Difference between revisions of "Arrow Flash"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
−
| bobscreen=ArrowFlash Title.png
+
| bobscreen=ArrowFlash MD JP title.png
−
| publisher=[[Sega]], [[Renovation]] (US)
+
| bobscreen2=ArrowFlash Title.png
 +
| tab1=NTSC-J/PAL
 +
| tab2=NTSC-U
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Sega]]|region=JP/EU}}, {{company|[[Renovation Products]]|region=US}}
 
| developer=[[I.T.L]]
 
| developer=[[I.T.L]]
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Ecofilmes]]|region=PT}}, {{company|[[Hent Gruppen]]|region=SE rental}}, {{company|[[Tec Toy]]|region=BR}}, {{company|[[Samsung]]|region=KR}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| sounddriver=[[SMPS Z80]]
 
| sounddriver=[[SMPS Z80]]
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
−
| genre=Shoot-'em-Up
+
| genre=Shooting{{fileref|ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1990-10-20{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp=G-4039
 +
| md_rrp_jp=6,000
 +
| md_date_us=1991-02{{ref|https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/rlm4yIWUvN0/m/72MblPjly14J}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|vgce|25|56}}
 +
| md_code_us=49046
 +
| md_date_us_sc=199x
 +
| md_rrp_us_sc=sub
 +
| md_rating_us_sc=
 
| md_date_eu=1991-05
 
| md_date_eu=1991-05
 +
| md_code_eu=1081<!--{{fileref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 +
| md_date_uk=1991-05
 +
| md_code_uk=1081<!--{{fileref|SegaFromVirginJuly1991 DE Trade Price List.pdf|page=5}}-->
 
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|10|50}}{{magref|segapower|18|35}}
 
| md_rrp_uk=34.99{{magref|raze|10|50}}{{magref|segapower|18|35}}
−
| md_date_us=1991-01
 
−
| md_code_us=49046
 
−
| md_date_jp=1990-10-20
 
−
| md_code_jp=G-4039
 
−
| md_rrp_jp=6,000
 
 
| md_date_br=199x
 
| md_date_br=199x
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_code_kr=GM4019JG
 
| md_code_kr=GM4019JG
 +
| md_date_pt=199x
 +
| md_code_pt=MDJ1081
 +
| md_date_au=199x
 +
| md_date_se_r=199x
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesArcade
 
{{releasesArcade
Line 24: Line 39:
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (アローフラッシュ) is a shoot-'em-up game created by [[Sega]] as a [[Sega Mega Drive]] exclusive title in 1990, with [[Renovation]] publishing it in the US. [[I.T.L]] was contracted to do the development of the game for Sega. The game is very common and has been re-released numerous times through various compilations. It was one of the first in it's genre for the [[Sega Mega Drive]].
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (アローフラッシュ) is a shoot-'em-up game created by [[Sega]] as a [[Sega Mega Drive]] exclusive title in 1990, with [[Renovation Products]] publishing it in the US. [[I.T.L]] was contracted to do the development of the game for Sega. The game has been re-released numerous times through various compilations. It was one of the first in its genre for the [[Sega Mega Drive]].
 +
 
 +
This game may be part of a series that started with ''[[Orguss]]'' and ''[[TransBot|Astro Flash]]'' (also known as ''TransBot'' or ''[[Transformer]]''), due to the similar names and themes of gameplay.
  
−
This game may be part of a series that started with ''[[Orguss]]'' and ''[[TransBot|Astro Flash]]'' (aka ''Transbot''/''Transformer''), due to the similar names and themes of gameplay.
+
==Story==
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Arrow Flash, Introduction.png|width=200|Introduction}}
 +
In the US version, players take control of Zana Keene, a pilot for United Government Space Force, and attempt to stop viking terrorists led by Great Hilagi using a transformable mecha-space fighter named the ERX-75 "Chameleon," developed by Zana's grand father Zerrek Keene.
  
