Difference between revisions of "Thunder Blade"

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m (Text replacement - "{{company|Tec Toy|region=BR|system=SMS}}" to "{{company|Tec Toy|region=BR|system=SMS}} {{company|Samsung|region=KR|system=SMS}}")
 
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{{OtherPage|desc=the Western home computer versions|page=Thunder Blade (home computers)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=Thunder Blade Title.png
 
| bobscreen=Thunder Blade Title.png
| publisher=[[Sega]] {{TG16}} [[NEC Avenue]] {{Amiga}}{{MSX}} [[US Gold]]
+
| bobscreen2=ThunderBlade SMS Title.png
| developer=[[Sega]], {{TG16}} [[NEC Avenue]] {{Amiga}}{{MSX}} [[Tiertex]] (MSX at least the disk version)
+
| bobscreen3=ThunderBlade PCE Title.png
| system=[[Sega X Board]], Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, MSX, [[Sega Master System]], Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16, ZX Spectrum
+
| bobscreen4=ThunderBlade X68000 Title.png
| romsize={{SMS}} 256kB
+
| tab1=X Board
| peripherals=
+
| tab2=Master System
| releases={{releases
+
| tab3=PC Engine
| arcade_date_jp=1987
+
| tab4=X68000
| arcade_date_us=1987
+
| publisher={{multicol|
 +
{{company|[[Sega]]|system=XBD, SMS|inline=no}}
 +
{{company|[[NEC Avenue]]|system=PCE|inline=no}}
 +
{{company|[[Sharp]]|system=X68|inline=no}}
 +
}}
 +
| developer={{multicol|
 +
{{company|[[Sega R&D 1]]|system=XBD|inline=no}}
 +
{{company|[[Sega]]|system=SMS|inline=no}}
 +
{{company|[[Nova]]|system=PCE|inline=no}}
 +
{{company|[[SPS]]|system=X68|inline=no}}
 +
}}
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Unidesa]]|system=XBD|region=ES}}
 +
{{company|[[Ecofilmes]]|region=PT|system=SMS}}
 +
{{company|[[Tonka]]|system=SMS|region=US}}
 +
{{company|[[Tec Toy]]|region=BR|system=SMS}}
 +
{{company|[[Samsung]]|region=KR|system=SMS}}
 +
| system=[[Sega X Board]], [[Sega Master System]], [[X68000]], [[PC Engine]]
 +
| romsize={{Arcade}} 3784kB
 +
| peripherals={{SMS}} [[FM Sound Unit]]
 +
| players=1
 +
| genre=Shooting{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201114213233/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html}}, Arcade{{fileref|ThunderBlade SMS EU cover.jpg}}
 +
| releases={{releasesArcade
 +
| xbd_type_jp_1=Upright
 +
| xbd_date_jp_1=1987-12-18{{magref|mdfan|28|103|printpage=103}}
 +
| xbd_type_jp_2=Deluxe
 +
| xbd_date_jp_2=1988-02-"last ten days of month"{{magref|mdfan|29|75|printpage=75}}
 +
| xbd_date_us=1987
 +
| xbd_date_uk=1988-01{{magref|cvg|77|90}}
 +
}}
 +
{{releasesPCE
 +
| pce_date_jp=1990-12-07
 +
| pce_code_jp=NAPH-1015
 +
| pce_rrp_jp=7,200
 +
}}
 +
{{releasesSMS
 +
| sms_date_jp=1988-07-30{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201114213233/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html}}
 +
| sms_rrp_jp=5,500
 +
| sms_code_jp=G-1360
 +
| sms_date_us=1988-10{{magref|ce|7.07|08}}
 +
| sms_code_us=7011
 
| sms_date_eu=1988-11-05
 
| sms_date_eu=1988-11-05
 
| sms_code_eu=MK-7011-50
 
| sms_code_eu=MK-7011-50
| sms_rrp_uk=24.95
+
| sms_date_uk=1988-10{{fileref|BristolEveningPost UK 1988-11-04 Page 80.jpg}}<!--1988-11{{fileref|1988 89 SMS UK Catalogue.pdf|page=2}}-->
| sms_date_us=1988
+
| sms_code_uk=MK-7011-50
| sms_code_us=7011
+
| sms_rrp_uk=24.95{{magref|ace|16|167}}{{magref|gamesmachineuk|13|39}}
| sms_date_jp=1988-07-30
 
