Force the same game?
Life Force is the North American version, with a different power-up system and theme.