−
Players will take control of Anna Schwinn (European Manual) / Zana Keene (US Manual) a pilot for United Government Space Force and attempt to a stop powerful alien empire named Zorgon V (Europe) / Viking Terrorists led by Great Hilagi (US) using a transformable mecha-space fighter named Arrow Flash (Europe) / ERX-75 "Chameleon" developed by Anna's father Herbert Schwinn / Zana's grand father Zerrek Keene.
+
In the European version, players take control of Anna Schwinn, a pilot for United Government Space Force, and attempt to stop powerful alien empire named Zorgon V using a transformable mecha-space fighter named Arrow Flash, developed by Anna's father Herbert Schwinn.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
The player can transform to either a ship or as a mech by pressing {{A}}. {{B}} fires a regular shot in both forms. As a ship, {{C}} shoots a barrage of large laser bullets in all directions; as a mech, {{C}} thrusts the player forward, making the player invincible for several seconds. This is the so called Arrow Flash. Depending on the options settings, these {{C}} Button attacks must be collected or charged up.
+
The game is a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up. Stages automatically scroll horizontally and end with a boss encounter. The player's ship moves in any direction using the D-Pad and fires with {{B}}. Rapid-fire can be enabled in the Options. The ship can transform between two forms, a jet fighter or a mecha, with {{A}}. The ship has a special attack called the "Arrow Flash," performed with {{C}}. In jet fighter mode, it shoots a barrage of large laser bullets in all directions; in mecha form, it thrusts the mecha forward, granting invincibility and the ability to pass through enemies and terrain for several seconds. In the Options, the player can choose between Stock mode, where Arrow Flashes must be collected by finding items and consume an item each time they are used, or Charge mode, where the ability to Arrow Flash charges up over time and thus cannot be used multiple times in quick succession.
 +
 
 +
The player can collect power-ups that upgrade the ship's movement speed and weapons and supply up to two Fire Claws, which are similar to options in the ''[[:Category:Gradius|Gradius]]'' series. Fire Claws are indestructible and can fire shots and absorb small enemy bullets. In fighter jet form, the options follow the ship. In mecha form, movement is faster and Fire Claws stay in fixed position above and below the ship.
 +
 
 +
The ship takes damage from enemies and terrain. It is destroyed in one shot unless it is equipped with an Energy Shield power-up. When it is destroyed, it respawns without any power-ups, including movement speed and weapons upgrades. The game ends if the player runs out of lives, but it can be continued if the player has continues remaining. The amount of continues depends on the chosen difficulty level (Easy, Normal, or Hard). The player gains an extra life at 80,000 and 150,000 points and every 150,000 points after that.
 +
 
 +
===Weapons===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | crop_width=16 | crop_x=96}} Laser I
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Jet.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Mecha.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=A burst of stacked lasers, covering a taller area than the standard shot. Fires faster than the other lasers.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | crop_width=16 | crop_x=112}} Laser II
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Jet.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Mecha.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=A volley of arrow-shaped shots that cover a larger area and can penetrate multiple targets. It also fires diagonally in mecha form.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | crop_width=16 | crop_x=128}} Laser III
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Jet.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Mecha.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=A slow-moving wave that can penetrate multiple targets.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
In mech shape, movement is faster and options (as in [[Gradius]] style options) stay in fixed position above and below the ship. In ship shape, the options follow the ship the same way they do in [[Konami]]'s ''[[Gradius]]'' series. Options are indestructable, can fire shots and absorb small enemy bullets. The ships firing rate is rather high and the game is fast paced. Dying once removes all collected equipment, but the player can resume gameplay where they died.
+
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Power-Up Carrier
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=24 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=160 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Shoot to release an item.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Arrow Flash
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player 1 (red) or 3 (blue) uses of the Arrow Flash ability. Only appears when playing in Stock mode.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Energy Shield
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Surrounds the ship with a shield that can absorb 3 hits from enemies.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Speed Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases the movement speed of the ship, which can be upgraded up to six levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Missile
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the ship the ability to fire missiles in addition to its primary gun, which can be upgraded up to two levels. In jet fighter form, the missiles fire straight ahead. In mecha form, the missiles are homing.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Fire Claw
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the ship a Fire Claw drone that accompanies it and provides additional fire.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser I
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Equips the Laser I weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser II
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Equips the Laser II weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser III
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Equips the Laser III weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=1-Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Arrow Flash, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=144 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Awards the player with an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
The game borrows a lot of elements from other games in the genre, e.g. the background of the second half of stage 2 shows a ''[[Darius]]'' like hyperspace pattern, while the floating islands look like they belong to ''[[Gradius]]''. Stage 4's jungle looks like it was inspired by ''[[Thunder Force III]]''. Stage 5 has a wire network in the background, as also seen in ''[[R-Type]]''.
+
===Stages===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 1
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 2
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 3
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 4
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5, Part 1
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5, Part 2
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Stage 5, Part 3
 +
| screenshot=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3.png
 +
| screenshot2=Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
===Weapons & Pickups===
+
==History==
−
*"A" adds one arrow flash. It doesn't appear when the Arrow Flash is set to charge mode.
+
===Legacy===
−
*"E" adds an energy barrier that can sustain 3 hits, very similar to the barrier seen in ''[[Thunder Force III]]''
+
Zana Keene makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Sega Ages Columns II]]'', released for the [[Nintendo Switch]] in 2019.
−
*"S" speeds up movement
 