| sms_rrp_jp=5,500
 
| sms_code_jp=G-1360
 
 
| sms_date_br=19xx
 
| sms_date_br=19xx
 
| sms_date_kr=19xx
 
| sms_date_kr=19xx
 
| sms_code_kr=GB-2360
 
| sms_code_kr=GB-2360
 
+
| sms_date_pt=19xx
| c64_date_eu=1988
+
}}
| c64_rrp_uk=14.99
+
{{releasesHCJP
| c64_date_eu_c=1988
 
| c64_rrp_uk_c=9.99
 
| c64_date_us=1988
 
| c64_rrp_us=34.95
 
| spectrum_date_eu=1988
 
| spectrum_rrp_uk=12.99
 
| spectrum_date_eu_c=1988
 
| spectrum_rrp_uk_c=8.99
 
| cpc_date_eu=1988
 
| cpc_rrp_uk=14.99
 
| cpc_date_eu_c=1988
 
| cpc_rrp_uk_c=9.99
 
| st_date_eu=1988
 
| st_rrp_uk=19.99
 
| st_date_us=1988
 
| st_rrp_us=49.95
 
| amiga_date_eu=1988
 
| amiga_rrp_uk=24.99
 
| amiga_date_us=1988
 
| amiga_rrp_us=49.95
 
| dos_date_eu=1989
 
| dos_rrp_uk=24.99
 
| dos_date_us=1989
 
| msx_date_eu=1989
 
 
 
| tg16_date_jp=1990-12-07
 
 
| x68_date_jp=1990
 
| x68_date_jp=1990
 
}}
 
}}
| genre=Shoot-'em-Up
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''''Thunder Blade''''' (サンダーブレード) is a 1987 arcade shoot 'em up game designed for [[Sega X Board]] hardware, heavily inspired by the ''Blue Thunder'' TV/film series. In the game the player pilots a helicopter who can fire with either its machine gun or missile launcher to destroy various enemy vehicles.
+
 
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (サンダーブレード) is a 1987 [[Sega X Board]] arcade rail shooter game developed by [[Sega R&D 1]]. Putting players in the cockpit of an advanced military helicopter, the game uses extensive sprite scaling to simulate three-dimensional gameplay, and was very well-received by the gaming public. It has since been regarded as a classic and seminal [[Sega]] arcade game, and has been re-released on a number of home systems.
 +
 
 +
==Story==
 +
The government forces of X Country are secretly developing an ultra-high-performance jet helicopter named ''Thunder Blade''. Meanwhile, the guerilla army, which had not been heard from in three years, but had significantly grown in power, launches an attack. The government's army is outnumbered and less powerful, so makes a desperate move by entrusting everything to the under-developed ''Thunder Blade'', ordering it to wipe out the guerilla army and destroy its fortifications{{fileref|ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.pdf}}.
 +
 
 +
==Gameplay==
 +
''Thunder Blade'' has the player pilot a helicopter which can fire with either its machine gun or missile launcher to destroy various enemy vehicles.
  
 
The game was notable for its differing view changes and sprite scaling techniques. Though the game starts off as a top-down shooter, the player can adjust his/her height, zooming in and out of battle while doing so. Half way through the level, the viewpoint changes to a third-person perspective, creating a game that is similar to ''[[Space Harrier]]'' or ''[[After Burner]]'' (though with improved graphics as the technology is more advanced).
 
The game was notable for its differing view changes and sprite scaling techniques. Though the game starts off as a top-down shooter, the player can adjust his/her height, zooming in and out of battle while doing so. Half way through the level, the viewpoint changes to a third-person perspective, creating a game that is similar to ''[[Space Harrier]]'' or ''[[After Burner]]'' (though with improved graphics as the technology is more advanced).
  
