Iridion 3D

Iridion 3D is a dynamic rail shooter game developed by Shin’en Multimedia and released as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance. It hit the North American market on June 11, 2001, and later launched in Europe on September 21 of the same year. The game is notable for its engaging quasi-3D graphics and gameplay, reminiscent of the Star Fox series, tailored for the portable console.

Gameplay Overview

In Iridion 3D, players assume the role of a pilot steering the SHN fighter ship, tasked with defending Earth against the aggressive alien race, the Iridion. The game’s structure consists of seven intense levels, each marked by a linear path that includes a myriad of enemies and obstacles, culminating in a challenging boss fight.

Controls and Mechanics

The gameplay is straightforward, utilizing only the Game Boy Advance’s directional pad, A button, and Start button. The player’s ship automatically moves forward at a fixed speed, with the primary focus on steering and shooting rather than speed control.

Enemies and Obstacles

Players encounter over fifteen different types of enemies, ranging from destructible alien crafts to indestructible fire creatures from the Iridion homeworld. The game also introduces environmental hazards like asteroids and space debris, alongside enemy tactics such as mine-laying, all of which add complexity to the navigation and combat.

Weaponry and Powerups

The player’s ship can be equipped with five types of weapons, each upgradeable to three power levels. Weapon upgrades are achieved through collecting color-coded power-ups, which correspond to the weapon’s type. Losing the ship to enemy damage results in a downgrade of weapon power, while specific flashing power-ups are used to restore the ship’s shields.

Level Design and Boss Fights

Each level is designed to challenge the player with waves of enemies and ends with a unique boss encounter. During boss fights, the gameplay shifts as the player’s ship stops advancing and focuses on targeting the boss’s vulnerabilities, which are often protected or only briefly exposed.

Also try playing Iridion 2.