−
*"F" adds an option, up to two can be held at the same time
 
  
−
Weapons are described by roman numbers:
+
The game has been re-released on numerous [[:Category:Consoles on a chip|console on a chip]] retro consoles, including several made by [[AtGames]].
−
*"I" is a straight forward moving laser, an update of the standard shot
 
−
*"II" is an arrow shaped shot that covers a wider area, it goes diagonally in robot shape. It's a bit slower than "I"
 
−
*"III" is a shot very similar to the wavey shot as seen in ''[[R-Type]]''. It's the slowest of all shots
 
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
*'''Producer:''' RMS-106 (This is the model number of Hi-Zack from Z-Gundam anime series)
+
*'''Producer:''' RMS-106
 
*'''Opening:''' Ichiban
 
*'''Opening:''' Ichiban
 
*'''Program:''' CBR---RR, Daddy, Goshikisen
 
*'''Program:''' CBR---RR, Daddy, Goshikisen
Line 57: Line 207:
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Toru.K, T.A.K
 
*'''Special Thanks:''' Toru.K, T.A.K
 
| source=In-game credits
 
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Arrow Flash MD credits.pdf
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
 
*'''Japanese Cover Artist:''' [[Takashi Akaishizawa]]
 
*'''Japanese Cover Artist:''' [[Takashi Akaishizawa]]
−
| source=Japanese cover art{{fileref|ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg}}
+
| source=Japanese cover art
 +
| pdf=ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
RMS-106 is the model number of Hi-Zack from ''Z-Gundam'' anime series.
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
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|{{gitem|Master System Mega Drive advert SE.jpg|SE advert
 
|{{gitem|Master System Mega Drive advert SE.jpg|SE advert
 
}}
 
}}
−
|{{galleryPrintAd|BeepMD_JP_1990-11.pdf|bemega|1990-11|2-3}}
+
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1990-11|2-3}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
|GamePro US 018.pdf|gamepro|18|133
+
|gamepro|18|133
−
|GamePlayers US 0304.pdf|gameplayers|0304|5
+
|gameplayers|0304|5
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
 
===Mega Drive version===
 
===Mega Drive version===
−
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|MD}}
−
| icon=MD
 
−
| bemega=58
 
−
| bemega_source={{magref|bemega|1990-11|23|printpage=21}}
 
−
| bemega_r=57
 
−
| bemega_r_source={{magref|ssmjp|1995-09|87}}
 
−
| famitsu=55
 
−
| famitsu_source={{num|113}}, ''[https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=6242]''
 
−
| gamesx=60
 
−
| gamesx_source={{num|6}}
 
−
| hobbyconsolas=85
 
−
| hobbyconsolas_source={{magref|hobbyconsolas|1|66|printpage=74}}
 
−
| joystick=70
 
−
| joystick_source={{num|11|page=142}}
 
−
| mdag=52
 
−
| mdag_source={{num|5|page=90}}
 
−
| mega=24
 
−
| mega_source={{num|9|page=19}}
 
−
| megatech=46
 
−
| megatech_source={{magref|megatech|1|76}}
 
−
| playerone=90
 
−
| playerone_source={{magref|playerone|10|39}}
 
−
| raze=73
 
−
| raze_source={{magref|raze|10|50}}
 
−
| segapower=60
 
−
| segapower_source={{magref|segapower|18|35|printpage=34-35}}
 
−
| segapower_1=60
 
−
| segapower_source_1={{magref|segapower|23|52}}
 
−
| segapro=39
 
−
| segapro_source={{magref|segapro|1|23}}
 
−
| segapro_1=29
 
−
| segapro_source_1={{num|18|page=64}}
 
−
| zero=69
 
−
| zero_source={{magref|zero|23|63}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=ArrowFlash MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=ArrowFlash MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=Arrowflash md jp manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
Line 127: Line 254:
 