The game was ported to a variety of platforms including the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, MSX, [[Sega Master System]], Sharp X68000, TurboGrafx-16 and ZX Spectrum. Surprisingly most of these ports retain the sprite scaling, albeit with less detailed graphics, but often require the user to manually adjust the speed of the helicopter (unlike in the Arcade game where it was done for you). The Sega Master System version of the game omits the overhead scaling entirely.
+
===Stages===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=200|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 1
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot2=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| tabs=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 2
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot2=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| tabs=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 3
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot2=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot3=Notavailable.svg
 +
| tabs=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 4
 +
| screenshot=Notavailable.svg
 +
| screenshot2=Notavailable.svg
 +
| tabs=Notavailable.svg
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Legacy===
 +
The game was ported to a variety of platforms including the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, [[IBM PC]], MSX, [[Sega Master System]], [[X68000]], PC Engine and ZX Spectrum. Surprisingly most of these ports retain the sprite scaling, albeit with less detailed graphics, but often require the user to manually adjust the speed of the helicopter (unlike in the Arcade game where it was done for you). The Sega Master System version of the game omits the overhead scaling entirely.
  
 
''Thunder Blade'' was followed by ''[[Super Thunder Blade]]'', a launch title of the [[Sega Mega Drive]] which is essentially the same game but without the overhead segments.
 
''Thunder Blade'' was followed by ''[[Super Thunder Blade]]'', a launch title of the [[Sega Mega Drive]] which is essentially the same game but without the overhead segments.
  
==Production Credits==
+
===Development===
===PC Engine Version===
+
''Thunder Blade'' takes notable inspiration from the 1983 film ''[[wikipedia:Blue Thunder|Blue Thunder]]'', going so far as to feature a digitized screen capture of the movie for its title screen.{{fileref|ThunderBlade BlueThunder.png}}
'''Executive Producer:''' Makoto Sakio<br/>
+
 
'''Producer:''' Toshio Tabeta<br/>
+
==Versions==
'''Director:''' Takashi Ozama<br/>
+
===Comparisons===
'''Programmer:''' God Hand<br/>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Comparisons}}
'''Graphics:''' Nori-P Hide<br/>
 
'''Sound:''' Funky<br/>
 
'''Assistant:''' Quite Person, C. Willow<br/>
 
'''Special Thanks To:''' K. Matsuda, Tacs Tax and other staff<br/>
 
© Sega 1988<br/>
 
Reprogrammed Game © [[NEC Avenue|NEC Avenue, Ltd.]] 1990<br/>
 
  
==Gallery==
+
==Production credits==
<gallery>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Production credits}}
File:ThunderBlade XBoard Cabinet Deluxe.jpg|Deluxe cabinet
 
File:ThunderBlade XBoard Cabinet Upright.jpg|Upright cabinet
 
</gallery>
 
  
==Physical Scans==
+
==Magazine articles==
===X Board Version===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{gallery
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard US Flyer.pdf|page=1|X Board US flyer}}
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.pdf|X Board JP flyer}}
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.jpg|X Board JP flyer (?)}}
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Deluxe.pdf|X Board export flyer (deluxe)}}
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Upright.pdf|X Board export flyer (upright)}}
 +
|{{gitem|ThunderBlade XBoard ES Flyer.pdf|X Board ES flyer}}
 +
|{{gitem|SMS ES promo 3.jpg|ES advert (1990)}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|text=Master System print advert
 +
|egp|4|8
 +
|egm|bg89|57
 +
|egm|1|49
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|text=Master System print advert
 +
|tilt|60|3-4
 +
}}
 +
{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|pixel|66|118-119|
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
===X Board version===
 +
{{ratings|XBD}}
 
{{ScanArcade
 
{{ScanArcade
 +
| type=upright
 
| console=X Board
 
| console=X Board
 
| region=US (deluxe)
 
| region=US (deluxe)
 +
| manual=ThunderBlade XBoard US Manual.pdf
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 +
| type=upright
 
| console=X Board
 
| console=X Board
 
| region=US (upright)
 
| region=US (upright)
 +
| manual=ThunderBlade XBoard US Manual Upright.pdf
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 +
| type=upright
 
| console=X Board
 
| console=X Board
 
| region=JP (deluxe)
 
| region=JP (deluxe)
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 
}}{{ScanArcade
 +
| type=upright
 
| console=X Board
 
| console=X Board
 
| region=JP (upright)
 
| region=JP (upright)
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Master System Version===
+
===Master System version===
{{Ratings
+
{{ratings|SMS}}
| icon=SMS
 
| ace=64
 
| ace_source={{num|16|page=76}}
 
| cgtc=79
 
| cgtc_source={{num|1|page=74}}
 
| cgtc_1=80
 
| cgtc_source_1={{num|4|page=109}}
 
| cvg=80
 
| cvg_source={{num|85|page=131}}
 
| gamesmachineuk=76
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|13|page=39}}
 
| micromania=70
 
| micromania_source={{num|2/20}}
 
| s=86
 
| s_source={{num|11}}
 
| segapower=60
 
| segapower_source={{num|23|page=60}}
 
| segapro=70
 
| segapro_source={{num|6|page=30}}
 
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=JP
 +
| front=Thunder Blade SMS JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=Thunder Blade SMS JP Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=Thunder Blade SMS JP Cart.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 124: Line 190:
 
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS US Cart.jpg
 
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS US Cart.jpg
 
| manual=Thunderblade sms us manual.pdf
 
| manual=Thunderblade sms us manual.pdf
| item1=SegaAdventure SMS US Poster Front.jpg
+
| poster=SegaAdventure SMS US Poster Front.jpg
| item1name=Poster (front)
+
| posterback=SegaAdventure SMS US Poster Back.jpg
| item2=SegaAdventure SMS US Poster Back.jpg
+
}}{{Scanbox
| item2name=Poster (back)
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
 
| region=EU
 
| region=EU
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU cover.jpg
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU cover.jpg
}}
+
| manual=Thunder Blade SMS EU Manual.pdf
{{Scanbox
+
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=EU<br>® variant
+
| region=EU (Sega®)
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU R cover.jpg
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU R cover.jpg
}}
+
| cart=Thunder Blade SMS EU Cart.jpg
{{Scanbox
+
| manual=Thunder Blade SMS EU Manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=EU<br>"no limits" variant
+
| region=EU ("No Limits")
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=
 
| cart=
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=JP
+
| region=PT (Black & white manual)
| front=Thunder Blade SMS JP Box Front.jpg
+
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS PT bw cover.jpg
| back=Thunder Blade SMS JP Box Back.jpg
+
| cart=
| spinemissing=yes
+
| manual=
| cart=Thunder Blade SMS JP Cart.jpg
+
}}{{Scanbox
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=BR
+
| region=PT (Colour manual)
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS BR cover.jpg
+
| cover=
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS BR Cart.jpg
+
| cart=
}}
+
| manual=
{{Scanbox
+
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
| region=KR
+
| region=BX
| cover=Thunderblade SMS KR cover.jpg
+
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS BX Box.jpg
| cart=
 
}}
 
 
 
===Amiga Version===
 
{{ratings
 
| icon=Amiga
 
| gamesmachineuk=85
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|15|page=56/57}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Amiga
 
| region=US
 
| cover=
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Amiga
+
| console=Master System
| region=EU
+
| region=SE
 
| cover=
 
| cover=
 +
| cart=
 +
| manual=
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Amiga
+
| console=Master System
| region=EU (Kixx)
+
| region=AU (NIAL sticker)
| cover=
+
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS AU nial cover.jpg
}}
+
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS AU cart.jpg
 
+
| cartback=ThunderBlade SMS AU cartback.jpg
===Amstrad CPC Version===
 
{{Ratings
 
| icon=CPC
 
| ace=78
 
| ace_source={{num|20}}
 
| gamesmachineuk=54
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|15|page=56}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Amstrad CPC
 
| region=EU (disk)
 
| cover=ThunderBlade CPC EU Box.jpg
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Amstrad CPC
+
| console=Master System
| region=UK (cassette) (Kixx)
+
| region=AU (OziSoft sticker)
| cover=ThunderBlade CPC EU Box Cassette Kixx.jpg
+
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS AU os cover.jpg
| item1=ThunderBlade CPC UK Cassette Kixx.jpg
+
| cart=
| item1name=Cassette
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Amstrad CPC
+
| console=Master System
| region=ES (cassette)
+
| region=AU (Classics)
| cover=ThunderBlade CPC ES Box Cassette Erbe.jpg
+
| front=ThunderBlade SMS AU classics cover.jpg
}}
+
| back=ThunderBlade SMS AU classics back.jpg
 
