Gekirindan

Gekirindan (逆鱗弾) is a vertical scrolling shooter developed by Taito where players select one of three different fighters (a futuristic fighter jet, a helicopter conditioned to space travel and a remodeled old-fashioned plane) against a destructive army of mechs throughout different time periods.

Story
In the year 3195, a time machine is created on Earth and is promptly stolen by an unidentified, mechanized being known only as Huge-Boss. This entity then uses the time machine to travel back in time and destroy 3000 years of human history. The only resistance Huge-Boss faces is a group of pilots from different time periods who aim to stop him, although some of them have their own motives other than saving mankind.

Weapons system
Each fighter has a different shot pattern that can be upgraded or changed. There are also the side-weapon pick-ups including a pair of homing lasers, diagonal firing napalm and missiles.

Pilots
Player 1 pilots:

Hokuto: A pilot from the 3100s era whose parents were killed by Huge-Boss' attacks. With his mother's hair ribbon as his only tangible remnant of them, Hokuto vows to avenge their deaths with the destruction of Huge-Boss.

Anne: A young woman from the early twentieth century who pilots a helicopter. She writes all her experiences as she goes through life. This 'Anne' is reminiscent of Anne Shirley, a literary character which is very popular in Japan.

Dietza: A wild rockabilly pilot from the 1950s era.

Player 2 pilots:

Grother: A confident, no-jokes pilot from an unknown time period. He keeps a picture of a beautiful dark-haired woman with him.

Shario: A ingenious young woman from the 3100s era who attempts to fulfill the last wishes of her recently deceased sister, which will be accomplished with Huge-Boss' destruction. She always travels with her strange-looking pet cat.

Orsa and Mayoru: Two young elfen pilots and nature lovers, possibly from the 3100s era as well.

Trivia

 * The soundtrack (composed by Taito's own Zuntata) mostly consists of the first level theme song remixed differently for every level with no boss themes.
 * This game has many references to previous Toaplan / Toaplan-developed Taito games.