Introduction
Released by Konami in 1987, Ajax (known as Typhoon in Europe) is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up that fused high-altitude aerial combat with third-person jet sequences. With alternating perspectives, tight controls, and a powerful soundtrack, Ajax became a standout in Konami’s stable of arcade shooters during the late 1980s.
Development and History
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: 1987
- Platform: Konami GX400 hardware
Ajax was released during a prolific era for Konami, following landmark shooters like Gradius and Salamander. The development team aimed to evolve the shoot-’em-up genre by combining vertical-scrolling stages with third-person behind-the-jet missions.
The game alternated between classic top-down bombing runs and forward-scrolling 3D-style flight combat, offering a unique dual-viewpoint experience. With intense enemy waves, large bosses, and a soundtrack by Motoaki Furukawa, Ajax carved out a respected place in Konami’s shooter legacy.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Ajax tasks players with piloting a helicopter and a jet through enemy territory, switching viewpoints between stages.
Key features:
- Alternating vertical-scrolling and third-person flight stages
- Helicopter-based gameplay for top-down levels, jet for 3D stages
- Dual-weapon system: machine gun (air targets) and bombs (ground targets)
- Power-ups include missile upgrades, speed boosts, and trailing “options”
- Challenging enemy waves, large bosses, and destructible scenery
- One-player or two-player alternating mode (not simultaneous)
- Uses an 8-way joystick and three-button control scheme
Cultural Impact and Legacy
While Ajax didn’t reach the iconic heights of Gradius, it became known for its perspective shifts and layered gameplay.
- Part of Konami’s golden age of arcade innovation in the 1980s
- Popular in Japanese and European arcades, with modest U.S. presence
- Influenced later shooters with its mixed-perspective format
- Featured in Konami anthologies and widely emulated via MAME
Fun Facts
- Released as Typhoon in European markets
- Built on the same GX400 hardware as Gradius and Salamander
- Music composed by Motoaki Furukawa, known for his work on Metal Gear and Gradius II
- Helicopter is codenamed “Tom Tiger” and jet is “Jerry Mouse” in the manual
- The game includes dramatic attract mode cutscenes, rare for shooters of its time
Conclusion
Ajax may not be Konami’s most famous shooter, but it’s one of its most technically bold. With its dual-view gameplay, sharp audiovisual design, and creative execution, it’s a standout example of Konami’s experimental arcade era — and a rewarding discovery for fans of classic shooters.