Truxton (Mega Drive/Genesis) Playthrough

Playthrough of Truxton, Toaplan's 1988 vertically scrolling shooter for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. The full game has 5 loops, where each round progressively get more difficult, and each round concludes with a different ending until the real ending after the last loop.

Related video:    • Truxton (Arcade) Playthrough  

Truxton for the Mega Drive/Genesis is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up developed by Toaplan and released on the system in 1989. The game casts the player as the pilot of the Super Fighter, a lone craft tasked with stopping an alien force threatening the planet Borogo. The setup is simple, but it provides a clear framework for an action-heavy arcade experience built around rapid movement, dense enemy waves, and constant incoming fire.

The gameplay is defined by its straightforward mechanics and high difficulty. Players progress through a sequence of vertically scrolling stages filled with enemies, hazards, and boss encounters, collecting power-ups to strengthen their ship. Three primary weapons are available—spread shot, laser, and straight beam—and each can be enhanced by gathering upgrade icons dropped by specific carriers. Bombs provide a powerful screen-clearing option, allowing players to escape overwhelming situations. The core challenge comes from managing limited resources, maintaining upgraded firepower, and learning enemy patterns well enough to survive.

On the Mega Drive/Genesis, Truxton is a faithful but not perfect conversion of the arcade original. The visuals are clean and recognizable, though the reduced color palette and home-console screen size make the action feel more compact than in the arcade version. The soundtrack supports the pace of play with energetic themes and sharp sound effects, helping maintain the sense of urgency that defines the experience.

Truxton’s appeal lies in its purity. It does not rely on elaborate systems or narrative elements; instead, it focuses on precise controls, pattern memorization, and intense action. This makes it a strong example of classic shoot ’em up design, especially for players who enjoy demanding, arcade-style gameplay. However, the difficulty can be unforgiving. Losing a life often means losing weapon power, which can make recovery extremely difficult. The repetition inherent to the genre may also limit its appeal for players looking for variety or a more modern level of accessibility.

Overall, Truxton on the Mega Drive/Genesis delivers a challenging and tightly designed shooter experience. Its simplicity, speed, and intensity create a game that rewards practice and focus. For fans of traditional vertical shooters, it remains a respected and enduring entry in the genre.