 
===Atari ST Version===
 
{{Ratings
 
| icon=ST
 
| cvg=66
 
| cvg_source={{num|87}}
 
| gamesmachineuk=84
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|15|page=56/57}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Atari ST
 
| region=US
 
| front=ThunderBlade ST US Box Front.jpg
 
| back=ThunderBlade ST US Box Back.jpg
 
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| spinemissing=yes
 +
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS AU cart.jpg
 +
| cartback=ThunderBlade SMS AU cartback.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Atari ST
+
| console=Master System
| region=EU
+
| region=BR
| cover=
+
| cover=ThunderBlade SMS BR cover.jpg
 +
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS BR Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=ThunderBlade SMS BR Manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
| console=Atari ST
+
| console=Master System
| region=EU (Kixx)
+
| region=KR
| cover=
+
| cover=Thunderblade SMS KR cover.jpg
}}
+
| cart=ThunderBlade SMS KR Cart.jpg
 
+
| carttop=ThunderBlade SMS KR Cart Top.jpg
===Commodore 64 Version===
+
| cartback=ThunderBlade SMS KR Cart Back.jpg
{{Ratings
 
| icon=C64
 
| ace=80
 
| ace_source={{num|16}}
 
| gamesmachineuk=65
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|15|page=56/57}}
 
| yc=72
 
| yc_source={{num|75}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Commodore 64
 
| region=US
 
| cover=ThunderBlade C64 US Box Front.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Commodore 64
 
| region=EU
 
| cover=
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Commodore 64
 
| region=EU (Kixx)
 
| cover=ThunderBlade C64 EU Box Kixx.jpg
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
===DOS Version===
+
===PC Engine version===
 +
{{ratings|PCE}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
| console=DOS
+
| console=PC Engine
| region=US
 
| cover=ThunderBlade DOS US Box Front.jpg
 
}}
 
 
 
===MSX Version===
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=MSX
 
| region=EU
 
| cover=
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=MSX
 
| region=ES (Erbe)
 
| cover=ThunderBlade MSX ES Box Erbe.jpg
 
}}
 
 
 
===TurboGrafx-16 Version===
 
{{ratings
 
| icon=PCE
 
| joystick=67
 
| joystick_source={{num|13|page=98}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=TurboGrafx-16
 
 
| region=JP
 
| region=JP
| cover=Thunder Blade TG-16 JP Box Front.jpg
+
| front=ThunderBlade PCE JP Box Front.jpg
| item1=Thunder Blade TG16 JP Card.png
+
| back=Thunder Blade PCE HuCard Back.jpg
| item1name=HuCard
+
| cardback=Thunder Blade PCE HuCard JP Card Back.jpg
 +
| spine=Thunder Blade PCE HuCard Spine.jpg
 +
| card=ThunderBlade PCE JP Card.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 +
| manual=Thunder Blade PCE HuCard Manual.pdf
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Sharp X68000 Version===
+
===X68000 version===
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
| console=Sharp X68000
+
| console=X68000
 
| region=JP
 
| region=JP
 
| cover=Thunder Blade X68000 JP Box.png
 
| cover=Thunder Blade X68000 JP Box.png
 
}}
 
}}
  
===ZX Spectrum Version===
+
==Technical information==
{{Ratings
+
===ROM dump status===
| icon=Spectrum
+
{{romtable|
| ace=79
+
{{rom|SMS|sha1=C38F3EEA4E7224BC6042723E88B26C85B1A56DDC|md5=70DCEE3C77E95D83FCF6DF0DAE30A4A8|crc32=AE920E4B|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (EU/US)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
| cvg=82
+
{{rom|SMS|sha1=535DBD339F4B5C5EFD502CFFBBE719D7B3E7F1C3|md5=A03BBD3C75E736CE378F2C3FE47F5579|crc32=C0CE19B1|size=256kB|date= |source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
| cvg_source={{num|87}}
+
{{rom|PCE|sha1=553F8026DD68E85CD17855ADBF920B3971ACFDC4|md5=B4BF32B4D986FA5F53115C3F361A8679|crc32=DDC3E809|size=512kB|date= |source=Card (JP)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
| gamesmachineuk=87
 
