Bouken Danshaken Don

Bouken Danshaku Don: The Lost Sunheart is a horizontally scrolling shoot-'em-up with a surreal and offbeat atmosphere. The titular Sunheart device, which provides immense power, has been shattered into five pieces and stolen by a group of malicious eyeball enemies. You control the hero, Don, who must recover the lost crystals by piloting different vehicles across five large stages, from night-time cities to the Great Wall of China. The vehicles include the Raiden U-T flying machine, the Sinden STT, the Kaiden Dig submarine, and the Ice Jet. Gameplay allows players to keep power-ups after dying, though strict checkpoints send you back to the start of each section upon death. Power-ups are collected by destroying spinning enemies, with icons for health, firepower, high beams, and others. Up to five special weapons can be unlocked by recovering crystals and activated by pausing the game.

PC Engine

Released exclusively in Japan on January 4, 1992, by publisher I'Max and developer Manjyudo, this HuCard title was produced by Kazuya Tobita with music by Takane Okubo. The game features two modes: 'Arcade' and 'Story', with story adding basic cut-scenes after each stage. Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the surreal boss designs featuring eyes and demonic creatures as genuinely cool, reminiscent of the flamboyant Cho Aniki series. However, most critics found the game frustrating due to its confusing weapon upgrade system, repetitive sound effects where a single theme loops the same four seconds throughout entire levels, and relentless enemy homing shots that feel unfair. While eccentric charm and unique vehicle variety earned some appreciation, the consensus labeled it a flawed cult curiosity rather than a hidden gem.