What is shmup, Doc?
It’s time to ccc-cute-up-up in Arcade Archives! This week’s offer from the nostalgic style buffs at Hamster Group is certainly something of an odd one: Bally Midway’s Rabio LepusAvailable now for download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.
Launched on the coin-op market in 1987, Rabio Lepus (also known in international territories as Rabbit punch) was a first entry in the cute’em-up sub-series and is considered an early precursor to Midway’s very popular ’90s franchise. Sonic Wings. Rabio Lepus is a high fantasy adventure that sees two robo rabbit ships, (named “Rabio & Lepus”), join battle in a brave quest to rescue the ruler of the land, King Kitashirakawa, and His two rabbit daughters, Komomo & Kotomi, are from an alien nefarious force.
Check out the adorable rescue mission in the video below, courtesy of Youtuber ShiryuGL.
Like most titles in the genre, Rabbit punch Features massive, colorful sprite battles across colorful sci-fi horizons, wave after wave of non-giant enemies including golem warriors , metal cat, demonic elements and giant demon head with a worm for the tongue. As you may have noticed, this entry isn’t quite as cartoonish as Konami’s Parodius or of NMK Hacha Mecha Fighter, but it still holds its own in the realm of quirky design. The international version of the game removes the bunny princesses entirely. Spoilsports.
Rabio Lepus will find its way into the home market in the form of 1990’s PC Engine enhancements Rabio Lepus Special, which sport expands the gameplay, new modes, enemies and weapons. When Bally Midway’s Sonic Wings The series has finally taken off, our long-eared heroes, (and the princesses), not to be forgotten, making a few cameos in tribute to the franchise’s humble origins. .
Rabio Lepus is currently available to download on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, for around $8.
Chris Moyse
Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s. Former Saturday Night Slam Master. Graduated with honors from Galaxy High School. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse
