Truxton (video game)

Truxton
Arcade flyer
DeveloperToaplan
Publishers
Taito
  • Arcade
    Genesis/Mega Drive
    Sega
Designers
  • Naoki Ogiwara
  • Sanae Nitō
  • Yuko Tataka
ComposerMasahiro Yuge
SeriesTruxton
PlatformsArcade, Mega Drive/Genesis, PC Engine, iOS, Android
Release
October 1988
  • Arcade
    • JP: October 1988
    • NA/EU: February 1989
    Mega Drive/Genesis
    • JP: 9 December 1989
    • NA: December 1989
    • EU: November 1990
    PC Engine
    • JP: 24 July 1992
    iOS, Android
    • JP: 24 September 2019
GenreScrolling shooter
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Truxton is a 1988 vertically scrolling shooter video game developed by Toaplan and published by Taito for Japanese and European arcades; in North America, it was distributed by Midway. It is set in a future where the Gidans alien race, led by Dogurava, have invaded the fictional planet Borogo. Players assume the role of fighter pilot Tatsuo taking control of the Super Fighter ship on a last-ditch effort to overthrow the alien invaders.

Truxton was conceived by Masahiro Yuge, who wanted to create a scrolling shooter where memorization was its main focus. The game inherited previously established ideas from Slap Fight, and was developed in conjunction with Hellfire, although work on the project had already started privately during production of Twin Cobra.

Truxton proved to be a commercial success in Japanese arcades, earning several awards from Gamest magazine. However, it was less successful in western regions and was met with mixed reception from game magazines. The game has since been released on multiple platforms, each one featuring changes and additions compared to the original version. It was followed by the arcade sequel Truxton II in 1992. The rights to the game are currently owned by Tatsujin, a company formed by Yuge.