Thunder Force II is one of those Genesis shooters that still holds up—if you can handle the difficulty. You start off picking between two ships (the Rynex feels faster, but the Styx has better firepower), and then it throws you straight into chaotic side-scrolling battles with enemy swarms coming at you from all angles.

The overhead stages are where things get interesting—you’re weaving through asteroid fields while dodging bullets, and the music somehow makes it feel even more intense. The soundtrack’s got that classic Technosoft synth-rock vibe, and the pixel explosions still look satisfying decades later.

Just don’t expect a walk in the park. Some of the later levels feel like they were designed to eat quarters, but nailing a perfect run is worth the frustration. If you’re into retro shooters, this one’s a solid time capsule from the golden age of the Genesis.