We don’t often talk about new arcade games here. And I mean Games games, not like a Dave & Buster’s family friendly game to eat up your quarters in a large group setting. I mean an arcade game that is a straight up challenge like you would see on a home console or early 90s arcade game. So this is why it’s so exciting to talk about Skycurser today!
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An homage to retro style side scrolling shooters, Skycurser is straight out of the 1990’s. The game itself looks like a cross between Metal Slug and Life Force, and plays like traditional shooters at the time. And the difficulty carries over too; this game is tough from the very beginning. I liked the challenge though (and that the arcade we were at was set to free play), but the game isn’t for everyone.
Huge boss battles and wacky power-ups on full display make this game a big standout for arcades. Especially if it is placed next to other shooting games: it’s just above and beyond the most gorgeous game in the genre, and the cabinet itself is unique too. The sideart is big and intriguing, and the marquee has a nice retro feel with that big, ominous skull.
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From what I can recall, Skycurser is looking to remain a fully arcade exclusive game too; no home console port is planned by the small development team. And on top of that, only a few cabinets have made it out into public space. Their website lists a few, but I suspect there are more than that out there. Regardless, that makes the game pretty rare, and definitely worth a play if you find it.
Played at Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, IL 2019