| cover=ArrowFlash MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=ArrowFlash MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=ArrowFlash MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=ArrowFlash MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Arrow Flash MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=ArrowFlash MD EU pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=ES (JP Import)
 +
| cover=Arrow Flash MD ES Cover.jpeg
 +
| manual=Notavailable.svg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=PT
 +
| cover=ArrowFlash MD PT cover.jpg
 +
| cart=ArrowFlash MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=ArrowFlash MD PT manual.jpg
 +
| item1=Arrow Flash MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1name=EU Manual
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=SE Rental (Hent)
 +
| cover=ArrowFlash MD SE Rental Hent Box.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=JP
+
| region=AU
−
| cover=ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
+
| cover=
−
| cart=ArrowFlash MD JP Cart.jpg
 
−
| carttop=ArrowFlash MD JP CartTop.jpg
 
−
| manual=Arrowflash md jp manual.pdf
 
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
Line 156: Line 300:
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=916524d2b403a633108cf457eec13b4df7384d95|md5=7f8f0a581158a00b6799204c9afe646b|crc32=4d89e66b|size=1MB|date=1990-07|source=Cartridge (US/EU)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=5d2ca55704b7fe8d83fa7564fb1efc62834d3148|md5=cc6c03def1e6ca137ee4814d4920fa7d|crc32=d49f8444|size=1MB|date=1990-07|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
−
[[Category:Sega Channel games]]
+
{{ArrowFlashOmni}}
 
[[Category:Mega-Tech games]]
 
[[Category:Mega-Tech games]]

Latest revision as of 13:51, 14 November 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-J/PAL
  • NTSC-U

ArrowFlash MD JP title.png

ArrowFlash Title.png

Arrow Flash
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega (JP/EU), Renovation Products (US)
Developer:
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT), Hent Gruppen (SE rental), Tec Toy (BR), Samsung (KR)
Sound driver: SMPS Z80
Genre: Shooting[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥6,0006,000 G-4039
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$49.9549.95[4] 49046
Sega Mega Drive
US ▼
(Sega Channel) 		SUBsub
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1081
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJ1081
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£34.9934.99[5][6] 1081
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
BR
Sega Mega Drive
KR 		GM4019JG
Arcade (Mega-Tech System)
UK		 £? ?

























Arrow Flash (アローフラッシュ) is a shoot-'em-up game created by Sega as a Sega Mega Drive exclusive title in 1990, with Renovation Products publishing it in the US. I.T.L was contracted to do the development of the game for Sega. The game has been re-released numerous times through various compilations. It was one of the first in its genre for the Sega Mega Drive.

This game may be part of a series that started with Orguss and Astro Flash (also known as TransBot or Transformer), due to the similar names and themes of gameplay.

Story

Arrow Flash, Introduction.png

Introduction

In the US version, players take control of Zana Keene, a pilot for United Government Space Force, and attempt to stop viking terrorists led by Great Hilagi using a transformable mecha-space fighter named the ERX-75 "Chameleon," developed by Zana's grand father Zerrek Keene.

In the European version, players take control of Anna Schwinn, a pilot for United Government Space Force, and attempt to stop powerful alien empire named Zorgon V using a transformable mecha-space fighter named Arrow Flash, developed by Anna's father Herbert Schwinn.

