Step back in time to the 16-bit era, a golden age for arcade-style action, and you'll eventually stumble upon a title whispered among collectors and hardcore fans: Eliminate Down. Released late in the Sega Mega Drive's life cycle, this horizontal shoot 'em up didn't get the widespread attention of its peers, but it carved out a reputation for being one of the system's most intense and innovative examples of the genre.
Forget your standard forward-firing ships for a moment. Eliminate Down throws you into the cockpit of the "Steel Pyron," humanity's last hope against an alien race called the Amuleto in the far-off 30th century. The plot is classic shmup fare – aliens are consuming worlds and Earth is next – but the gameplay is where this title truly shines and earns its legendary status.
A Shmup With a Unique Twist: Directional Fire
What sets Eliminate Down apart from the crowded field of 16-bit shooters is its core weapon system. Instead of just blasting forward, the Steel Pyron is equipped with three primary weapon types, each offering directional fire:
- Forward Shot: Your standard, reliable front-facing firepower. Essential for clearing paths ahead.
- Rear Shot: Perfect for dealing with enemies sneaking up behind you or clearing hazards you've just passed.
- Diagonal Shot: A versatile weapon that fires at a fixed angle, great for hitting enemies above or below you, or clearing diagonal bullet patterns.
You can switch between these on the fly, and each weapon can be upgraded by collecting power-ups. While the upgrade levels are somewhat limited compared to other shmups, mastering when to use each directional shot is key to survival in this challenging game. You'll also find a temporary shield item to give you a crucial defensive edge.
Adjusting your ship's speed is also possible via the pause menu, a small but welcome feature allowing players to fine-tune their movement for navigating tight spots or dodging complex bullet patterns.
Brutal Difficulty and No Checkpoints
Make no mistake: Eliminate Down is a tough game. It hails from an era where games didn't hold your hand. Expect intense enemy waves, challenging boss fights, and bullet patterns that demand precision. Adding to the challenge is the lack of a checkpoint system. Lose a life, and you're often kicked back to the start of a level or a significant section, making each life precious. Extra lives are hard-earned, adding to the high-stakes nature of every playthrough.
The Mini-Game and a Hidden Secret
Beyond the main campaign, Eliminate Down includes a neat little mini-game accessible from the main menu. It's a simple reaction test, like a game of Concentration where you need to hit a button when specific tiles flip over.
But here's a fantastic piece of retro gaming lore: this mini-game holds a secret! By achieving certain scores in this seemingly simple test, you can unlock a hidden level select feature in the game's config menu.
- Score 30 points or more: Unlocks the ability to start a new game from levels 1, 2, or 3.
- Score 40 points or more: Further expands the level select to include starting from levels 4 and 5.
Given the game's difficulty and lack of continues/saves, unlocking the ability to practice later levels is an absolute game-changer and a brilliant, if obscure, secret hidden within the cartridge.
The Rarity Factor: Why is Eliminate Down So Hard to Find?
Part of the mystique surrounding Eliminate Down comes from its original release. Developed by a small Japanese company called Aprinet and published by Menche Software, the game had a very limited production run, especially outside of Japan. This scarcity, combined with its high quality and unique gameplay, caused its value on the collector's market to skyrocket over the years, making original copies prohibitively expensive for most retro enthusiasts.
Thankfully, recent years have seen efforts to make this classic more accessible. Limited physical re-releases have appeared, offering new generations of gamers a chance to experience this hidden gem on original hardware. For those without a Mega Drive, emulation remains a popular way to explore the vast library of 16-bit classics like this one.
Is Eliminate Down Worth Playing Today?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of classic shoot 'em ups, Genesis/Mega Drive history, or simply appreciate innovative gameplay mechanics, Eliminate Down is a must-play. Its directional weapon system provides a strategic depth not often found in its contemporaries, and the sheer challenge offers a rewarding experience for players who enjoy pushing their skills to the limit. Whether you track down a modern re-release or explore it via other means, experiencing the Steel Pyron's fight against the Amuleto is a memorable dive into the deeper cuts of the 16-bit shmup library.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eliminate Down
Q: What system was Eliminate Down originally released on? A: Eliminate Down was originally released on the Sega Mega Drive (known as the Genesis in North America).
Q: Why is the original Eliminate Down cartridge so expensive? A: The original release had a very limited production run, particularly outside of Japan. This scarcity, combined with the game's high quality and reputation among shmup fans, drove up its value significantly on the collector's market.
Q: Does Eliminate Down have checkpoints? A: No, Eliminate Down does not feature a checkpoint system. Losing a life will typically send you back to the beginning of a stage or a major section within it.
Q: Is there a way to practice later levels without playing through the whole game? A: Yes! By achieving a score of 30 points or more in the mini-game found on the main menu, you can unlock a hidden level select feature in the config menu, allowing you to start from later stages.