| gamesmachineuk_source={{num|15|page=56}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=ZX Spectrum
 
| region=UK
 
| cover=ThunderBlade Spectrum EU Box.jpg
 
| item1=ThunderBlade Spectrum UK Cassette.jpg
 
| item1name=Cassette
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=ZX Spectrum
 
| region=UK (Kixx)
 
| cover=ThunderBlade Spectrum EU Box Kixx.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=ZX Spectrum
 
| region=ES
 
| cover=ThunderBlade Spectrum ES Box Erbe.jpg
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
[[Category:X Board games]]
+
==References==
[[Category:Thunder Blade]]
+
{{NECRetro|italics=yes}}
 +
<references/>
 +
 
 +
{{ThunderBladeOmni}}
 +
{{ThunderBlade}}

Latest revision as of 13:26, 3 October 2024

For the Western home computer versions, see Thunder Blade (home computers).

n/a

  • X Board
  • Master System
  • PC Engine
  • X68000

Thunder Blade Title.png

ThunderBlade SMS Title.png

ThunderBlade PCE Title.png

ThunderBlade X68000 Title.png

Thunder Blade
System(s): Sega X Board, Sega Master System, X68000, PC Engine
Publisher:
Developer:
Distributor:
Arcade (X Board)
Unidesa (ES)
Sega Master System
Ecofilmes (PT)
Sega Master System
Tonka (US)
Sega Master System
Tec Toy (BR)
Sega Master System
Samsung (KR)
Peripherals supported:
Sega Master System
FM Sound Unit
Genre: Shooting[1], Arcade[2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (X Board)
JP
(Upright)
¥? ?
Arcade (X Board)
JP
(Deluxe)
¥? ?
Arcade (X Board)
US
$? ?
Arcade (X Board)
UK
£? ?



























PC Engine
JP
¥¥7,200 NAPH-1015

{{#ifeq: 0 | 0 |

Sega Master System
JP
¥5,5005,500 G-1360
Sega Master System
US
7011
Sega Master System
EU
MK-7011-50
Sega Master System
PT
Sega Master System
UK
£24.9524.95[8][9] MK-7011-50
Sega Master System
BR
Sega Master System
KR
GB-2360
X68000
JP

Thunder Blade (サンダーブレード) is a 1987 Sega X Board arcade rail shooter game developed by Sega R&D 1. Putting players in the cockpit of an advanced military helicopter, the game uses extensive sprite scaling to simulate three-dimensional gameplay, and was very well-received by the gaming public. It has since been regarded as a classic and seminal Sega arcade game, and has been re-released on a number of home systems.

Story

The government forces of X Country are secretly developing an ultra-high-performance jet helicopter named Thunder Blade. Meanwhile, the guerilla army, which had not been heard from in three years, but had significantly grown in power, launches an attack. The government's army is outnumbered and less powerful, so makes a desperate move by entrusting everything to the under-developed Thunder Blade, ordering it to wipe out the guerilla army and destroy its fortifications[10].

Gameplay

Thunder Blade has the player pilot a helicopter which can fire with either its machine gun or missile launcher to destroy various enemy vehicles.

The game was notable for its differing view changes and sprite scaling techniques. Though the game starts off as a top-down shooter, the player can adjust his/her height, zooming in and out of battle while doing so. Half way through the level, the viewpoint changes to a third-person perspective, creating a game that is similar to Space Harrier or After Burner (though with improved graphics as the technology is more advanced).

Stages

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Stage 1

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Stage 2

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Stage 3

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Stage 4

History

Legacy

The game was ported to a variety of platforms including the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, IBM PC, MSX, Sega Master System, X68000, PC Engine and ZX Spectrum. Surprisingly most of these ports retain the sprite scaling, albeit with less detailed graphics, but often require the user to manually adjust the speed of the helicopter (unlike in the Arcade game where it was done for you). The Sega Master System version of the game omits the overhead scaling entirely.