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up. Stages automatically scroll horizontally and end with a boss encounter. The player's ship moves in any direction using the D-Pad and fires with B. Rapid-fire can be enabled in the Options. The ship can transform between two forms, a jet fighter or a mecha, with A. The ship has a special attack called the "Arrow Flash," performed with C. In jet fighter mode, it shoots a barrage of large laser bullets in all directions; in mecha form, it thrusts the mecha forward, granting invincibility and the ability to pass through enemies and terrain for several seconds. In the Options, the player can choose between Stock mode, where Arrow Flashes must be collected by finding items and consume an item each time they are used, or Charge mode, where the ability to Arrow Flash charges up over time and thus cannot be used multiple times in quick succession.

The player can collect power-ups that upgrade the ship's movement speed and weapons and supply up to two Fire Claws, which are similar to options in the Gradius series. Fire Claws are indestructible and can fire shots and absorb small enemy bullets. In fighter jet form, the options follow the ship. In mecha form, movement is faster and Fire Claws stay in fixed position above and below the ship.

The ship takes damage from enemies and terrain. It is destroyed in one shot unless it is equipped with an Energy Shield power-up. When it is destroyed, it respawns without any power-ups, including movement speed and weapons upgrades. The game ends if the player runs out of lives, but it can be continued if the player has continues remaining. The amount of continues depends on the chosen difficulty level (Easy, Normal, or Hard). The player gains an extra life at 80,000 and 150,000 points and every 150,000 points after that.

Weapons

Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Jet.png

Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Mecha.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Jet.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, I Mecha.png

Arrow Flash, Items.png
Laser I
A burst of stacked lasers, covering a taller area than the standard shot. Fires faster than the other lasers.

Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Jet.png

Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Mecha.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Jet.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, II Mecha.png

Arrow Flash, Items.png
Laser II
A volley of arrow-shaped shots that cover a larger area and can penetrate multiple targets. It also fires diagonally in mecha form.

Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Jet.png

Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Mecha.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Jet.png

  • Arrow Flash, Weapons, III Mecha.png

Arrow Flash, Items.png
Laser III
A slow-moving wave that can penetrate multiple targets.

Items

Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Power-Up Carrier
Shoot to release an item.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Arrow Flash
Gives the player 1 (red) or 3 (blue) uses of the Arrow Flash ability. Only appears when playing in Stock mode.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Energy Shield
Surrounds the ship with a shield that can absorb 3 hits from enemies.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Speed Up
Increases the movement speed of the ship, which can be upgraded up to six levels.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Missile
Gives the ship the ability to fire missiles in addition to its primary gun, which can be upgraded up to two levels. In jet fighter form, the missiles fire straight ahead. In mecha form, the missiles are homing.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Fire Claw
Gives the ship a Fire Claw drone that accompanies it and provides additional fire.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Laser I
Equips the Laser I weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Laser II
Equips the Laser II weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 Laser III
Equips the Laser III weapon, which can be upgraded up to three levels.
Arrow Flash, Items.png
 1-Up
Awards the player with an extra life.

Stages

Arrow Flash, Stage 1-1.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 1-1.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 1-2 Boss.png

Stage 1

Arrow Flash, Stage 2-1.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 2-1.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 2-2 Boss.png

Stage 2

Arrow Flash, Stage 3-1.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 3-1.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 3-2 Boss.png

Stage 3

Arrow Flash, Stage 4-1.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 4-1.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 4-2 Boss.png

Stage 4

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-1 Boss.png

Stage 5, Part 1

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-2 Boss.png

Stage 5, Part 2

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3.png

Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3 Boss.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3.png

  • Arrow Flash, Stage 5-3 Boss.png

Stage 5, Part 3

History

Legacy

Zana Keene makes a cameo appearance in Sega Ages Columns II, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.

The game has been re-released on numerous console on a chip retro consoles, including several made by AtGames.

Production credits

  • Producer: RMS-106
  • Opening: Ichiban
  • Program: CBR---RR, Daddy, Goshikisen
  • Graphic: Yanto, DT---R, Sod, Noise-Maker, Hana no Oedo
  • Sound: Hanauri-Musume
  • Special Thanks: Toru.K, T.A.K
Source:
In-game credits
Arrow Flash MD credits.pdf
[7]
Source:
Japanese cover art
ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
[1]


RMS-106 is the model number of Hi-Zack from Z-Gundam anime series.

