Introduction
Released by Capcom in 1985, Gun.Smoke is a vertically scrolling run-and-gun arcade shooter set in the American Old West. Players control a bounty hunter named Billy Bob as he tracks down wanted outlaws across dusty towns and rugged canyons. With its fast-paced action, dual-direction shooting, and western aesthetic, Gun.Smoke stood out from other shooters of its era and became a cult favorite in arcades worldwide.
Development and History
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 1985
Gun.Smoke was developed during a golden period for Capcom, as the company explored new genres beyond platformers. The game used Capcom’s custom arcade hardware and featured smooth sprite scaling and responsive controls. It was directed by Yoshiki Okamoto, who would later oversee other Capcom hits like Final Fight and Street Fighter II.
The name “Gun.Smoke” is stylized with a period to distinguish it from the American TV show Gunsmoke, though both draw from similar western tropes.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core Gameplay
Players advance upward through hostile towns while shooting bandits and avoiding incoming bullets.
- Three-Button Shooting: Players shoot left, center, and right using three separate buttons.
- Power-Ups: Include faster shots, shotguns, horse mounts (for extra hits), and boots (for speed).
- Wanted Posters: Defeating certain enemies reveals posters; collecting one summons the stage boss.
- Boss Battles: Each level ends with a fight against a uniquely designed outlaw.
Challenges
- Bullet Hell Elements: Enemies fire rapidly, requiring fast reflexes and positioning.
- Crowd Control: Players must manage enemies coming from different angles.
- Stage Design: Environments contain obstacles like wagons, fences, and barrels that affect movement and visibility.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Early Capcom Success: Helped establish Capcom’s reputation for polished arcade shooters.
- Unique Control Scheme: Its three-button shooting layout was uncommon and gave it a tactical edge.
- Home Ports: Released on NES, MSX, and home computers; the NES version changed the protagonist and story.
- Spiritual Influence: While not officially part of the Commando or Mercs series, it shares visual and gameplay DNA.
Fun Facts
- Horse Mounts: Riding a horse adds a second health bar; rare for its time.
- Different NES Version: The NES game introduced a new storyline with a different lead character named “Billy.”
- Boss Names: Many bosses are named after western archetypes, such as “Fat Man” and “Los Pubro.”
- Music and Art: The game’s western soundtrack and rugged sprite design are often praised by retro fans.
Conclusion
Gun.Smoke was a fast, stylish entry in the arcade shooter genre with a distinct Wild West flair. Its unique controls, layered difficulty, and memorable soundtrack helped it carve out a place among Capcom’s early classics. For fans of run-and-gun action with a western twist, it remains a nostalgic standout.