Thunder Blade was followed by Super Thunder Blade, a launch title of the Sega Mega Drive which is essentially the same game but without the overhead segments.

Development

Thunder Blade takes notable inspiration from the 1983 film Blue Thunder, going so far as to feature a digitized screen capture of the movie for its title screen.[11]

Versions

Comparisons

Main article: Thunder Blade/Comparisons.

Production credits

Main article: Thunder Blade/Production credits.

Magazine articles

Main article: Thunder Blade/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

ThunderBlade XBoard US Flyer.pdf

PDF
X Board US flyer
ThunderBlade XBoard US Flyer.pdf

ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.pdf

PDF
X Board JP flyer
ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.pdf
ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.jpg
X Board JP flyer (?)
ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.jpg

ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Deluxe.pdf

PDF
X Board export flyer (deluxe)
ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Deluxe.pdf

ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Upright.pdf

PDF
X Board export flyer (upright)
ThunderBlade XBoard EU Flyer Upright.pdf

ThunderBlade XBoard ES Flyer.pdf

PDF
X Board ES flyer
ThunderBlade XBoard ES Flyer.pdf
SMS ES promo 3.jpg
ES advert (1990)
SMS ES promo 3.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Master System print advert in Electronic Game Player (US) #4: "September/October 1988" (1988-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Master System print advert in Tilt (FR) #60: "Jeux et Micro Guide 1989" (1988-11-16)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Pixel (GR) #66: "Máios 1990" (1990-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

X Board version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Commodore User (UK)
90
[14]
Power Play (DE)
85
[15]
Arcade (X Board)
88
Based on
2 reviews

Thunder Blade

X Board, US (deluxe)
ThunderBlade XBoard US Manual.pdf
Manual
X Board, US (upright)
ThunderBlade XBoard US Manual Upright.pdf
Manual
X Board, JP (deluxe)
X Board, JP (upright)

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[16]
ACE (UK)
64
[17]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
79
[18]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
80
[19]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK) PAL
80
[20]
Computer Action (DK)
100
[21]
Console XS (UK) PAL
65
[22]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
80
[23]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
53
[24]
The Games Machine (UK)
76
[9]
Génération 4 (FR)
62
[25]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
70
[26]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
80
[27]
S: The Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
86
[28]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
50
[29]
Sega Pro (UK)
70
[30]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
65
[31]
Soft Today (DK)
100
[32]
Software Gids (NL)
88
[33]
Sega Master System
74
Based on
19 reviews

Thunder Blade

Master System, JP
Thunder Blade SMS JP Box Back.jpgNospine.pngThunder Blade SMS JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
Thunder Blade SMS JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, US
ThunderBlade SMS US cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderBlade SMS US Cart.jpg
Cart
Thunderblade sms us manual.pdf
Manual
SegaAdventure SMS US Poster Back.jpgSegaAdventure SMS US Poster Front.jpg
Poster
Master System, EU
ThunderBlade SMS EU cover.jpg
Cover
Thunder Blade SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, EU (Sega®)
ThunderBlade SMS EU R cover.jpg
Cover
Thunder Blade SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Thunder Blade SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, EU ("No Limits")
ThunderBlade SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT (Black & white manual)
ThunderBlade SMS PT bw cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT (Colour manual)

Master System, BX
ThunderBlade SMS BX Box.jpg
Cover
Master System, SE

Master System, AU (NIAL sticker)
ThunderBlade SMS AU nial cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderBlade SMS AU cartback.jpgThunderBlade SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, AU (OziSoft sticker)
ThunderBlade SMS AU os cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU (Classics)
ThunderBlade SMS AU classics back.jpgNospine.pngThunderBlade SMS AU classics cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderBlade SMS AU cartback.jpgThunderBlade SMS AU cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
ThunderBlade SMS BR cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderBlade SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
ThunderBlade SMS BR Manual.pdf
Manual
Master System, KR
Thunderblade SMS KR cover.jpg
Cover
ThunderBlade SMS KR Cart Top.jpg
ThunderBlade SMS KR Cart Back.jpgThunderBlade SMS KR Cart.jpg
Cart