Magazine articles

Main article: Arrow Flash/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Master System Mega Drive advert SE.jpg
SE advert
Master System Mega Drive advert SE.jpg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1990-11: "November 1990" (1990-10-XX)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in GamePro (US) #18: "January 1991" (199x-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Mega Drive 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)
40
[9]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
58
[10]
Console XS (UK) PAL
59
[11]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
63
[12]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
50
[13]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
55
[14]
Games-X (UK) PAL
60
[15]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
85
[16]
Joystick (FR)
70
[17]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC
52
[18]
Mega Drive Fan (JP) NTSC-J
64
[19]
Mega (UK) PAL
24
[20]
MegaTech (UK)
46
[21]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
60
[22]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
46
[23]
Player One (FR)
90
[24]
Power Play (DE)
58
[25]
Raze (UK) PAL
73
[5]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
60
[26]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC
50
[27]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
39
[28]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
29
[29]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
57
[30]
Top Secret (PL)
100
[31]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
65
[32]
User (GR) NTSC
93
[33]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
80
[4]
Video Games (DE)
58
[34]
Zero (UK)
69
[35]
Sega Mega Drive
 60
Based on
29 reviews

Arrow Flash

Mega Drive, JP
ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
ArrowFlash MD JP CartTop.jpg
ArrowFlash MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Arrowflash md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
ArrowFlash MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Arrowflash md us cart.jpg
Cart
Arrowflash md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
ArrowFlash MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
ArrowFlash MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Arrow Flash MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
ArrowFlash MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, ES (JP Import)
Arrow Flash MD ES Cover.jpeg
Cover
Notavailable.svg
Manual
Mega Drive, PT
ArrowFlash MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
ArrowFlash MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
ArrowFlash MD PT manual.jpg
Manual
Arrow Flash MD EU Manual.jpg
EU Manual
Mega Drive, SE Rental (Hent)
ArrowFlash MD SE Rental Hent Box.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU

Mega Drive, BR
ArrowFlash MD BR Box.jpg
Cover
ArrowFlash MD BR Cart Top.jpg
ArrowFlash MD BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, KR
ArrowFlash KR cover.jpg
Cover
ArrowFlash MD KR cart.jpg
Cart

Mega-Tech version

Mega-Tech,

Technical information

Main article: Arrow Flash/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 File:ArrowFlash MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
  3. ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video/c/rlm4yIWUvN0/m/72MblPjly14J
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "February 1991" (US; 1991-0x-xx), page 56
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Raze, "August 1991" (UK; 1991-06-27), page 50
  6. ↑ Sega Power, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-04-04), page 35
  7. ↑ File:Arrow Flash MD credits.pdf
  8. ↑ Game Players, "Vol. 3 No. 4 April 1991" (US; 1991-0x-xx), page 5
  9. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 21
  10. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "November 1990" (JP; 1990-10-XX), page 23
  11. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 127
  12. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "February 1991" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 24
  13. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 291
  14. ↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1990-10-26), page 1
  15. ↑ Games-X, "31st May-6th June 1991" (UK; 1991-05-31), page 19
  16. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Octubre 1991" (ES; 1991-xx-xx), page 74
  17. ↑ Joystick, "Décembre 1990" (FR; 1990-1x-xx), page 142
  18. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 90
  19. ↑ Mega Drive Fan, "January 1991" (JP; 1990-12-08), page 87
  20. ↑ Mega, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 19
  21. ↑ MegaTech, "Xmas 1991" (UK; 1991-12-06), page 76
  22. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Agosto 1991" (ES; 1991-0x-xx), page 37
  23. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 137
  24. ↑ Player One, "Juin 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 39
  25. ↑ Power Play, "2/91" (DE; 1991-01-18), page 148
  26. ↑ Sega Power, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-04-04), page 34
  27. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 52
  28. ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-xx-xx), page 23
  29. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 64
  30. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 87
  31. ↑ Top Secret, "Luty 1995" (PL; 1995-xx-xx), page 57
  32. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 15
  33. ↑ User, "Máios 1991" (GR; 1991-0x-xx), page 66
  34. ↑ Video Games, "2/91" (DE; 1991-06-07), page 88
  35. ↑ Zero, "September 1991" (UK; 1991-0x-xx), page 63


Arrow Flash

ArrowFlash MD JP title.png

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