PC Engine version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
46
[34]
Génération 4 (FR)
69
[35]
Joystick (FR)
67
[36]
Power Play (DE)
61
[37]
Raze (UK) NTSC-J
72
[38]
PC Engine
63
Based on
5 reviews

Thunder Blade

PC Engine, JP
Thunder Blade PCE HuCard Back.jpgThunder Blade PCE HuCard Spine.jpgThunderBlade PCE JP Box Front.jpg
Cover

X68000 version

X68000, JP
Thunder Blade X68000 JP Box.png
Cover

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Master System
 ?
CRC32 ae920e4b
MD5 70dcee3c77e95d83fcf6df0dae30a4a8
SHA-1 c38f3eea4e7224bc6042723e88b26c85b1a56ddc
256kB Cartridge (EU/US)
Sega Master System
 ?
CRC32 c0ce19b1
MD5 a03bbd3c75e736ce378f2c3fe47f5579
SHA-1 535dbd339f4b5c5efd502cffbbe719d7b3e7f1c3
256kB Cartridge (JP)
PC Engine
 ?
CRC32 ddc3e809
MD5 b4bf32b4d986fa5f53115c3f361a8679
SHA-1 553f8026dd68e85cd17855adbf920b3971acfdc4
512kB Card (JP)

References

Necretro-round.svg
NEC Retro has more information related to Thunder Blade
  1. 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/segamark3/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-11-14 21:32)
  2. File:ThunderBlade SMS EU cover.jpg
  3. Mega Drive Fan, "May 1992" (JP; 1992-04-xx), page 103
  4. Mega Drive Fan, "June 1992" (JP; 1992-05-08), page 75
  5. Computer & Video Games, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-15), page 90
  6. Computer Entertainer, "October 1988" (US; 1988-10-15), page 08
  7. File:BristolEveningPost UK 1988-11-04 Page 80.jpg
  8. ACE, "January 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 167
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Games Machine, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-17), page 39
  10. File:ThunderBlade XBoard JP Flyer.pdf
  11. File:ThunderBlade BlueThunder.png
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "1989 Buyer's Guide" (US; 1989-xx-xx), page 57
  13. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "May 1989" (US; 1989-0x-xx), page 49
  14. Commodore User, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-26), page 105
  15. Power Play, "Ausgabe 5" (DE; 1988-05-24), page 100
  16. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 311
  17. ACE, "January 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 76
  18. Complete Guide to Consoles, "" (UK; 1989-10-16), page 74
  19. Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume IV" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 109
  20. The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 62
  21. Computer Action, "Juli/August 89" (DK; 1989-0x-xx), page 34
  22. Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 146
  23. Computer & Video Games, "November 1988" (UK; 1988-10-15), page 131
  24. Famitsu, "" (JP; 1988-xx-xx), page 1
  25. Génération 4, "Décembre 1988" (FR; 1988-1x-xx), page 58
  26. Micromanía (segunda época), "Enero 1990" (ES; 19xx-xx-xx), page 27
  27. Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 136
  28. S: The Sega Magazine, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-06), page 24
  29. Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 60
  30. Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 30
  31. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
  32. Soft Today, "Januar 1989" (DK; 1988-12-xx), page 20
  33. Software Gids, "Nov./Dec. 1990" (NL; 1990-11-xx), page 41
  34. Computer & Video Games, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-02-16), page 93
  35. Génération 4, "Février 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 89
  36. Joystick, "Février 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 98
  37. Power Play, "3/91" (DE; 1991-02-15), page 150
  38. Raze, "March 1991" (UK; 1991-01-31), page 79


Thunder Blade

Thunder Blade Title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Credits | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Merchandise | Bootlegs


Music: Galaxy Force II & Thunder Blade Original Sound Track (2007)

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Games in the Thunder Blade Series
Thunder Blade (home computers) (1987) | Super Thunder Blade (1988) | Electronic Thunder Blade (1989) | 3D Thunder Blade (2014)
Thunder Blade related media
Music
Galaxy Force II & Thunder Blade Original Sound Track (2007) | Galaxy Force II & Thunder Blade (2017)